[VegasNurse05]

I am currently a SICU RN in Indianapolis who wants to be an NP. I just don't know which NP program would get me where I want to be.

My "dream job" would be to work in a practice w/ doctors that do reconstructive surgery on patients w/ cleft palates, facial deformities, accident victims, etc. Because this patient population would presumably involve children I would think the only degree that would afford me this scope of practice would be the FNP.

However, I am worried that FNP relegates you only to well person exams and wouldn't let me pursue any kind of surgical/post op job. Please tell me I have been misinformed! I love being an ICU nurse and doing post op care/dressing changes/evals and could see myself providing that kind of service for an MD office.

A couple of friends I work w/ keep trying to convince me that ACNP is where I need to be if I like the surgical component. However, I don't want to be stuck writing tube feed orders and inserting central lines.

Any advice on which degree FNP or ACNP would better be suited to my "dream job"?

[PediASL]

Hi,
We have similar goals, and it is a GREAT area to work in. I obtained my C-PNP and was hired within a craniofacial program within the plastic surgery service in a large pediatric hospital (no acute care experience). We work with mostly young children/infants with craniofacial anomalies, few trauma as most of the facial trauma goes to oral and maxillofacial surgery, although we do work together at times. We work with wound care RNs a lot being that we are the plastic surgery service....

Your nursing inpatient surgical/acute care experience will be invaluable when you are interviewing for NP positions. I would consider calling the schools and discussing your options.. i.e. ACNP would not train you in pediatrics... FNP is a good broad degree but, yes without the acute care component.. there is a acute care pediatric trac at some universities...

I would suggest calling certain programs, observing, and networking with clinicians in that area so after you graduate you have some connections and can make a more informed decision upon intering or as you matriculate through school.

Good luck. Feel free to PM me if you have any further questions.