What is it like to be a CRNA ? How many hours a week ? Salary ? Time Off ? Duties ?

Pete495 · Mar 6, 2005

I respectfully disagree TraumaNurse. For those who really want to become CRNA's, I feel the difference in years is quite significant. Everyone must judge their own skills and preparation for themself, but pure bread practitioners will want to get through the program as fast as they can, so they can start practicing. Not only is this economically helpful, it also breeds people into the field a lot faster, which is a great need right now, esp. w/ some schools closing their doors. I'm not saying this means the field should be oversaturated with un educated practitioners. I just feel that the ones who have proven they can do it should be allowed to go through the program as quick as possible.

Now, it is well known that not everyone can go through any program at break neck speed, but if I were to choose between going through a program quicker while retaining the same amount of information in an extended program, I would most certainly choose the condensed version. The difference however, between becoming a CRNA and going to medical school should not be the length of education, however, as you mentioned. You should want to do one or the other, and pick one, no matter what the length. I have always felt that one should want to be nurse before wanting to be a crna, but it's great to have the goal of wanting to be a CRNA. In any case, I do feel even a year, or a year and a half can make or break a person, considering how stressful education is for becoming an MD or a CRNA. 5.5 years is quite reasonable for the BSN portion, and the critical care experience, but one cannot shortcut the CRNA portion, that is for sure. BSN schools are widely available for 1.5 years or less of education, but one must have the time and commitment. I recognize continuous education as very important in our fields, but I for one do not want to go to school for the rest of my life. Since I am more clinically focused, I want to get through as fast as I can, and start making a difference with patients as opposed to sitting in a classroom all day.

Just my take on fast tracking.

The question should come down to, "Do you want to be a nurse or a doctor?"
If you want to be a doctor go to medical school. A couple of extra years is nothing if you are doing what you really want. I you have your prereqs done and have a BS already, you can become an ER doc in 7 years. Good money, no call (Shift work, yes). It will take you about 8-9 years to become an MDA from the same point.
Now if you want to become a nurse, and more specifically a CRNA, you will have to complete a nursing degree, get your critical care experience and then another 28 months or so graduate school. I think those who have said 5-5.5 years are pushing it. That may be best case scenario, but in reality, you will need more than the 1 year minimum listed in the application. As more and more people apply to CRNA school, the more competitive it is becoming. This means people need more than the "minimums".
The are a few people who will get in with the min. of school and experience, but in reality, CRNA school will take you 6-7 years or longer if you can't find a good accelerated BSN program. The difference in years is not THAT significant.
For those who think CRNA school is an quick and easy ride to a great career and good money, think again. It's tough. So is med school. Pick your poison.

CRNAgirl · Mar 7, 2005

Hi,

Here's my opinion and story. I finished a music degree 1st..got tired of being poor. Finished my bsn in less than 2 yrs. Worked 3 yrs Neonatal and Adult ICU. Took the ccrn and neonatal certifications. Everyone was negative about getting into anesthesia school. I happened to get in to every one that I applied to. I had a rosy view of what it would be like. Anesthesia school was just pure torture...but, I did meet and marry my husband during school...that's crazy too. This yr we'll be married 7 yrs, so it worked out.

There is a lot of animosity of md anesthesiologists toward crnas. Other physicians get upset when they find out what we get paid. The mda's don't like the fact that crnas are under the nursing board vs. the medical board. Most of the time I feel like a prostitute...I do all the work and they take most of the money.

I have worked a lot of locums since graduation, because I have 2 children and don't want to work all the time. Each practice situation is totally different. Some places the people are nice and happy...others are dangerous and mean. If you work in a hospital, there will always be pressure to stay late and work overtime. However, I have a great job at a surgery center and work part-time. What I make part-time is more than my friends that work full-time...but, I don't have benefits. If you want to know what crna's make, check http://www.gaswork.com. Hope this info helps.

MB CRNA

CRNA99 · Mar 8, 2005

Read "read this first--FAQ about being a CRNA" at the top of the forum. It will answer most of your questions. I might point out a few things. The training and experience you will need will take you many years even with your previous classes(4 year BSN and 1+ year ICU experience and 2.5 - 3 years anesthsia school. I'm not sure were you got the idea that learning how to deliver anesthesia or save someones life was not hard work. You will put in many hours. I trained and studied 60-70 hours a week in CRNA school for 3 years for free. Anesthesia training is both demanding and time consuming. No easy task for most. The profession of Nurse Anesthetists is always looking for bright motivated individuals but there is a price to pay and sacrifice to be made. Many positions in nurse anesthesia can be demanding. Although, there are jobs that offer more sensible hours. The profession is great. Hours can be good or bad. Salaries are from 90,000 to as much as 300,000. I think most are in the 100,000 to 180,000 range. This does not include benefits which can be very substantial. Lots of vacation. 5 or 6 weeks+. Go to http://www.aana.com and you can read all about our organization. SB

Hi there ! I am Mike a 34 year old former software engineer. I lost my job with zillions of other software geeks a year ago or so and I decided to change careers. I am almost done taking all the prereques for PA school and Medical school and am now thinking of being a CRNA instead. All those chem and physics classes also seem to apply to CRNa school. Now I would need to get a nursing degree and a year of critical care experience under my belt.
Part of why I am considering not going to med school specifically is it is too much darn work and time. All I do now is study and I imagine it would get more and more time consuming during med school and residency. But I really do like medicine and I love learning. I also like being in the hospital but dont really want to keep studying and working 80 hours a week. So please tell me what it is like to be a CRNA. How long do you work ? How much call do you take ? What is the job market like ? Do you wish you would have gone to med school or are you totally satisfied with your career ? What are the salaries like ? What is the best salary you ever heard of and the average ? Is it possible to find a decent paying job an only work 6-8 hours a day ? Any input would be appreciated ! Thanks !

TampaCCRN · Mar 9, 2005

Everyone seems to get very upset when prospective CRNA student inquire about the profession when they are not part of the healthcare field already. I understand that people should become a CRNA for the love of nursing and not the dollar signs at the end of the road. However, being a prospective CRNA student myself, I think the schooling is enough weeding out itself. If you don't love nursing, I don't think you could survive nursing school and working in the unit for a year and be happy at the same time.

Other professions such as pharmacy, you may be able to slide through the didactic, but nursing is totally different.

On a lighter note, I've finished my BSN, I transferred to the unit from the trauma center of four years and now I just need to focus on my chemistries and GRE... Wish me luck!!!

CRNAgirl · Mar 9, 2005

Everyone seems to get very upset when prospective CRNA student inquire about the profession when they are not part of the healthcare field already. I understand that people should become a CRNA for the love of nursing and not the dollar signs at the end of the road. However, being a prospective CRNA student myself, I think the schooling is enough weeding out itself. If you don't love nursing, I don't think you could survive nursing school and working in the unit for a year and be happy at the same time.
Other professions such as pharmacy, you may be able to slide through the didactic, but nursing is totally different.
On a lighter note, I've finished my BSN, I transferred to the unit from the trauma center of four years and now I just need to focus on my chemistries and GRE... Wish me luck!!!

Hi Georgia,

I have never been upset about non-nursing people inquiring about the nurse anesthesia field. Good luck with your pursuits. If it is something that you really want, don't let anyone or any negative comments stop you. You can do it.

MB

altomga, ADN, BSN, MSN, DNP, RN, APRN · Mar 13, 2005

Hi, my name is Joanna and I just wanted to make a comment about the time it would take you. I am in a very similar situation. I already have a BS and all of the prerequisites for medical school/nursing school and am seriously considering the decision between MD and CRNA. I do know that where I live, there are accelerated programs for a second degree in nursing that are only 12-14 months. Considering that, the total time would be about 5 years, including a second degree, work experience and a master's program. That is less than the 8-10 years of med school, residency and fellowship. The question I have is what is the future of CRNA job markets, seeing the post about a possible North Carolina legislation worries me. Anyway, it is a very difficult decision and I wish you the best....and any other comments would be appreciated!

where was the post about the NC legislation that worried you ????

skipaway · Mar 13, 2005

where was the post about the NC legislation that worried you ????

I bumped it up for you to read.

SleepyRN2B · Mar 13, 2005

I think you are better off directly aiming at medical school than CRNA. You haven't even started your nursing education so far. It takes 2-3 years get an ADN degree. I assume you have a BS not related to nursing or life science, one year of RN experience is a little short to compete with other RNs with 3 or more years of experience. Let's assume you can get in a CRNA program with 2 years of experience. CRNA education takes another 2-3 years. Counting all years together, you won't become a CRNA until 7 years later. You can become a family doctor within the same time frame.

Sorry but one year is not too little of time... I am a nurse of 11 years but I know plenty......pleanty of RN's who got in with one year... their grades were good though

ericalirn · Mar 13, 2005

There's a young girl in my physics class who got into a CRNA program with only two years of nursing, and this was her first year applying. I've been a nurse for three years, two of which are NICU, and hope to get into USC this year. It seems to be very individualized and based upon the whole person.

Cherish · Mar 15, 2005

There's a young girl in my physics class who got into a CRNA program with only two years of nursing, and this was her first year applying. I've been a nurse for three years, two of which are NICU, and hope to get into USC this year. It seems to be very individualized and based upon the whole person.

:yeahthat:

Personally I've met many nurses who originally wanted to be MD's but couldn't afford the cost of doing that and decided to do nursing, IN FACT, I know a great clinical supervisor (head charge nurse), who wanted badly to go to Medical school but financially she couldn't afford it, now shes a TERRIFIC nurse. So honestly if its for financial reasons, then yes if you are torn between to careers and financially you know that the other one is basically nonexistent to you to reach then strive for the other career. Many people choose one school over the other for the exact same reason.

Also many schools have GREAT accelerated programs, for example, Johns Hopkins University which nationally ranks always in the top 10, has one thats 10mths, but you have to pay 45k, but the state of maryland has GREAT nurse loans, so you might check that out. If not look into your area for an accelerated degree program, that you know will help in your admission to CRNA school. Going to a great school that ranks high nationally and having a great gpa, benefits ALOT, also having a great GRE too. You can do the CRNA route, in about 5-6 years honestly. Also, doing the ICU route for a year and a half or so is not bad, especially if their a great employer and you know you could go back to them after getting your CRNA, many places would see that as understandable and dedicated committment to the hospital. Everyone would benefit from that. On average the national average as of 2001, was 113,000 a year. So you really have to check salary.com for the median in your area.

I saw that your about to attend Physician Assitant school? Why not try for Nurse Practitioner?

Hope that helps, and whatever you do, all the best and god bless :balloons:

SleepyRN2B · Mar 15, 2005

Where is the topic on NC legislation????

skipaway · Mar 15, 2005

Where is the topic on NC legislation????

I have again bumped it to the top. It's title is Attention NC residents: