Should i be a CRNA or M.D.?!
Question: Should i be a CRNA or M.D..?
I am in college to get my nursing degree. after i finish i have two choices, To become a CRNA, or to pursue medicine (surgery). I am confused about what to do because as a CRNA i will start life younger, with less schooling, making around 100k but as a surgeon, i'll start around 30 make around 200k+ I'm not sure what should i do, if possible could i get some advice from people that are in either of these fields or have family/close friends. Thank you.Health Question & Answer
Answers:
In response to Rosie: CRNA is an abbreviation for nurse anesthetist whereas CNA is the more common abbreviation for nurse assistant which you referred to. also CRNA's do a whole lot more than administer epidurals in the L&D setting. Actually in more rural areas CRNA's are the sole anesthesia providers, often they are employed in lieu of anesthesiologists (medical doctors). In metropolitan areas the medical doctors induces the anesthesia while the CRNA assists and stays with the patient during the surgery. The MD typically has several cases going on at one time.
To the original poster: go for the CRNA for sure! The job satisfaction alone far outweigh the benefits of medical school. You'll make great money and more importantly have time to devote to your family or interests. I guarantee you'll live a better lifestyle than most. Keep in mind that you will need to have your BSN and then typically at least 1-2 years of critical care experience. That means working in an ICU setting (usually the ER doesn't count). You'd probably be fine in any ICU but the best choice would likely be a cardiovascular/heart ICU where you take care of the open heart patients. A large part of anesthesia is monitoring your patient and the ICU background will give you that experience the CRNA programs are looking for.
Good luck!Health Question & Answer
To the original poster: go for the CRNA for sure! The job satisfaction alone far outweigh the benefits of medical school. You'll make great money and more importantly have time to devote to your family or interests. I guarantee you'll live a better lifestyle than most. Keep in mind that you will need to have your BSN and then typically at least 1-2 years of critical care experience. That means working in an ICU setting (usually the ER doesn't count). You'd probably be fine in any ICU but the best choice would likely be a cardiovascular/heart ICU where you take care of the open heart patients. A large part of anesthesia is monitoring your patient and the ICU background will give you that experience the CRNA programs are looking for.
Good luck!Health Question & Answer
Are you willing to devote another 10 years to school for the higher income.? That's $100,000 a year in lost income as a CRNA,or one million dollars, plus the cost of medical school tuition, books, possibly dorm, etc. It'll take a while to recoup that.
Are you planning on marrying and starting a family.? It'll be tough in medical school.
My son wanted to be a doctor, but made the same analysis. He's now a practicing PA in a large metropolitan hospital - and loving it.Health Question & Answer
Are you planning on marrying and starting a family.? It'll be tough in medical school.
My son wanted to be a doctor, but made the same analysis. He's now a practicing PA in a large metropolitan hospital - and loving it.Health Question & Answer
There's a big difference between a surgeon and a CRNA. I don't think you meant CRNA ( certified registered nursing aide) If you are now in nursing school. Maybe, you meant, CCRN ( critical care registered nurse) which I am.
You can have different options. You can practice as a Nurse Practioner or Physician Assistant , who's still under a physician's insurance. Both of these are independent and make good money. Another option is a nurse anesthetist administering anesthetics to labor and delivery. All of these will make you closer to your goals. It's easier to juggle carreer and family life. OR tech can help surgeons during surgery if surgery is your bag.
On the other hand, as a surgeon requires a lot of money , dedication and hard work and long years of schooling and training. Plus you have to watch out for overhead costs.- such as high insurance premium for malpractice. Surgeons have the highest incidence of malpractice cases. If you want a peace of mind plus making thebig bucks ; you're better off; choosing either one of the above.
Your career choices shouldn't be solely based on salary. or how much you will make. There are several factors to consider too. Do you have the diligence, compassionate manner and intelligence to persevere the rigorous training. The boards for a medical license is very very hard. . Health Question & Answer
You can have different options. You can practice as a Nurse Practioner or Physician Assistant , who's still under a physician's insurance. Both of these are independent and make good money. Another option is a nurse anesthetist administering anesthetics to labor and delivery. All of these will make you closer to your goals. It's easier to juggle carreer and family life. OR tech can help surgeons during surgery if surgery is your bag.
On the other hand, as a surgeon requires a lot of money , dedication and hard work and long years of schooling and training. Plus you have to watch out for overhead costs.- such as high insurance premium for malpractice. Surgeons have the highest incidence of malpractice cases. If you want a peace of mind plus making thebig bucks ; you're better off; choosing either one of the above.
Your career choices shouldn't be solely based on salary. or how much you will make. There are several factors to consider too. Do you have the diligence, compassionate manner and intelligence to persevere the rigorous training. The boards for a medical license is very very hard. . Health Question & Answer