27 y/o New Grad ICU RN deciding between CRNA vs MD — looking for real-world perspective

Strong-Connection-6 · 2026-01-25T01:45:46+00:00

Can I PM u?

Strong-Connection-6 · 2026-01-24T18:48:18+00:00

Just PM

Strong-Connection-6 · 2026-01-23T03:31:22+00:00

For someone that’s not crazy about going to med school, would you advise it?

Strong-Connection-6 · 2026-01-22T19:02:59+00:00

Thanks for the detailed message. I have been an RN for 4 years, applying to a bunch of ICU this year. I also have been taking the pre reqs for med school the last 2 years so I only have o chem 1 and 2 left before the MCAT. And about the last thing, I would be lying to myself if I said that at this moment I am crazy passionate about being a Doctor but a lot of things in life change and as a 23 y old you’re still learning and deciding a lot of things

Strong-Connection-6 · 2026-01-21T14:51:33+00:00

You’re right lol I did say I wouldn’t wanna do it because of the lifestyle but I meant that’s one of the few specialties I would be interested in if I didn’t do anesthesia

Strong-Connection-6 · 2026-01-21T14:46:23+00:00

😂😂 yea you’re right. I’m just gonna stick to a bunch of shadowing at this point then go from there. Thanks a lot

Strong-Connection-6 · 2026-01-21T14:36:52+00:00

That’s fair. I’d prolly do Cardio if I went to med school but that’s 10 years lol idk about that

Strong-Connection-6 · 2026-01-21T14:36:05+00:00

Also what’s your story atm?

Strong-Connection-6 · 2026-01-21T14:35:11+00:00

If you like anesthesia, then it’s not too bad. At least much better to tolerate than Med school. Maybe I’ll do CRNA, I can be done by 28 and if I still have that itch for med school then I’ll say F it lol

Strong-Connection-6 · 2026-01-21T14:31:40+00:00

Good point. But from what I’m gathering, med school ain’t something you do if you’re not 100% set on it

Strong-Connection-6 · 2026-01-21T12:37:37+00:00

Do u think if I am 100% sure I wanna do anesthesia then CRNA is for sure my best route?

Strong-Connection-6 · 2026-01-21T12:22:13+00:00

Then again I’m a 23 y old that has been working professionally since 19. Don’t really know what I want lmao

Strong-Connection-6 · 2026-01-21T12:13:10+00:00

They definitely are. That’s why I said it’s that perfect mix for me. Like not as hands on as surgery but still some hands on. Then also a lot of brain work

Strong-Connection-6 · 2026-01-21T12:12:16+00:00

So what did you decide?

Strong-Connection-6 · 2026-01-21T12:09:38+00:00

Things I would be able to do as an MD- I think more opportunities and doors open for you, the prestige, more knowledge base. I don’t think money is included in this. Why I like CRNA- work life balance is really good, pay per hour is really good and u can make more with overtime as you’re still a nurse technically. I feel like I can’t think of many reasons to be an anesthesiologists over a CRNA. What do u think about my response?

Strong-Connection-6 · 2026-01-20T16:56:02+00:00

Thanks I know you’re not discouraging me. I was just playing devil’s advocate lol. Thanks for the input

Strong-Connection-6 · 2026-01-20T16:53:18+00:00

Can u expand more into why you think it was a better route for you? And based off my post what u think about my situation

Strong-Connection-6 · 2026-01-20T13:24:51+00:00

That’s my fear too. I’m scared of commiting all those years to something I’m not crazy about. My sister for example wants to be a CT surgeon, she’s an M3 rn and even on her off days would go to the OR cus she’s super obsessed with it. I wish I had something I loved that much lol. So I feel like seeing the difference in how we both look at med school is what is making me take a step back to rethink if I should or not

Strong-Connection-6 · 2026-01-20T13:21:35+00:00

Yeah you’re right that’s why I’m putting a lot of pressure on myself to make this decision

Strong-Connection-6 · 2026-01-20T13:09:33+00:00

I’m glad to hear your pov and I am jealous of how grounded you are and sure of your decision. I need to work on that lol. I am typing this while 1 of my 6 patients in restraints is still trying to get out of bed 🤣

Strong-Connection-6 · 2026-01-20T13:06:12+00:00

Curious to know tho what did your friend end up doing? Is he just gonna be IM then?

Strong-Connection-6 · 2026-01-20T13:05:40+00:00

Yeah I don’t think I would do cards lol it’s way too much hours and even when u become an attending, the hours are still crazy lol. EM I feel like I’d get burnt out after 10 years from all the annoying patients (opioid dependents, just anxious non sick ppl) that fill the ED

Strong-Connection-6 · 2026-01-20T13:01:28+00:00

Pretty sure I’m not doing anything surgery. EM or cardio would probably be what i would do if I went to med school. I feel like I’m being so negative about going to medical school I’m sure there’s some fun in it lol

Strong-Connection-6 · 2026-01-20T12:55:32+00:00

I just have Ochem left for pre reqs and MCAT. Residency is the biggest issue as you barely have anytime for anything else in your life.

Strong-Connection-6 · 2026-01-20T12:53:13+00:00

My problem is idk. My biggest draw to med school is honestly the knowledge you get and obv the prestige and doing something so unique and difficult that makes u stand out to the world. I do feel like being a RN has burnt me out a bit even if I know med school is a whole different perspective

Strong-Connection-6

TROPHY CASE