Which is best for CRNA?

ukstudent · Mar 22, 2010

Why do you want to get a NP license? You have to show X amount of contact hours with patients to keep up the license. You will not be able to do this while in CRNA school, and it is unlikely you would have time after becoming a CRNA and practicing.

What do you want to do? NP or CRNA? Chose and go that route.

RB2000 · Mar 22, 2010

Well, I would say the best route would be critical care nurse practitioner. Neither really give you any advantage of gaining acceptance into CRNA school, but if that is the route you want to go then critical care NP is in the right direction. I am not certain of the exact req for the NP program, but I think you may need a year or two critical care exp for that as well. I would investigate that option a little bit more and find out all the details, because I think that would be the way to go. Sorry that I couldn't be of more help.

Reno1978, BSN, RN · Mar 22, 2010

I don't see how getting either one would really benefit you as far as raising your chances at gaining acceptance into a CRNA program. CRNA programs look for individuals who have solid experience managing sedated, ventilated patients and titrating vasoactive IV medications, and a BSN, so in my opinion, your best chance to get into a CRNA program would be to get your BSN and work in a busy ICU and develop the skill sets that they find appealing for CRNA applicants.

You're basically asking us to tell you, between two things that are not required to become a CRNA, which would help your chances to become a CRNA. It doesn't make a whole lot of sense to do either if your end goal is to be a CRNA.

allnurses Guide · Mar 22, 2010

Hi, would someone please shed some light on whether it is better to go to a family nurse practitioner or acute care nurse practitioner program that would give the best chance at gaining acceptance into a CRNA program? I know the requirements for CRNA, eg. one year critical care, etc., but I'd like to get my nurse practitioner certificate, either FNP or ACNP before going to a CRNA program. Thanks in advance!

ACNP would be the most relevant to what CRNAs do.

JStyles1 · Mar 22, 2010

just curious, but why? why would you want to get a masters as a nurse practitioner then go to crna school when it is two totally different scopes of practice, patients, and responsibilities?

foreverLaur · Mar 22, 2010

Why waste the time and money on something that is ultimately not going to affect your career as a CRNA? Why not focus on getting great ICU experience and becoming a CCRN?

CRNA, DNSc · Mar 22, 2010

Hi, would someone please shed some light on whether it is better to go to a family nurse practitioner or acute care nurse practitioner program that would give the best chance at gaining acceptance into a CRNA program? I know the requirements for CRNA, eg. one year critical care, etc., but I'd like to get my nurse practitioner certificate, either FNP or ACNP before going to a CRNA program. Thanks in advance!

No advantage to getting NP first if your ultimate goal is CRNA- you spend a lot of time and money that route. :down:

loriangel14, RN · Mar 22, 2010

I don't think that NP is a certificate, it is a Masters Program (2 years I think). soon to be a doctorate program.

RNYC · Mar 22, 2010

Thats insane - what is your motivation for this? Thats like 4-5 additional yrs after a BSN which is already 4 years!...I'd focus on critical care and CCRN cert, and ACLS. You will be better served experience-wise by working with patients that are intubated and have central lines....such as in cardiac icu or adult ICU. Also, a high GPA in BSN school.

ProgressiveThinking, MSN, CRNA · Mar 22, 2010

Getting your FNP before your CRNA seems a little counterproductive doesn't it? Why not just go straight into CRNA school is that's what you ultimately want to do?

loriangel14, RN · Mar 22, 2010

I don't think that NP is a certificate.As far as I know it is a Master's program(soon to be a doctorate program) and takes about 2 years.