I disagree with Temple1st's post about CRNA's vs. AAs. In some areas, AAs are not even utilized at all, as in, cannot get licensed to work in some states. CRNAs are more widely accepted and known. As for more respect and higher wages, I'm sure this too is regional. I am not sure one is better educated than the other, and this sounds like it could become the MDA vs. CRNA debate all over again.
You can check out different anesthesia schools at www.aana.org or www.anesthesia-nursing.com
Some do not require a BSN to become a CRNA; however, BSN-prepared RNs who have worked in critical care settings (ICU) are at a distinct advantage when it comes to being accepted to anesthesia programs as they have experience working with critically ill patients on vasoactive drips such as dopamine, epinephrine, dobutamine, propofol, nitroglycerine, nitroprusside, etc. Having experience with the effects of these drugs and how to titrate them is very important in the care of the patient under anesthesia. During surgery, the anesthesia provider is responsible for keeping the patient alive and asleep, certainly a task not to be taken lightly.
Konni
