FNP vs ACNP

Nursing Students NP Students

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Hello,

I know there are already a few threads on FNP vs ACNP, but most of what I'm seeing is dated from a few years ago, so I just wanted to see if there is any update from those of you currently practicing or in school. I am in the process of researching programs to start applying to, and the question of ACNP vs FNP has come into place. When I first graduated nursing school, I had planned on doing ACNP. This was prior to transferring from the adult world into the NICU. I have been told by some that FNP allows you to take care of all ages in a variety of settings, which gives the flexiblity I would love. However, reading, I am seeing some things saying it's hard to find hospital work for an FNP, as the education really is centered around family primary care. I don't see myself working outside of a hospital initially. It may be something that I decide to do in the future, but I love acute care. I love the fast pace, I love the challenge, the puzzle of solving this problem with this problem. Not saying that there will not be challenges in primary care, but they are just different types. I have hands-on experience in telemetry and a level III NICU. I think as far as NP goes, I can envision myself working in the (primarily adult, but I like having a peds option too)units, EDs, etc., at least to start.

I have found a couple of dual ACNP/FNP programs, but they all go by the title of "emergency NP" and require at least a year or two of bedside ER experience, which I do not have. I just know I do want to have the option to work in the hospital without struggling to find a job that allows my position.

While we're on the topic, did any of you/are you complete(ing) online programs for your degree? I'd love to hear any insight on how you like the program, if so!

Thanks!

I spent 3.5 years as an ACNP in SICU at a major Midwestern medical center. We managed 7-8 critical care patients, functioned on the level of the fellows, & handled whatever patient came in next... GSW to DKA to an overflow Obs pt. we frequently did central lines, chest tubes, paracenteses, intubations, art lines, bronchoscopies, & (more rarely) invasive cardiac monitoring, daily notes, billing, & management of the patients. We mostly rounded with a critical care attending on days, & a 2nd year fellow on nights. I only left because of the grueling hours, but my point is... I think positions & experiences include a vast range of levels for both ACNP & FNP. I have also been a bit restricted in the PT rural ED I work in because I can't see the kids. Either way, just pick one & go with it. You can always pick up a second certification at a later date/time if you find you need it!

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Specializes in NICU, telemetry.

I saw my old post was brought up somehow! For what it's worth to anyone, I decided to go with acute care. I started last semester, and actually started clinicals today!

After further research and speaking with practitioners after I originally wrote this post, I decided this was the better route for me over FNP. I hope this thread helps to serve anyone else who may now be struggling with making the same decision I had to make!

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Specializes in Critical Care and ED.
I saw my old post was brought up somehow! For what it's worth to anyone, I decided to go with acute care. I started last semester, and actually started clinicals today!

After further research and speaking with practitioners after I originally wrote this post, I decided this was the better route for me over FNP. I hope this thread helps to serve anyone else who may now be struggling with making the same decision I had to make!

That's great! Thanks for coming back and updating us. What contributed to your decision making?

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Specializes in ICU.
I saw my old post was brought up somehow! For what it's worth to anyone, I decided to go with acute care. I started last semester, and actually started clinicals today!

After further research and speaking with practitioners after I originally wrote this post, I decided this was the better route for me over FNP. I hope this thread helps to serve anyone else who may now be struggling with making the same decision I had to make!

Yay for choosing acute care and getting to start clinicals! How did your first day (or 2) go?

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Specializes in NICU, telemetry.
That's great! Thanks for coming back and updating us. What contributed to your decision making?

Further research on my part...talking to students/recent alumni of FNP programs, and talking to NPs I know. I know that I want to stay inpatient and hope to be in a critical care setting. Also, speaking with advisors of the prospective programs I was going to apply to. Speaking with all of these, I've been told the education for acute care is way more closely centered around that. I know FNPs can and do work in hospitals, even in critical care environments, but what's most important to me isn't that I *can* do it. I want my education to best prepare me for it.

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Specializes in NICU, telemetry.
Yay for choosing acute care and getting to start clinicals! How did your first day (or 2) go?

It went well! I learned a lot already and know there is only so much more to!

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