[lrchester]

Hello to all, I have a question...

I just got accepted into MSN program for "Adult Acute NP." I am of course VERY excited and I have a couple questions.

I currently work in Critical care (for the past 8 years) and my goal is to work in the hospital setting as an NP. I would be happy either caring for the critical care pt and/or those patients admitted to general med/surg.

With the degree I am seeking, I'm wondering if I would be marketable not only to the hospital setting, but to an office setting or a doctors office (if that is what the potential market holds for my future.)

Should I stay with Adult Acute or switch to Adult Primary?? My only concern is that there may not be a position for me just in the hospital setting. I understand the difference in course work and how the two roles differ.

I just wonder if an NP is like an RN in that an RN can go in so many different directions with their careers.

Thanks!

[lrchester]

Anyone?? Thoughts???

[yellow finch]

You bring up an interesting question. I'm currently working on a FNP while working in Acute Care and while I would like to spend some time in the ICU before finishing my MSN, I find myself drawn to wanting to work with the hospitalists in the Acute Care setting. But will my FNP degree be enough for that group? So you and I have similiar dilemmas.

In your case, I think that the Acute Care degree would benefit you in an office setting as it still deals with adults and in order to treat patients in an acute setting you must understand at least the basics of primary care in order to garner knowledge for tertiary care. It would also make you available to see patients in the hospital if needed that are in your care group. Meanwhile, with the Primary Care degree, you would need additional education (possibly) in order to acheive Acute Care status. Does that make any sense?

Best of luck to you!

[lrchester]

Yes it does make sense. Thanks for your input and good luck with your education.
Lori

[DaisyRN, ACNP]

Originally Posted by lrchester

Hello to all, I have a question...

I just got accepted into MSN program for "Adult Acute NP." I am of course VERY excited and I have a couple questions.

I currently work in Critical care (for the past 8 years) and my goal is to work in the hospital setting as an NP. I would be happy either caring for the critical care pt and/or those patients admitted to general med/surg.

With the degree I am seeking, I'm wondering if I would be marketable not only to the hospital setting, but to an office setting or a doctors office (if that is what the potential market holds for my future.)

Should I stay with Adult Acute or switch to Adult Primary?? My only concern is that there may not be a position for me just in the hospital setting. I understand the difference in course work and how the two roles differ.

I just wonder if an NP is like an RN in that an RN can go in so many different directions with their careers.

Thanks!

Alright... I am in an Acute Care - Adult program as well. I was told, by a reputable source, that being trained in Acute Care you will be primarily trained to treat patients with acute illnesses either IN the hospital OR in an INTERNAL medicine clinic. You would not, however, be able to work in a FAMILY practice clinic. From what you have described... I think you should stick with acute care.

As for the versatility compared to RNs... no. You will not have the flexibility because of the specialization that you choose as an APN. However, if flexibility is what you are wanting... the FNP may be the route to go. As I mentioned in another posting... some states are pushing for the FNP to be banned from practicing inpatient because it is outside their "primary care" scope of practice. Just some things to think about...

[DaisyRN, ACNP]

Originally Posted by yellow finch

You bring up an interesting question. I'm currently working on a FNP while working in Acute Care and while I would like to spend some time in the ICU before finishing my MSN, I find myself drawn to wanting to work with the hospitalists in the Acute Care setting. But will my FNP degree be enough for that group? So you and I have similiar dilemmas.

In your case, I think that the Acute Care degree would benefit you in an office setting as it still deals with adults and in order to treat patients in an acute setting you must understand at least the basics of primary care in order to garner knowledge for tertiary care. It would also make you available to see patients in the hospital if needed that are in your care group. Meanwhile, with the Primary Care degree, you would need additional education (possibly) in order to acheive Acute Care status. Does that make any sense?

Best of luck to you!

Yes... this is also a great point! The fact that you will be able to follow your patients from your internal medicine office into the hospital. Talk about continuity of care!!

[Cynthia_S]

I know it's a bit off topic..but, can you bill for your hospital time like you can bill for your office time? Does anyone ( state ) have admitting privledges for NPs?

[NurseCherlove]

I am thinking about enrolling in an Adult Primary Care NP program within the next year. Does anyone know...would I just be limited to the office/clinic setting or would I also be able to make rounds in the hospital on med-surg and/or tele units? Would I have to go back and get the post master's Acute Care certification?

[zenman]

Originally Posted by DaisyRN

As I mentioned in another posting... some states are pushing for the FNP to be banned from practicing inpatient because it is outside their "primary care" scope of practice. Just some things to think about...

Why would it be outside your scope of practice? FP docs admit patients all the time and follow them in the hospital...as does my FNP exwife.

[rnhunter]

It is because FNPs are trained for primary care. None of their training is related to caring for patients in the acute care setting. When a family practice doctor recieves their training they do recieve training in caring for patients in the inpatient setting. It is similar for ACNPs. Their training is focused on acutely and chronicly illnesses. ACNPs do not recieve any training in primary care. Therefore they should not work in a primary care setting. If an APN practices in an area that they have not recieved education and training they are placing their patients at risk and themselves at risk for lawsuit as they would be practicing outside their scope of practice. An APN is NOT an APN. We do not recieve generic training. Iam working on my ACNP and their is a clear difference in the training and education. Their is also some talk of limiting theCNS practicing as a NP. Again, the training is very different. a CNS focus is population focused (i.e. DM, cardiac, CHF, ect....). The NP focus is on individual.