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Specializes in Critical Care.

Hello my fellow nurses, student nurses, aspiring nurses, and other viewers.Recently I came to terms with the fact CRNA was not what I wanted for my life. This was a difficult process because for so long I had invested so much in the idea of becoming a CRNA. I was well on my way to CRNA school, and also on a path I no longer wanted to travel on.

However I do not look as my experience as time wasted. The CRNA and NP shadowing, the ICU experience, the chemistry, the effort, and the dreams. All these components are a part of me now and make me who I am, they are invaluable.

I have already signed up for my BSN and will be starting in Spring!!!It is at a brick and mortar school, we also discussed how after I obtain my BSN they will transfer me into their NP program.

I just want to tell all people out there that your career is in your hands! Do what you love! The money will follow through.

I believe that by doing what I love I will

A) Find real wealth in satisfaction of my profession B) Create monetary wealth unintentionally by finding innovative ways to impact society through your work.

I feel inspired on the path I'm on. And that's what I feel in my bones, in my soul. Yes maybe the market will "saturate" with NPs. I do not know, I am not an economist nor a fortune teller. I am not qualified to answer that.

However I can tell you that I believe that even if the market is saturated, I'm gonna be one heck of a NP. I want to somehow impact society for the good. CRNA has its place in society, but mine simply is not anesthesia.

I want to promote wellness, see my patients from young to old, treat the community, and really focus on prevention.

I have witnessed enough of what untreated and unmanaged disease does, yes at the hand most of the time of noncompliant patients themselves.I want to have a hand in prevention, I am DONE extending death.

remember, the path is yours to walk. So you choose your route. And remember it's not about the destination but the journey. - CardiacDork RN

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I'm glad you have decided on your path and are excited to begin the journey.

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What has deterred you from being a CRNA?

Have you shadowed?

Congrats on your new experiences and decisions.

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Specializes in Critical Care.
What has deterred you from being a CRNA?

Have you shadowed?

Congrats on your new experiences and decisions.

Have shadowed both NA & NP. Came to the conclusion that anesthesia is not what I want.

I personally feel more freedom with my decision to go the NP route. I've also came to the realization that I have a passion for two things and those are teaching and also wellness/health promotion.

The ICU has shown me how much I dislike futile care, extensive overreaching treatment, and placing "bandaids" on issues. Granted, not all ICU cases are based of this model/idea but keep in mind my background is Medical and Cardiac ICU.

I want to maybe, just maybe prevent patients from ending up in the ICU. Not all, but some hopefully.

I'd also love to teach college student or bedside nurses. Even if the monetary compensation is little ... it wouldn't be my bread and butter anyway. More of a interest in teaching. I love having nursing students following me around, delivering presentations to my peers, or explaining concepts to new grads. I also know I've got some pretty good speaking skills that I can definitely employ into the realm of education.

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Specializes in ICU / Urgent Care.

Word.

I'm done with ICU and bedside nursing all together. Our stories are much alike, OP. Last 5-6 years I was gunning for fame and glory of the CRNA until reality slapped me harder than a Hulk backhand and I said screw it. I'm just about done with my first semester of FNP program and am about to put in my two weeks at my ICU job. I'll be working in assisted living until I finish my masters, cannot WAIT for a change in scenery.

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Specializes in Critical Care.
Word.

I'm done with ICU and bedside nursing all together. Our stories are much alike, OP. Last 5-6 years I was gunning for fame and glory of the CRNA until reality slapped me harder than a Hulk backhand and I said screw it. I'm just about done with my first semester of FNP program and am about to put in my two weeks at my ICU job. I'll be working in assisted living until I finish my masters, cannot WAIT for a change in scenery.

Word for sure! I feel so much more at peace now that I've come to terms with my real thoughts.

I'm not sure if I want to remain in the ICU whilst I'm obtaining my NP.

I've thought about case management once I finish my BSN and I'm en route for my NP.

Insurance companies also offer positions such as health coach and so forth with are a lot more along the lines of what I aspire for. I could do that while in NP school.

Anyway, it is nice someone sees eye to eye with me on this.

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Specializes in ICU / Urgent Care.

Exactly. I applied to jobs all around me, 90% being in a hospital setting and usually med-surg etc... I don't want that, if I could take a insurance job I would in a heart beat. My criteria was to be close to me (I drive 1+ hour to work now), not be in a hospital.

While assisted living might be still considered bedside nursing, the facility works more like a family. 99% of the patients in this facility can do their own ADLs and basically as a nurse you are there to keep watch, pass meds and help them live comfortable lives. This place is also less than 3 minutes from my house. I basically went from one of the most intense floors to one of the most laid back, lol. I suggest you find such a job if you peruse your NP education, because I'll tell you right now the ICU stress and graduate school stress don't make for a happy nurse.

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Specializes in Midwife, OBGYN.

I will start my path to nursing next year May 2018 as well. Similar to you, I would like to obtain my DNP and also teach the next generation of nurses so good luck overall with your journey and congratulations on making your decision between CRNA and NP.

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Specializes in Critical Care.
I will start my path to nursing next year May 2018 as well. Similar to you, I would like to obtain my DNP and also teach the next generation of nurses so good luck overall with your journey and congratulations on making your decision between CRNA and NP.

That is awesome. I truly enjoy explaining topics to others. Glad to know there are others that enjoy teaching!

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