[DaisyRN, ACNP]

Originally Posted by dgclough

DaisyRN, what program did you attend? I really liked the separate body systems per semester idea!

I went to the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, Tx. Hook 'EM!

[DaisyRN, ACNP]

Originally Posted by JDCitizen

Curious question? Who decides what scope of practice is? State, hospital, provider one is working with? I know this could very well vary from state to state that is why I am asking.

1. The state board of nursing determines general scope for APNs... and will say that you must stay within your scope of practice, per your certification, but I've had a hard time finding any specific scope info on the Texas BON site... other organizations also discuss certification scopes, i.e. AACN, ANCC
2. The hospital determines what they will allow you to be credentialed to do, regardless of what you are "legally" able to do
3. The provider/supervising MD and you discuss which tasks are to be delegated to you in your Protocol (what we call it in Texas)... while staying within the boundaries of scope of practice and what you are credentialed to do at the hospital.

That help?

[DaisyRN, ACNP]

Originally Posted by dgclough

Thanks so much, everyone, for your replies. This helps alot. I had almost decided to do ACNP before getting this reply but this cinches it. I have read up (via all nurses...) about ACNP and SLU and I believe that this program and degree is what I'm looking for!

Thanks again!

Great!! Best wishes to you...

[DaisyRN, ACNP]

Originally Posted by ANPFNPGNP

As far as pay, there is a job currently available in South Texas for an Acute Care NP a.k.a hospitalist and the pay is 120K per year with no benefits. They have been trying to fill it for a year, so I have a feeling they would pay even more since they're getting desperate. They tried to get a physician to take the job, but couldn't find one who was interested.

I would like to hear what the going rate is for an Acute Care NP. Anyone know the ranges?

Well, it could be that no benefits is turning someone off... it could be that the call is unreasonable... the general schedule could be bad... no telling.

As for the average rate, check this out:
http://nurse-practitioners.advancewe...8_p8table3.pdf

I started at $75K base, new grad, full benefits, productivity structure to be added to my contract at 6 months... I would think that average for an ACNP would be $90-110... or at least that's what I read when I was finishing up my program... and that's also for Houston area. I'm in a smaller area right now... but my earning potential with my productivity is well over the six figure mark, even tho my base is lower than more urban settings, and the PA we hired a month or so ago with 15+ years exp, said that our productivity, benefit structure, and value within the company is almost unheardof. I can't say that with any clout because I have neer been a MLP anywhere else, but I would think that the $120K would be on the low side since benefits are not included and there is no mention of productivity pay.