What's a Typical day like for a CRNA?

TraumaNurse · Nov 24, 2003

I can't tell you about a typical day as a CRNA yet, but most programs do waive the GRE for people already having a Masters degree. It is best to check with the anesthesia schools you would be interested in see about their specific requirements. Also, check out http://www.aana.com for more information about anesthesia nursing and individual programs. Good luck.

cnmtocrna · Nov 24, 2003

Regarding the waiving of GRE for people with Master's - I have a Master's in Nursing and am applying to several schools. Two waive the GRE, one waives the MAT (does not accept the GRE), and one acted like I was daft for even asking the question. However - this is for post-master's certificate applicants, meaning we have a master's degree in nursing. I do not think this is the case for people with a master's degree in another field. You will still have to get a master's degree in Nursing in order to practice as a CRNA. Good luck in your endeavor, you will be happy you made the change.

Sarah Kat · Nov 24, 2003

Originally posted by cnmtocrna
Regarding the waiving of GRE for people with Master's - I have a Master's in Nursing and am applying to several schools. Two waive the GRE, one waives the MAT (does not accept the GRE), and one acted like I was daft for even asking the question. However - this is for post-master's certificate applicants, meaning we have a master's degree in nursing. I do not think this is the case for people with a master's degree in another field. You will still have to get a master's degree in Nursing in order to practice as a CRNA. Good luck in your endeavor, you will be happy you made the change.

If you don't mind me asking, why go from CNM to CRNA? Was there something about CNM that you didn't like? I had originally thought about CNM but now are pretty set on CRNA.

Katnip, RN · Nov 24, 2003

I'm not in grad school, but it seems to me GRE scores are GRE scores no matter how many degrees you get. They don't change the exam. It wouldn't make sense to me to have to retake it unless you did so 50 years ago or something.

cnmtocrna · Nov 24, 2003

To answer your question about why I stopped midwifery practice to persue anesthesia- and let me add to the GRE question - you could submit your scores if they are no older than 5 years.

I became a midwife just as I turned 24 years old. I practiced full-time, full scope for 11 years. I really enjoyed my practice and do not regret becoming a midwife. A few years ago I began to feel the need to make a change. Through my practice as a midwife I came to know CRNAs and always thought it was a very interesting field. Midwifery is changing - although I had a great job with excellent compensation, I have seen my peers losing jobs, having salaries cut, and working longer hours for positions not filled because their employing MDs didn't want to afford it. New graduates are having a hard time finding jobs. Many CNMs are working as nurses on labor and delivery. Not infrequently I would be responsible for 6 or 7 patients in labor at the same time, and would work 24 hours without a break. Office days are packed full of appointments, and patients expect the midwife to spend quality time with them. Pregnancy is fascinating and I enjoyed the patients and the well-woman care I provided to the non-pregnant patients.

Ok, so this is not a simple question to answer, I'm trying to not say "I got sick of it" because that just doesn't seem true. There are very long hours, I worked at least 50 hours a week for over a decade and spent much of my off time exhausted. That was ok until I started feeling a bit bored with what I was doing. I realized that I didn't want to be doing this same job until I retired in 30-35 years, and that this was a good time to make a change. I love the science and physiology associated with nurse-anesthesia, there are plenty of jobs all over the country, and the practice encompasses all of health care, not just a narrow part such as maternal child health. CRNAs do 65% of anesthesia, CNMs deliver less than 10% of babies.

As women today we have more choices than women in the past - we can choose not to have children and focus on our careers. As a population in general we are living longer and working longer. I think work is key to staying healthy and engaged in life. I am not going to raise children (my step-son just left for college after living with me for 9 years) in upcoming years, so instead I am going to learn and grow as I change specialties. Being in the ICU is amazing, I am thrilled to be learning so much and feel more alive than I have in a while. Change is an inevitable part of life, and learning new things seems to keep people motivated and interested - just look at how many people leave other careers to go into nursing. I made great money as a midwife, but I realized it isn't all about money - I'm much happier making less working as a nurse. I didn't want to become miserable so I did something uncommon - I left a job I liked for a job I think I would like more.

Ok, I wrote alot, I'm sorry, but I answered the question...good luck.