[Jesskanurse]

Whats the difference between an Acute Care Nurse Practitioner and an Emergency Nurse Practitioner?

[pinoyNP]

ACNP - Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

ENP - Emergency Nurse Practitioner

Both are NP tracks offered in schools and colleges of nursing. ACNP's are certified by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) and will soon have the option to be certified by the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN). There is currently no certification available for ENP's. Most ENP graduates are eligible to take either the Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) certification or ACNP certification depending on the individual program. Most commonly, ENP's are certified under the FNP.

[Jesskanurse]

Just curious...what do you think the outlook is for ACNPs??

I am always going back and forth in my mind as to what route to go... Adult NP, Psych NP, Acute Care NP, PA, CRNA.... ahh!!

I like them all.

[pinoyNP]

It depends on the geographical area of the country you live in. Some metro areas have a demand for mid-level providers in specialty fields rather than primary care. This is where most ACNP's tend to find jobs more easily.

[traumaRUs]

PinoyNP is so right - you need to look at the marketabilty for APNs in YOUR area or if you want to move - what is available in that area? This is the most important step you can take.

[NeuroMedic]

Vanderbilt University School of Nursing(http://www.vanderbilt.edu/nursing) offers a dual option for Emergency Nurse Practitioner in which you receive BOTH ACNP and FNP. As a graduate of this program, I would HIGHLY recommend it.