CRNP or FNP for ER/Trauma Centers

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Just had a quick question about my terminal degree. I currently work in a large surgical ICU. I want to pursue a degree as a Nurse Practitioner but I am conflicted by which degree is right for me. I want to work as an NP in an ER or large Trauma center. I was wondering what degree qualifies me for this? CRNP or FNP? I have heard that ERs prefer FNP because they can work with kids which limits the CRNP degree (unless you go pediatric CRNP which then limits your adult care abilities). Any information on this subject is greatly appreciated!

Specializes in DHSc, PA-C.
Just had a quick question about my terminal degree. I currently work in a large surgical ICU. I want to pursue a degree as a Nurse Practitioner but I am conflicted by which degree is right for me. I want to work as an NP in an ER or large Trauma center. I was wondering what degree qualifies me for this? CRNP or FNP? I have heard that ERs prefer FNP because they can work with kids which limits the CRNP degree (unless you go pediatric CRNP which then limits your adult care abilities). Any information on this subject is greatly appreciated!

First off, a CRNP is simply a certified registered nurse practitioner. So, it encompasses all NP specialties. My assumption is you are really wanting to compare FNP vs ACNP (acute care NP). There is debate about this. In my opinion the best option would to do a specific ENP program (Emergency NP) or a combined FNP/ACNP program. This way you get specific training to handle the ER. This is really a newer development over the past several years-decade. I've worked with several FNPs in the ER setting and they did just fine. This conversation is similar I would say to FNP vs ACNP for inpatient work. There are prior posts about this you can search.

Specializes in ER, PCU, UCC, Observation medicine.

I am FNP and I do ER. I've worked so far in 3 different hospitals and never heard any gripe about my cert. The only time I had a problem was when I worked with a hospitalist group I could not cover ICU because that does require acute care certification.

I don't recommend ENP off the bat because you do restrict yourself to only an ER setting. Go for FNP and if you want en ER cert go for post masters.

Anyone know if fnp can work ER or urgent care centers in Texas, I'm wanting to get my aprn thinking fnp is way to go. From what I can tell enp is just an added cert, you can't get it right away, must first be licensed as an fnp or AG acnp.

Find an ACNP/FNP combo program that way you have all your bases covered. In my areas hospitals are only hiring FNP/ACNP for the ER or FNP's with previous hospitalist/ER experience ...they will not hire a new NP into the ER even if they have ER experience as a nurse...just my 2 cents good luck

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