[dad2one]

I'm interested in becoming an NP and focusing in the ICU. Right now I'm debating between adults and peds. I really like the challenge of working with kids but I'm wondering what the opportunities are out there for a PNP in the ICU. I would assume that most PICUs have residents and/or fellows that get to do most of the "good" stuff. Can anyone comment on the role of an NP in the PICU? It seems with adults that the best opportunities are in private practive where you don't have to compete with the residents.

[Humbled_Nurse]

Hey Bryan:

I think you would have good opportunities as a PNP is the PICU. It seems more PICU's are seeing the advantages of PNP's. From what I've heard the PNP's do a lot of the "good stuff" and actually help take some of the load off of the residents. I would just start contacting the large Children's hospitals and asking if they use PNP's in their ICU's and if yes ask to speak with someone about their role and maybe you could shadow one. Check out www.childrens.com I know that they use PNP's in their ICU and they train students from all over the country.

Good luck!

[suzanne4]

Not all Children's Hospitals have full residency programs for doctors, and not necessarily in the PICU. If they have a training program for PICU intensivists, then that is another issue and yes, they will be getting the good stuff.

[suzanne4]

But PICU is very different from the adult world, I would highly recommend that you get some work experience in that area first to see if it is something that you really want to do. It is hard on some that try to work there with the deaths that occur in the little ones.

[karatenurse]

Where I work, we have three NP's. Their role is almost that of the attending. I realize it is not like this everywhere, but that is their role at my hospital. They do a-lines, central lines, and a whole host of other "good" things. I am currently looking into becoming a PICU NP. I will graduate with my BSN in May and would like to attend the University of Penn. They supposedly have a great program!