Posted by Ben on December 12, 2007, 3:33 pm, in reply to "Re: (no subject)"
Ok, I have been researching the CRNA/AA profession for quite some time and I am so sick of constantly reading postings where CRNA's criticize AA's. I have even experienced some hostility first-hand from a couple of CRNA's when I told them I was considering the AA route. In my opinion, it boils down to this - CRNA's are a little jealous that an AA can do the exact same job and get paid the exact same money, but not have to go through nursing school or work as a nurse. CRNA's use the excuse that AA's don't have adequate experience or training - I call bullshit on that. An AA goes through a masters program that is at least, if not more, rigorous than that of CRNA's. AA's do some 2500 hours of clinical experience before graduating. Not to mention, their pre-req coursework is much, much more difficult than that of a CRNA. AA's must have a pre-med background with means that in general, you're getting the cream of the crop who are applying to the AA programs. I'm not trying to devalue the hands-on clinical experience that nurses have, but when it comes down to it, as a nurse you don't learn squat about delivering anesthesia. In my opinion, CRNA's, at best, have a slight advantage over AA's. I'm assuming if CRNA's ruled the world, all doctors would have to be nurses first as well. I'm not trying to get anyone riled up, but that's my opinion from someone who is neither a CRNA nor an AA.