Nurse Anesthetists

[demografix]

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Since I've yet to hear back from schools, I'm comforting myself with potential plan B's. If I don't get accepted and decide not to reapply, I think I'd still like to stay in health care. Upon doing some searching I ran across the idea of becoming a "nurse anesthetist." They seem to make a decent amount of dough, despite being nurses. Does anyone know anything about this career/ know anyone in it? I'm wondering what the life of such a person is like... Any SDN-like websites for nurses out there?

 

[Deuce 007 MD]

There is a nurse forum, and I think they can make around 80k-120k a year. You can do a search for CRNAs to get more info.

 

[rjhtamu]

We had one visit us in our premed group a couple of years ago. He was really happy with it and made decent money. He liked the challenge and the semi-autonomy, and really suggested it to people who didn't want to go the full med school route.

 

[ermonty]

demografix,

Since you've applied to medschools, I'm assuming you've completed the pre-med reqs. Well, if you aren't already a nurse, then you've got to complete your RN (2 years), have 1 year of clinical work experience as an RN, and then go to CRNA school (~2 yrs). If you are interested in Anesthesia, and you've completed all pre-med reqs and have taken the MCAT, there may be a quicker way for you = PA anesthetist. There are only two programs that I know of for this: 1) Emory and 2) Duke (I think). You could apply now for this type of program, provided you meet the above mentioned criteria. PA anesthetists do the same thing as CRNAs, the pay is approx. the same, and depending on who you talk to, PA anesthetists have more autonomy and respect (Maybe b/c of the title - "Physician" Assistant Anesthetist). Also, b/c cause there are only two programs for this, there's a better market for PA anesthetists coming our of school. I have a friend interviewing soon for Emory's PA anesthetist program. If he's accepted, he'll have no problem paying for it, b/c he's already had two job offers (starting ~ 80K) from diff. Anesthesiologist groups.

Just something to think about. Thought I'd mention it. Good luck with whatever road you take! 🙂

 

[Blazed]

I have a friend who is a nurse anesth and he makes around 165K a year. He moonlights for two seperate plastic surgeons. He loves what he does, and told me that it is not a bad option for those who want to work in the health field.

 

[Bonds756]

It is the best paying nursing field, usually starting in 6 figures and averaging upwards of $120,000. Like MD anesthesiologists, they have pretty good hours. They do everything an MD does and have a good deal of autonomy, but with even less responsibility than the MDs. Not a bad gig, but it involves usually two years post-nursing degree.

 

[johnhopeful]

Just wanted to add that most successful applicants to CRNA schools possess >5 years of critical care experience as a registered nurse........also, the secret is out to the $$$-ola that CRNA's make which makes for more applicants.........Every CRNA that I've met is very happy with the choice......