I'm currently working on my FNP, after having earned my MSN/CNL.

Although FNP's do not function in the hospital setting in California like the Acute Care NP's, the FNP's still see patients in the ER setting.

I have been trying to find information on how a dual FNP/CNL role would be actualized in an inpatient setting, and this site, as well as other sources, only describe the CNL versus FNP role.

Are there any nurses out there who have both FNP & CNL 'certifications' who could shed some light upon incorporating both the CNL & FNP into one role in the acute care setting? (As a CNL, I am very familiar with the CNL role).

OR, is there anyone who has found a unique way to utilize both roles?

Thank you ~ I really do hope that I hear back from someone.

What do you want to do? See patients as a provider, write orders and direct treatment. Or provide nursing leadership on the unit or in the hospital? I would guess that the NP would help you be more competitive for CNL jobs. Not sure how a CNL would help you as an NP. You would probably be more systems-savvy which might work into a leadership type NP role. You would probably have to create your own role and get someone to hire you. Maybe a clinical program director.

Hi Psychcns.

Thank you for your response.

I would like to see patients in the inpatient setting (in California), but I also want to be able to see all age groups.

I want to have more range than an Acute Care NP.

I will continue to look for information on a cross-pollinated FNP/CNL role, and see if someone with more of an imagination than I has come up with any ideas.

?? Research? Clinical trials, maybe. NP friendly teaching hospitals with research going on?