Wondering if I'm making the right choice...

[SummerWertz]

I'm an upcoming junior in college. I came into college thinking that I wanted to go to medical school to study as an anesthesiologist. After a semester of med school prerequisites and looking down the line, I decided I didn't want to do that. I took a semester off thinking I didn't want to do anything health related. However, after sitting down and thinking about it, I decided I did want to do something in the health field, but I didn't want to be a doctor. I decided to try to become a nurse anesthetist, which is the direction I have been going in for a semester now.

I am enrolled in a shadow program at the hospital and today I was placed in ambulatory surgery under anesthesia tech and two anesthesiologists. There were no nurse anesthetists working in the OR. The anesthesiologist didn't recommend becoming a nurse anesthetist, but did admit that he was biased about it. Now I'm a little nervous to try to become an anesthetist rather than an anesthesiologist. I want to essentially be able to do the same thing as the anesthesiologist, but he said that a lot of times nurse anesthetists have to work under the anesthesiologist. Also, I'm worried about even having a job since these anesthesiologists didn't want a nurse working there. Opinions?

[Goose Xx, MSN, RN, EMT-P, CRNA]

Start by researching the roles of a CRNA at AANA.org.

[CCRNCMC11]

Don't give up just because an MDA (anesthesiologist) said he didn't like them. A lot if MDA's are threatened by crna's. if I were you I would shadow an actual crna and not an MDA or AA. Also realize that there are many different advance practice roles that you can do as a nurse. Right now I'm applying to schools, so I've been doing a lot of research as far as the application process goes. So if you have any questions feel free to ask!

[Terpole]

It sounds like if you did do CRNA, you might be unfulfilled because you're not a MDA.

You're young and have the time to invest to be a MDA. Don't give up on being a MDA because what he said. Go for it

[SummerWertz]

Well, the truth is that I don't want to be a doctor. I'm not trying to become a nurse because I thought I couldn't become a doctor. I'm trying to become a nurse because I don't want to be a doctor. The life of a doctor isn't something that I want for my life. I would much rather be a nurse, where I can work more closely with patients and ease pain. So, as long as I can still administer anesthesia nearly as well and efficiently as an MDA, I would much rather stick with my nursing plan. I mean, sure, Anesthesiologists are probably better at consulting and such, but IMO the CRNA has more training by the time the MDA is doing his residency.

[JUSTanLPN]

Well the truth is that I don't want to be a doctor. I'm not trying to become a nurse because I thought I couldn't become a doctor. I'm trying to become a nurse because I don't want to be a doctor. The life of a doctor isn't something that I want for my life. I would much rather be a nurse, where I can work more closely with patients and ease pain. So, as long as I can still administer anesthesia nearly as well and efficiently as an MDA, I would much rather stick with my nursing plan. I mean, sure, Anesthesiologists are probably better at consulting and such, but IMO the CRNA has more training by the time the MDA is doing his residency.[/quote']

Your last statement is erroneous on all accounts...

[naptime14]

I work with many anesthesia residents, surgeons, etc. that wish they had gone to school to become a CRNA. If I had a dollar for every time a doctor said "I wish I would have known about CRNA's when I went into college.....", I would be rich. Yes, most anesthesiologists that you come into contact with are going to be biased against nurse anesthetists. I honestly think it is just a jealousy thing (I always hear them griping about how CRNA's "work less hours (not true), have time to go to the gym and stay in shape, make tons of money".....blah blah blah). They feel their jobs are threatened by CRNA's. What is funny is that nurse anesthetists existed far before MD's in anesthesia. Also, there is no difference in the care provided. Anesthesia is safer than ever (and mostly performed by CRNA's). Before I decided to go into CRNA school, I had some doctors here and there tell me and also tell my family members, "She should just go to med school and become an anesthesiologist." But like you, I didn't want that life. It never appealed to me and I love the interaction I have with my patients. Even if they are asleep now most of the time :) I would shadow a CRNA. I don't think you will regret your decision to become a nurse first and then a CRNA. Good luck!

[SummerWertz]

@Rd2CRNA

Thank you for your informative reply. This answered my question perfectly. I feel a lot more confident with my decision to become a CRNA rather than an MDA now. I would love to shadow a CRNA but I don't think we have any at my local hospital. The anesthesia techs told me that it's a private hospital and the MDAs won't hire any because they want to keep all of the cases, and *cough*, money to themselves. Go figure. =/

[naptime14]

No problem! I suggest contacting schools that have CRNA programs that are close to where you live. They can possibly get you into contact with CRNA's in the area that will allow you to shadow. Contact any surgical centers or hospitals within an hour or so from where you live. I'm sure there will be CRNA's around that are willing to help.

[SummerWertz]

Great suggestion! I will look into that!

[missnurse01, MSN, RN]

I was able to shadow at the university hosp. They are more cost effective and use 90 percent crnas

[jlung05]

SummerWertz,

What was it that made want to shy away from medical school? I am currently in a CRNA program and will graduate next year. I feel like if I can get a grasp as to why not, that will explain if nurse anesthesia is the way to go.