Would you do it? Need your advice.

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Hello everyone-

Hope you all are doing well. Need your advise.

I am 38 years old, have been an NP for two years exactly in October; completed a dual NP/PA program. Previous to becoming an NP; I was an ICU RN for 6 years.

The big question is: Is it worth for me to go back and obtain my CRNA? The reason I didn’t do CRNA instead of NP was because at that time 1) finances didn’t permit it , 2) I wasn’t sure if I wanted to do it; I was 50/50 3) I knew I wanted to become an NP/PA because it’s a great profession.

Why am I thinking about CRNA school? 1) I miss critical care and being in full control of your patient. 2) CRNAs have more respect and are treated much better than NPs/PAs, 3) The financial compensation is amazing!

My wife will be completing her RN degree in May and we have some great savings in the bank that could allow me to go back to school as she could take over our bills. I have a 3 and a 9 year old.

I currently make around $140K/year and we have some great savings in the bank, I would use around 50K of those savings to go towards CRNA school.

Most programs are 3 year programs now, a few are still two. I would have to retake 2-3 classes and then apply.

Given this information: Do you think it’s worth it and would you do it if you were in my situation? I would probably start the program at age 39 or 40 and be done by age 42-43.

If I do it, i would be doing it for personal satisfaction, career advancement, opportunities and finances of course.

What are your thoughts?

Thanks!

Eduardo

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

Moved to SRNA forum

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Specializes in CRNA.

Why do you say you have to repeat 2 or 3 classes? I’m a little skeptical that CRNAs are given more respect than NPs or PAs.

Go for it, only you can decide if it’s worth it.

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Be aware than any student admitted to a nurse anesthesia program after January 1st 2022, must complete a clinical doctoral degree (minimum 3yrs). So the 2 year master's degree is rapidly disappearing and will stop admitting students in the next 2 years. Do some shadowing before making your decision. Make sure your wife would be on board with being the bread winner and mostly single parent. CRNA school is far more intensive and demanding then NP, you will need to devote many hours to the endeavor. Good luck

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