[HealthyRN]

I am currently enrolled in a part-time FNP program. I've been a nurse for about a year and a half. I started my career in the ED and stayed for 10 months. I've been working in community education for the last 5 months. I've been thinking about returning to acute care because I don't know if community education will be considered good experience for FNP.

I enjoy my community education position MUCH better than acute care, although it is not an ideal job. I was just offered a position on a med-surg unit, but I don't know if I should take it. When I was shadowing on the unit, I realized how much I dislike acute care and I know that I would be miserable again. But on the other hand, it will be a waste of time if I graduate as a FNP and cannot find a job because of my lack of acute care experience. Do you think employers would consider community education experience to be valuable for an FNP? Any input or advice?

[PhillyKidRN]

I was in a similar situation as you. I work in an pediatric ED and I kinda like my job but not very much. I decided to look for a job outside of acute care and in the family practice setting since that what I am truly interested in (just starting a FNP program myself). I know the ED gives me better experience, but it's more stressful and less flexible. So I work 24 hours in the ED and per diem at the family practice center. Is it possible for you to find an acute care job that's per diem rather than full time? This way you can still do the job you prefer (the community one) but you're still getting acute care experience. Just a thought.
Take care,
Suzanne