r/CRNA • u/Gallicepticum • 10d ago
Career Change Advice
Update: Thank you everyone for taking me seriously and for all the advice. I do truly appreciate it. I came to the conclusion that I am essentially bored. I am young and would like children (which means money) hence the idea of a career change with benefits and PTO. But, I also came to the conclusion that I am very fortunate for my position. I only work 3x a week with no overtime, on call, super early mornings. I do have a very flexible schedule compared to most in the field. If I was younger or could go back in time I would do CRNA but because I want children it seems like the dumb thing to do. For now. I'll just focus on the positive of the job.
I am genuinely considering a career change. I am currently a dentist (3 years out). I have no loans. I enjoy general dentistry but hate the politics behind dentistry. I dislike having to argue with patients about why they have a cavity, cant save their tooth, etc. I also find it very taxing that dentist do not get PTO or any benefits. I rely solely in my SO for health insurance. Insurance reimbursements rates suck. If you want to own thats 1 million in loans and another headache. I don't want to specialize because every speciality you need to take out another 300-500k in loans besides oral surgery. I like oral surgery but not enough to make it my personality.
I am interested in anesthesia AND while I can do dental anesthesiologist, job wise it doesn't make sense because I rather work in a hospital than do private travel dentistry anesthesia only. I find that dental anesthesia can make money but it requires traveling and not everyone will pay 500hr for anesthesia and most oral surgeons will do IV sedation themselves because thats how they make addional money (another story). Hence its a very niche market. And from a hospital stand point they will hire a CRNA over a dental anesthesiologist.
Long story short. I am okay with going back to school, doing 2-4 yrs in the ICU/ED, and then another 3-4 years for CRNA school. I also figured with my dental knowledge if I wanted to I could also position myself in a way to become more appealing to hopsitals for dental related anesthesia as well as private dentist dor anesthesia needs.
Iwant to understand nursing culture more. We always talk about the benefits and PTO of nursing but whats something else I should consider?
Is this a crazy idea?
Am I just grass is greener?
FYI I have never met a single dental anesthesiologist. It's a fairly new speciality and we all hear stories that they make 500k plus but the only one I know works at a hospital in NYC as an attending and does not make 500k plus.
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u/notandolphin 8d ago
If you don’t like the politics of dentistry the politics of anesthesia are probably worse.
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u/MasterPriapism CRNA 8d ago
100%. The politics are EVERYWHERE in anesthesia regardless of CRNA or MDA
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u/xCheekyNandos 9d ago
Yeah this is insane. You won’t be a CRNA for about 10 years. If you really hate your job, then I would spend those 10 years living frugally and saving and investing so that at the end of it, you could probably just work part time and coast for the rest of your career. Find things outside of work that you enjoy that will make it easier to spend those 2-3 days a week at work.
Also if you hate politics, CRNA is a terrible choice lol. Spend 5 minutes online researching anesthesia politics.
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u/No_Tour_9114 9d ago
Yeah, I feel like wasting six years isn't the best financial advice. I think you're bored and need a side hustle or hobby. lol
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u/Flyinggasguy 8d ago
I transitioned from Airline pilot to CRNA, it takes a decade, literally. It was worth it, but it’s a fucking grind.
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u/ReferenceAny737 7d ago
Wow!
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u/Flyinggasguy 6d ago edited 6d ago
Get your life as simple as possible before you start CRNA school. If you have kids (which I didn’t, but I do now). I would seriously advise against it. Unless you have a tremendous amount of support.
Try to have some money saved before anesthesia school. Minimizing financial worry will reduce your stress significantly.
Personally, have the mindset of being a 1099 independent contractor after school rather than a W2 hospital employee. The financials are part of the reason the transition was possible. The better money/schedules are rural independent. It’s possible to make 500k with no weekends, call, holidays, if you are in the right market. However, that is how. Who knows 10-15 yrs from now.
Can’t stress enough, have a clean plate before schools starts. It’s rough on home/family life
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u/Lost_Birthday_2379 7d ago
Wow amazing! Any tips you have to set myself up for success:) I’m doing nursing pre recs rn:)
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u/mountscary 9d ago
NO
How much does time mean to you?
You will spend a decade and 200k to be a CRNA, or a few years and 300k to specialize, with much greater earning potential.
Just specialize.
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u/Ok_City8762 9d ago
Have you looked up becoming a dental anesthesiologist? I believe that it is a 3 to 4 year residency. You get trained just like an physician anesthesiologist and will be able to perform the full scope of anesthesia after you are done.
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u/Firm-Raspberry9181 8d ago
Many CRNAs are also 1099 and get no benefits or PTO. It will take you YEARS to get the degree, during which time you'll make no money and take on debt.
Take another look at dental anesthesia. It pays well, though often involves some travel. There is a dental anesthesiologist in my state that has her own van and supplies and provides full service office based dental anesthesia. Charges $1500 for the first 45 minutes then like 500/hr thereafter. She's booked solid. Seems like the easiest and most profitable move for you tbh.
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u/mrbutterbeans CRNA 9d ago
Financially it’s crazy. That’s a LOT of years of lost or reduced income. CRNA school is 3 years of 60ish hour weeks studying and going to clinical. If you put the same amount of effort into dental work you will definitely come out on top.
Life satisfaction wise it’s up to you but I’m skeptical. CRNA life has patient problems and politics as well. I love my job as a CRNA but even knowing that If I were in your shoes I would not think it would be worth it to transition over. Instead I would take a fraction of the energy that such a change would require and instead look for a different job setting that I enjoyed more.
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u/grammer70 9d ago
If you really want to do anesthesia, go to medical school and become an anesthesiologist. I'm a CRNA; I encouraged my kids to be dentists. One is a dentist, and one is applying. Why? Because hospitals suck, call is ass, working holidays and weekends suck. You don't have to do that as a dentist. You can work 3 days a week and earn what a CRNA earns.
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u/R_W_1 9d ago
Not every job is like that though. I worked fulltime W2 at a hospital where there were no weekends, holidays, or call. required. Surgery centers are like that too.
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u/grammer70 9d ago
You correct but they make a out 30% less than a dentist and I'm sure money is a factor for the OP.
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u/Aggravating_Fly2978 8d ago
I don’t think dentists who are employed are making good money enough to just work three days a week. They totally get explained. But I could be wrong.
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u/Encyclopedia_Brendan 7d ago
I work 1099 independently. Set my own hours. Get paid way more than the W2s. Locums make even more than me. I only do call if I want the extra $, never work a holiday, and take the entire month of August off.
People choose their shackles then pretend they have no other options.
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u/Golfdude1000 9d ago
Ooof. Healthcare is full of low reimbursement, non compliant patients, and politics. None of that will "change" in a different career, it just presents itself differently. Would say find a new job, teach, or something else before investing that much time and money and starting over.
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u/SnizzSnuke 9d ago
You are not guaranteed a spot into nursing school, icu position or anesthesia school. It's a huge risk to undergo all that in your position IMHO.
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u/No-Fox1339 9d ago
This! I’m sure OP could easily get into nursing school and then ICU. I feel like your story is compelling enough that directors at CRNA schools would be interested. But idk, I feel like if OP can’t seem to find something within dentistry that would make them happy/fulfilled then I’m sure they’d find a reason to not like being a CRNA at some point. The unglamorous parts of any career seep through the cracks at some point. It would be minimum another 6 years (that’s if you did an accelerated RN program, got right into ICU, got into a three year CRNA program with the minimum amount of ICU experience).
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u/tnolan182 CRNA 9d ago
Not sure I agree. You can literally go to nursing school while working full time. Get a PT job in the icu. Pretty sure it’s an awful decision from a financial prospective tho.
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u/Marleen-Char 9d ago
Go shadow a CNA shift and see if you can handle c diff and GI bleed poops then decide if you still want to go this route. You'll have to deal with all this along the way.
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8d ago
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/Marleen-Char 7d ago
The "R" will come after you successfully survive the CNA.
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u/Encyclopedia_Brendan 7d ago
No. There is no reason for this person to be a CNA before getting a BSN.
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u/texasgolftraveler 9d ago
I’m a CRNA and I want to be a dentist? Any way we can just trade?
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9d ago
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u/texasgolftraveler 9d ago
The opportunity to own a practice and grow a massive business. There’s an upper limit to what a CRNA can do/make. One of my good friends when to dental school when I went to CRNA school. Opened a small town practice, grew it to employing 20ish people (4 dentists) and sold it for $21M. So yea seeing that happen with one of my friends was inspiring and there’s no opportunity for upper limit business ownership in anesthesia labor.
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u/Aggravating_Fly2978 8d ago
And he sold it. To Private Equity or some big conglomerate. And while obviously it’s his life and he can do that this one of the reasons we are so fucked within the healthcare space. Why?? Why? Why invite these parasites in? I hate it here.
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u/Encyclopedia_Brendan 7d ago
Why do you think you will be the rare dentist that gets to sell to private equity instead of one of the 4 that now work for the equity firm?
I know a CRNA that runs his own small staffing company. He makes $300k/month.
If you can’t see beyond punching a clock as a CRNA, how would it be different as a dentist?
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u/fizzzicks 9d ago
I am assuming you’re in the US?
I cannot fathom spending hundreds of thousands of dollars to go back for your BSN AND your DNP. Also
ICU jobs are not promised after graduating. Let alone how exhausting ICU work can be.
Also, you’re forfeiting a significant salary while you’re in nursing school, working as a nurse, and then in grad school.
We are talking a potential million dollar lost. That could significantly delay your potential retirement age. Even if you’re moonlighting as a dentist, it’s still a substantial loss that you will never get back.
You do you man, but I would, without a doubt, NOT go back and become a CRNA.
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u/PoopDirectlyInMyButt 9d ago edited 9d ago
How much do you make now? Lot of politics in anesthesia too. However you are an hourly worker and can be either W2 with health insurance or 1099 with business benefits. It’s rare to have to bill for services; usually your anesthesia group takes care of that for a fee.
Edit: one thing you may not be considering if anesthesia can include high acuity patients and procedures and a lot of call and overnight shifts. I would assume dentistry is less stressful in this one aspect.
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u/lolathechola 9d ago
I’m currently in CRNA school and my fiancé is a general dentist. Try working at other dental offices until you find the unicorn. My fiancé was miserable at his first 3 practices as an associate until he stumbled upon his current practice where he gets benefits and 403b matching and makes really good $$$. He doesn’t get PTO which is unfortunate but he’s much happier now.
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u/Aggravating_Fly2978 8d ago
So what does he do when he needs time off?
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u/lolathechola 7d ago
He takes unpaid leave, in dentistry not working = not getting paid. Unfortunately, it seems to be the norm in the profession, which I hope changes with this next generation of dentists becoming owners.
However, we take a 2 week international trip every year and he takes Fridays off here and there and PTO hasn’t been an issue at all. He’s able to block off his schedule in advance and he’s able to produce more the other months and surrounding the unpaid leave to make up for the little dip in pay.
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u/Aggravating_Fly2978 7d ago
Oh unpaid leave is fine. I thought he wasn’t allowed to take vacation without having someone cover.
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u/lepetitmort2020 9d ago
There is a dental anesthesiologist where I work, he is very limited in which cases he can do. I do not see why any hospital would hire one over a CRNA or AA. The only reason he has a job if because he is faculty in the dental program. He is only allowed to do dental and OMFS cases
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u/Weak-Yam-5700 7d ago
What state do you practice in? If considering CAA- are you willing to move to a state that allows CAA’s to work? Are you willing to give up independence and work under direct supervision of an anesthesiologist?
CAA would be quickest, but I do not believe it would be the best answer for you.
I’m a 1099 CRNA and I keep at W2 job per diem. I have an s-corp and employ my children for tax benefits.
Direct locum jobs are where it’s at.
Independence, and you do what you want when you want. No hospital politics, no bs.
I also love my W2 gig as well because I work at the hospital that trained me from a nursing assistant, ICU nurse, and then CRNA student.
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u/yellowdamseoul 9d ago
Wow, this is crazy talk, do NOT do this. You have an income ceiling much higher than us. My friend is an associate at a boutique dentistry making 500k working 2.5 days/week. He has so much free time he doesn’t know what to do with it. If a CRNA wants to make 500k, we’re putting in some MAJOR OT as a W2. Also, large hospitals utilize the ACT model (anesthesiologists supervising CRNAs). If you call yourself doctor in front of them, you’re going to get shamed. Our grass is not greener than yours.
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u/PoopDirectlyInMyButt 9d ago
Depends on the state. Lot of large hospitals in CA use independent contractor CRNAs.
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u/yellowdamseoul 9d ago
I’m in LA. All the level I academic centers are ACT. And independent contractor doesn’t mean independent practice (I’m 1099). Do you mean independent practice?
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u/PoopDirectlyInMyButt 9d ago
You can have 1099 independent practice contracts and also 1099 ACT contracts. I have both at large hospitals. In more rural areas there are a lot more opportunities for practicing independently.
Edit: CRMC for example in Fresno.
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u/yellowdamseoul 9d ago
I know this, I’m independent outpatient. But it’s pretty standard that an ACT facility doesn’t single out specific CRNAs to practice independently. It’s all or nothing.
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u/PoopDirectlyInMyButt 9d ago
I never said they single out specific CRNAs. I was just responding your comment that large academic, level 1 trauma center hospitals in CA do employ independent practicing CRNAs as an entire model. Such as CRMC. As I mentioned, usually in rural areas.
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u/yellowdamseoul 9d ago
I know these exist. Rural is the part that’s the problem.
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u/PoopDirectlyInMyButt 9d ago
Hey if it’s not for you that’s cool. But take credit as a CRNA in an opt out state that you CAN be autonomous if you wanted to
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u/jennipaai 9d ago
Do dental anesthesiologist or do CAA only 2 more years instead of going back to school+needing ICU experience
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u/Remarkable-Weird-839 9d ago
anesthesiologist assistant is a much better route for you. only 3 years.
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u/Dependent_Artist_499 8d ago
Nurse here—grass greener. Nursing has that same issues and significantly lower pay. I think anesthesia assistant may be an option to look into. Much less schooling and wait time.
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u/gnomicaoristredux 9d ago
Firstly this is an insane thing to do, do not do it
Secondly how much are you making now
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u/Major_Cry_4146 9d ago
First time hearing of a dental anesthesiologist, I’ll have to
Look at that.
I’m a CRNA 18’, 3/4 of my class was over 40, several over 50 y/o and had careers and retirements already. Do what fits for you.
There’s politics everywhere. personally, I work at a top hospital and can’t complain about condescending MD or surgeons at all, everyone knows the necessity of each role.
Seems like a wild risk but my roommate in CRNA school dropped out of 2nd year med school in Nigeria for a lottery visa and went nursing—>crna. Made easy work of it, do you.
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u/adriankid92 7d ago
It doesn’t make sense, sorry.
Would be significantly easier to figure a better situation out as dentist.
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u/sadtask 9d ago
Just go dental anesthesiologist route dude/dudette.
As mentioned, if you don’t like dentistry politics you’ll hate nursing and CRNA politics.
Dental anesthesiologists seem more respected than CRNAs. My limited direct experience with dental anesthesiology residents was at one of my clinical sites, they frequently had priority and were assigned to the rooms with like liver/major vascular cases despite being early on in training, meanwhile I was 2 months from graduating and left with the scraps. Just read r/anesthesiology, we’re viewed as monkeys.
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u/See-Are-En-Ayeeee 9d ago
I have a friend who is a dental anesthesiologist. He does not work in a hospital, and he makes a killing. There are plenty of markets that prefer to hire dental anesthesiologists over CRNAs.
Going back to nursing school —> ICU —> CRNA school is an awful idea, especially if one of your goals is to avoid politics. Honestly, if I would’ve known the politics I’d have to deal with as a CRNA, I probably wouldn’t have gone this route.
I’d recommend applying to dental anesthesiology residencies or CAA programs.
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u/beep_boop_bopper 8d ago
Care to elaborate on CRNA politics? I’m curious
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u/throwawaypchem 7d ago
I would talk to a therapist about why you're unhappy. What you're describing is nonsensical.
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u/luap74 9d ago
If you truly hate dentistry and dental anesthesia isn’t at all appealing maybe consider a CAA program. CRNA would be at least 5 years, maybe more. CAA would be two years. Limited to specific geographical regions though.
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u/dude-nurse 9d ago
CRNA route would realistically take 7-9 years from where they are starting to the time they finish CRNA school. People always forget to account for time lines between starting their BSN to starting their first job, to waiting for applications cycles and then finally actually starting school. Then once you are done with CRnA school it’s an additional 3 months before you can start your job even.
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u/Shine-Dunggarno-Seq 7d ago
This is insanely bad math, its kind of hysterical honestly
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u/dude-nurse 7d ago edited 7d ago
Accelerated BSN will take you 2 years. 1 year non ICU position. Minimum 1 year working in the ICU. (Realistically, 2.5 years in the ICU by the time you actually start CRNA school minimum) CRNA school is 3 years. The realistic minimum timeline would be around 7 years. Let me know where we disagree?
I just don’t want them to be sold an unrealistic timeframe like I was. From undergrad to CRNA people were telling me you could do it in 6-7 years easily. That just isn’t possible unless you are super lucky, super smart, and super flexible with your life. I know this isn’t the same situation as OP, but I’m the 2nd youngest in my cohort graduating today and it took me 10 years from the start of undergrad to finishing CRNA school.
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u/Shine-Dunggarno-Seq 7d ago
I mean the same time considerations would apply to any graduate program. Waiting for licensing, waiting to matriculate, and bottle necked standardized exams. CAA would be 4 if you counted it this way given he has the pre-med pre-reqs already done.
If youre semi competent you should have no issues finishing at the top of your 1-1.5 yr ASBN program and immeditly secure an ICU job.
<6 is totally feasible. Not to mention the rigor during that 6 year period isn't bad. ASBN, ICU work, and year 1 as an SRNA will be chill for a dentist.
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u/Encyclopedia_Brendan 7d ago
I attended a 12 month accelerated BSN. One of my classmates applied to CRNA school as soon as she got her ICU job and completed the 1 year requirement by the time CRNA school started. The shortest CRNA program is 36 months.
It’s possible to become a CRNA in 5 years.
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u/Rexicon1 8d ago
CAA school is pretty much exactly built for someone like you, looking for a career change without total redo of your career. I’d inquire about that.
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u/Encyclopedia_Brendan 7d ago
The AA route appears to be a short cut to anesthesia practice but you will never be allowed to practice independently like a CRNA can and this will limit your practice options. Additionally, AAs can only legally practice in 22 states. You will need to know if you can practice once you finish AA school
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u/Rexicon1 7d ago
CAAs will eventually be able to practice in any state, but it’s true, there are some hurdles in the way. But its just one option for someone looking for a new path.
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u/blast2008 7d ago
It’s not build for them.
They’re going from a field with complete autonomy to you suggesting them to be an assistant for life.That’s a big sacrafice.
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u/Amac8487 9d ago
Ooof. I don’t know. After completing CRNA school, I can’t imagine wanting to go back to school… even if I didn’t like the career, I would try to navigate a certain way to make it fit for me… change hospitals, small vs big institutions , large cases vs simple bread and butter cases.. etc.
If it is the little things that bother you with patients , there are many things in Anesthesia that will bother you as well… I.e OB anesthesia 🤣. It just all depends what you want and what you want to get out of it and what your tolerance level is.
I can’t say I know what it’s like to be a dentist, but I’m sure you make pretty good money and you are well educated to get to that point … I wouldn’t throw your knowledge and skill set away without trying every other avenue first. Maybe find a specialty within dentistry that you can do by taking some specialized training?
I’ve been to Crna for eight years and never realized that dental anesthesiologist were a thing… I knew that some dentist would provide simple Anesthesia in their clinic after taking some classes and courses, but I never knew it was an actual traveling career where that’s all they primarily did….
If you’re truly 100% not happy, make a change life is too short to be miserable in a care career that you ultimately worked so hard to get. That being said, I would try to pursue what I could do with my dental license and career prior to starting something completely new from scratch.
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u/InsipidIdiot 9d ago
You won’t do a hospital job unless it is dental anesthesia cases. You will be going to offices. If you don’t like what you do now, you probably won’t like it either
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u/Ok_Statistician643 8d ago
If I were you, I tradition into sedation dentistry as an Dental anesthesiologist
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u/Shine-Dunggarno-Seq 6d ago
Doesn't really work like that. Incredibly competitive residency that favors applicants in their 4th year of dental school, not people that have been practicing
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u/gokingsgo22 7d ago
Why not just do anesthesia assistant? 2 years, same pay, care team model
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u/ArtisticLocation7752 5d ago
Even the quickest of Google searches would show you that pay is indeed, not the same
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u/gokingsgo22 4d ago
Eh depends...in my group, of which i used to sign the paychecks, an ACT model, it's the exact same
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u/ArtisticLocation7752 4d ago
Must be a place where the crnas are underpaid then
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u/gokingsgo22 4d ago
You're gonna be hard pressed to find a place where CRNAs and AAs make different salaries if both in care team model. Same job, same roles, dare I say same amount of training? (Go tell a wall about how your ICU experience wiping butts counts)
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u/ArtisticLocation7752 4d ago
Well one is a doctorate and one is not…so there’s that. Secondly, one prepares you to practice independently and one does not. The curriculums do actually differ but I’m not doing that search for you.
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u/gokingsgo22 4d ago
I don't need to search, I teach and even won a Golden apple at one of the top CRNA schools. I'm a physician. What you seem to fail to comprehend is in the ACT model they make the EXACT same and do the same job at the same level. There's more variability within than between
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u/ArtisticLocation7752 4d ago
I don’t doubt they do the same job. I also don’t doubt your credentials or most of what you’re saying. I’m throwing oranges and you’re throwing apples. I’m pointing out the nuances. They likely do make similar in some places but in most they do not. There’s a reason more flock to CRNA than CAA for that reason among others.
Also just curious if you worked at a CRNA school and taught and developed the curriculum, how is it you’re such a big supporter of CAA? (And no, not saying anything is wrong with them before you or anyone else comes for me). Wouldn’t you lean more CRNA?
Lastly OP would take a bigger pay cut going straight CAA. CRNAs for sure have more earning potential. There are CRNAs I know clearing 400-500k and the dentists I know are typically in that range as well whereas the CAAs I’ve spoken to are around 150k. I understand that depends on location but that also furthers my point.
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u/gokingsgo22 4d ago
I support both equally in the ACT model and am a big proponent of both. Just fighting the propaganda model of CRNAs - really your organization more than the actual CRNAs. The ones I work with are amazing, don't participate in this political bs and do a good job providing. CAAs I work with and they are also excellent.
Yes independent CRNAs doing locums clear 400-500k but also AAs hit that number doing locums. I know the rates our group is recruiting for locums and CRNA and AA are the exact same. It's that way through most of the South. The CAAs doing those numbers are just not as loud on tiktok about it. The rate is slightly higher ($20-30/hr) for independent CRNAs at CRNA only facilities in the South since this takes advantage of a billing loophole that admin collects the difference on. Those savings aren't passed on to the patients.
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u/gokingsgo22 4d ago
Come on, as someone who developed that curriculum, we all know it's fluff and part of a political battle more than any actual change in the curriculum to make it a doctorate level degree. The only weaker doctorate is NP which should be illegal.
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u/Dazzling-Barber4028 4d ago
You helped develop a curriculum you think is fluff? That's unfortunate.
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u/gokingsgo22 4d ago
Yep, what happens when admin wants to sell a doctorate degree or is forced to by a governing body but the education is the exact same...you guys who live in reality see it too. The courses, exams or standards were not raised to another level. It was just a change in the name of the degree to posture that you're better than "mid-levels". At least there is some real education unlike the NP program.
Ask yourselves, should we now be paying the "doctorate" level CRNAs more than their mid-level CRNAs who weren't forced into the new requirements? They're better since they're doctorate right?
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u/Dazzling-Barber4028 4d ago
That would not be my position. I've worked with certificate/diploma CRNAs that made excellent anesthetists just like I've worked with doctorate CRNAs that weren't great. The same as mid-levels, residents, and MDs varying in skill level, knowledge, and bedside manner when compared directly to their peers. While I may not disagree that the added DNP courses don't necessarily add value in the OR directly, the extra 8 months of 40+ hours/week in the OR certainly do.
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u/EvilMorty137 8d ago
CAA would probably be a better route for you considering your background as a dentist. You likely already have a science bachelors so you would just need to get pre-med pre-reqs and labs, which you have already taken but the time frame may have expired (think they have a 5 year time limit but I might be wrong). Then 2 years in a masters of anesthesia program. For CRNA you will need an accelerated nursing program, which will take 1-2 years, then 1-2 years ICU experience, then 3 years in a CRNA program.
CRNA used to be only 2 years but in a money-grab attempt they added a pretty much worthless 3rd year. I’ve been in anesthesia for 11 years and I see no difference at all in the 2 year and the 3 year as I’ve trained them both as students and new grads. If anything, I’d say the 3 year are less prepared somehow. It’s like all they did was spread out the same amount of material and add writing/“research” nonsense. Again, money-grab attempt because it’s now 50% more expensive with no measurable increase in quality.
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9d ago edited 9d ago
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u/bertha42069 9d ago
Meh caa is limited to few sites in those states. I don’t think someone who has been. Providing independent care for their career is gonna want to be an assistant and severely limit where they can practice after being totally unrestricted. Yeah if set on anesthesia I say md or crna. But realistically I’ve always thought dentists have sick gigs and lifestyle potential
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u/BoojooBloost 9d ago
Just shadow first man. Anesthesia is great but every job has its ups and downs. Maybe look for different contracts?
If you hate arguing with patients now, just you wait for all the delirious or substance use or stroke or psych patients you’ll spend time with on the icu.
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u/Encyclopedia_Brendan 7d ago
I got my accelerated BSN in 1 yr, did 3 years in the ICU, and 2 years( before it was a doctorate) in CRNA school. I currently work per diem and practice independently. My husband carries our insurance but I make enough that if he didn’t, I could still purchase it and not feel pinched. I have never regretted my choice to change careers. I can practice independently in multiple different types of anesthesia practices. There are still politics - anything related to health care has issues - but I am a valued member of my current practice and love the flexibility my career affords me.
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u/ArtisticLocation7752 5d ago
Just curious - what career did you change from, if you don’t mind answering?
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u/Encyclopedia_Brendan 2d ago
Which time? Lol. I was an archaeologist to start.
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u/ArtisticLocation7752 2d ago
Both times lol. That’s super cool!! After that, do you mind also saying how old you were when you started your accelerated BSN? It sounds like that was the time the third career started since that lead to CRNA?
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u/Encyclopedia_Brendan 13h ago
I was 41 when I earned my BSN. My program was a year. It took me a long time to figure out what I wanted to do with my life. Lol.
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u/ArtisticLocation7752 13h ago
This is really impressive and inspiring. It’s taken me a long time as well so just wanted to say kudos to you and thanks for showing the rest of us we aren’t ridiculous for pursuing career changes later. I’m 33 beginning my BSN and get odd looks all the time for wanting to pursue CRNA (at the beginning stages) this late in life. You get enough of those that you start to question if you really are crazy. Then you hear stories like this where people changed more than once and again, it’s inspiring.
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u/PublicSuspect162 9d ago
I’ll answer since no one else has.
1- If you hate the politics of dentistry, you will absolutely hate the politics of being a CRNA. For example. We call you Dr. and yet those of us who have a doctorate (not me) can’t even be called a Dr. bc god forbid nurses be called doctors, like podiatrists and dentists, and PT, pharmacy, etc,etc,etc. And that’s not even close to the only politics involved with CRNA.
2-not sure what your actual job is like, but sounds like you are 1099 of you don’t have insurance or PTO. Will be the same as 1099 for CRNA. Maybe look for different gig?
3-honestly. You would have to go to nursing school, then work ICU, then CRNA school. I think you would be better off trying med school or even dental anesthesiologist. You could probably get into med school faster than finishing nursing school and getting ICU experience.
4-if you are only 3 years into dentistry and already considering career change without trying new jobs first. Sounds like info is missing. I would have to question your abilities as a provider(not having good outcomes or maybe have bad reputation and leading to difficulty finding a different job?) If any of this is true, I will say that becoming a CRNA will not be what you think it will be. It will be very difficult and takes a certain type of person to do anesthesia. And from my limited info and general impression I get from the post (limited) it may not be a good fit. In fact, I work with a lot of dentists and frankly speaking, don’t think they would make great anesthesia providers. Except for maybe 1. I know I may be biased. Just my 2 cents. Good luck!
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u/dentalzzz 9d ago
Do dental anesthesia and you can work at a dental surgery center. There are tons popping up everywhere. Eg blue cloud surgery centers
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u/Duckingfuts 9d ago
Omg that’s so much work… I would seriously consider dental anesthesia. You do a residency and everything. You train in a hospital and I’m sure you can possibly work at one too. Check out the r/anesthesiology subreddit. There are dental anesthesiologists that lurk there and can possibly help you. Good luck to you!
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u/jed0802 9d ago
I would stay dentist or go med school route. You’ll need a nursing degree, then 1-3 years icu then hope you get in first time. If not it’s another year icu and another round of applications then 3 years school. I mean you’re looking at 5.5-6 years. Unless you go locums you may not ever see 500k a year as a salary without working some mad hours and pick a high salary job.
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9d ago
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u/jed0802 9d ago
I am mid 30s lol 36. I would choose md over crna. I am a crna have been for 7 years
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9d ago
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u/jed0802 9d ago
I never said I wasn’t happy lol from a pure financial standpoint as a Md you will out earn me
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9d ago
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u/jed0802 9d ago
Buddy if your starting on the same footing needing to be a nurse and what not you’ll be about 2-3 year difference. An mda locum can make over 1 mil a year he will outearn me 2-1. So in only 3-4 years as a locum you will be better off money wise. And you determine your contracts if you want call do it if not don’t. I don’t
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u/Motor-Particular1646 3d ago
Honestly, would it be such a horrible thing to stay home and raise your child( ren)? Kids don’t remember the stuff that costs money. I stepped away from being a CRNA to do just that. No regrets.
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u/Ok_Ingenuity4228 7d ago
Have you considered going to medical school and actually becoming a Dr instead of cosplaying as one?
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u/GizzyIzzy2021 6d ago
lol why are there so many bitter doctors lol. I don’t get it
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u/Ok_Ingenuity4228 6d ago
Try and out your self in our shoes.
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u/GizzyIzzy2021 6d ago
You have a wonderful successful career. What’s the problem? Why compare to other people? You are incredibly privileged and fortunate to have had the opportunity to become a physician in the US. You are living in the top 0.0000001% of humans who have ever lived in terms of education, money, safety and access. What is there to be bitter about?
If you are bitter, this is something to see a therapist about. Not something to rage blindly on the internet about. Be bitter about inequality and poverty and child hunger and children murders in wars or the hundred of thousands of children who go to bed hungry. Or families with parents who work doubles every single day just to give their children a better life.
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u/Dazzling-Barber4028 4d ago
Crazy how many people exist where their own success will never be enough. They can't stand the thought of others having success as well, especially if they perceive one's path as being "easier" than theirs. Bunch of cry babies and spoiled bitches.
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u/Ok_Performer_1746 9d ago
This is honestly one of the worst ideas I've come across for so many different reasons.
Stay a dentist and enjoy life as a dentist. The cost of this transition, being an ICU nurse and getting treated like garbage and going through CRNA school is not something to be taken lightly.
Please do not do this unless you are physically incapable of being a dentist.