NursingLink

You must now have a BSN to start, so that's four years.  Then you must have 2 years experience in ICU then you apply for your education which takes 1 to 2 more years, depending on the school you apply to.  I hope this helps

I'm a nursing student and I'm considering becoming a CRNA.

If anyone here is a CRNA and wouldn't mind sharing their thoughts, experiences, likes and dislikes, etc. about this field, I would love to hear about it.

Thanks so much!

There are already anesthesia techs and no they do not give anesthesia but are there to assist the CRNA's and Anesthesiologists by running blood gases, stocking carts, assist with inductions etc.  This is a highly specialized and dangerous field.  I don't know about you, but I don't want someone who isn't licensed and certified giving me any type of anesthesia.

Those are rumors, a friend of mine who is a practising CRNA laughed and said " Not going to happen.  People would be nuts to allow this and there isn't an anesthesiologist alive who would consider allowing this to happen."  Many of them resent CRNA's and are vehemently against them.

dmazment says ...

There are already anesthesia techs and no they do not give anesthesia but are there to assist the CRNA's and Anesthesiologists by running blood gases, stocking carts, assist with inductions etc.  This is a highly specialized and dangerous field.  I don't know about you, but I don't want someone who isn't licensed and certified giving me any type of anesthesia.

Those are rumors, a friend of mine who is a practising CRNA laughed and said " Not going to happen.  People would be nuts to allow this and there isn't an anesthesiologist alive who would consider allowing this to happen."  Many of them resent CRNA's and are vehemently against them.

I agree because I know 2 anesthesia techs and I applied to be one.  But guess what I did not get the job because I was in nursing school.  But no they are not licensed and in order to administer anesthesia they would have to A: go to medical school to become an Anesthesiologist or B: become and RN with a BSN (the programs here require 1 year of critical care) go to nurse anesthesia school and become a CRNA. 

Hi all,

Like I said in a previous post, I am a nursing student and planning to become a CRNA.

I have heard whispers that the CRNA field is changing over to require a doctorate degree instead of a master's. This new degree is called a DNAP-Doctorate of Nuse Anesthesia Practice. Was wondering if anyone else has heard about this and what their thoughts were about this change over.

From what I understand many CRNA programs have already switched over to this new degree and are starting to discontinue their master's program. One such program is the Virginia Commonwealth Univ. Here is the link to their website.

http://www.sahp.vcu.edu/nrsa/

While VCU offers the doctorate degree, they also offer a combined master's/doctorate program to become a CRNA as well.

Other programs are currently in the process of switching their master's CRNA programs to doctorate programs. I was at an open house last week at Univ. of Maryland for all of thier graduate nursing programs and they mentioned that they are currently in the process of switching their CRNA program to a doctorate degree. Their tentative turnover date is fall 2010.

I have read in other nursing blogs that the turnover to a doctorate degree for CRNAs poses many dilemmas. One such problem would be if the standard would be a doctorate in the CRNA field, then who wiil teach CRNA students if most faculty members in CRNA programs only possess a master's degree? Additionally, what will happen to CRNAs who already are working and only have a master's degree? Also, if the edcuation to become a CRNA is lengthened, then will it be worth it to go to nursing school get a BSN/MSN, get work experience in a critical care setting, and then go back  to CRNA school for 24 months or so. Maybe it would take the same amount of time to go to med school, residency, etc. and become an anesthesiologist??? Just some of the questions/problems that were posed on this blog.

http://allnurses.com/forums/f16/crna-doctorate-60878.html

I found this extremely interesting.

Would love to hear what any of you have to say, especially if anyone here is already a practicing CRNA.

Thanks so much!

sewnew says ...

Hi again,

I found the link to the article from the AANA that this other nursing blog talked about:

http://www.aana.com/uploadedFiles/Professional_Development/Nurse_Anesthesia_Education/Educational_Resources/DTF_Report/focus_sessions.pdf

It turns out that this article dates back to August 2006. I wonder if anything has changed since this article was written. I assume that since many nursing schools are headed in this direction that the AANA has already gotten the ball rolling to implement the DNAP.

Will continue to look for more recent information.

I am considering the CRNA program and if they are planning a switch to a doctorate level of education then I may as well become an anesthesiologist.  It's almost like physician assistants.  I knew a woman who completed the program and earned her masters only to return shortly thereafter for a doctorate.  Who's gonna refurse to go back after they have come so far?  How frustrating!  I despise education costs in our country, and we wonder why the rates of recidivism are outrageous.  If presented with opportunities that are within a reasonable means maybe an alternative mode of income wouldn't be so attractive.  Way to go economy!

Maybe I am ranting, but are any of you disgusted by the costs associated with our dreams?  Yeah, yeah it's about sacrifice.  But you definitely don't think that way when you are worked to the bone and you are forced to put up with the Holier than Thou attitudes.

I just posted an article under the news titled, "Some advance Practice Nurses Earn More Than Doctors."

For those interested in CRNA, NP, or MIdwives you might find it interesting.

I would like to correct the responder that stated CRNA school was 1-2 years.  It is a 2-3 year program with the Masters degree being awarded.  By 2015-2025 Entry into Nurse Anesthesia programs will be the Doctorate.

actually my post was wrong.  I meant to say 1-2 years in critical care and 2 years in anesthesia school.  Sorry I didn't check my post before this.