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For nurses, when deciding on graduate school, have you second guessed your decision and what helped you solidify your choice?

I am completing my BSN currently and am pretty set on going to CRNA school but have been considering NP. How should I decide?

nursing fall25 graduate-school
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Shawn’s Answer

It’s a big commitment, and I wondered whether I could balance work, school, and my personal responsibilities. What helped solidify my choice was going back to my “why.” I knew I wanted to advance my skills, open up more opportunities, and have a greater impact on patient care. I also talked to nurses who had already completed graduate programs, and hearing their experiences reassured me that the temporary challenges were worth the long-term benefits. Once I looked at the bigger picture, the decision felt right.
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Edward’s Answer

I started my BSN program with the intent of CRNA after. During my year in ER and ICU that was required before applying to CRNA, I found that leadership and improving the ER and ICU of the hospital I was working in was one of my talents and got pulled into more of a patient care and department improvement specialist. My career took me into administrative and program building specialties, while still working shifts in the ER regularly. All this to say, use that year of experience to see if anything else feels like a calling.

Additionally, I would strongly recommend visiting with some of the OR staff, especially CRNAs. They should be happy to discuss what the real job is like and even allow you to shadow them. Good luck!
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Ann’s Answer

I earned my BSN and worked on a medical-surgical floor for five years before taking a break for a few years to raise my kids. After that, I decided not to return to hospital work. I was set on becoming a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), even though I didn't fully understand what the role involved. I wanted to work in an office setting, helping patients achieve their best health as their primary healthcare provider. While I could have worked in an office as an RN handling calls and paperwork, that didn't appeal to me.

I can't specifically advise on choosing between a CRNA and an NP, but I believe starting as an RN in a hospital provides valuable hands-on experience. It's helpful to speak with CRNAs and NPs to understand their career paths. CRNAs have more specialized career options, while NPs have a wide range of opportunities. The choice depends on your interests.
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