FNP or PNP?

[*ac*]

I am ready to take the leap and apply to an NP Program. I really want to continue in peds and am attracted to the PNP program, but am thinking that FNP would give me more employment opportunity. My thinking is that as an FNP, I could work in peds but the reverse is not true, and in this economy maybe it's best to be as flexible as possible.

But given that I'm a peds nurse through and through, would I hate some aspects of the FNP program? Should I do PNP knowing that it might take longer to get a job?

Any advice on which way to go?

[*ac*]

OMG, this is so confusing. Both arguments are excellent. Every reply convinces me to go the opposite direction.

[traumaRUs, MSN, APRN]

I think you should go with your heart and what you plan to do now. It may totally work out for you.

I'm not trying to beat a dead horse but if; later on; things change, you can always head back to school for a post-MSN certificate in adult. It doesn't take long and is (relatively) painless.

[Corey Narry, MSN, RN, NP]

I guess the other question to ask yourself too is why you hesitate to specialize in Peds as a PNP. Are your afraid of not getting nurse practitioner jobs in pediatrics when you are done with the NP program you chose? Does this mean that you are willing to compromise and do whatever is out there even to the point of working in a specialty you have no interest in just so you can practice as a nurse practitioner? Many posts in this forum seem to point out that FNP is better because you can practice in practically any specialty you want. The reality of that is probably more geographically-dependent. Familiarize yourself with the job market in your area and try to figure out what specialty preparation the current NP's you meet in the clinical setting you work have under their belt. I agree that ideally, the PNP should be preferred for any pediatric specialty job opening over the FNP. I also didn't approach my NP career by going for the most generalized specialty route because I've always worked with adults in acute care settings and feel very comfortable there as a RN. I couldn't picture myself working with young kids or only women. Naturally, I picked Adult Acute Care NP and did find that job opportunities in adult specialties in in-patient settings are available for me. I didn't have to compromise my clinical interests just so I can get a job. Definitely something to add to what you have to ponder on.

[ChristineN, BSN, RN]

I've been having the same debate in my mind as the OP. I have decided that I am going to primarily apply to PNP (perferably acute care) programs. My interest is mainly with peds and adolescents, there really isn't much that I want to do with adults. Like you, all of my RN experience is as a pediatric nurse, so I almost feel as if I would be behind for an FNP program since I'm already rusty on alot of adult concepts.

Good luck on whatever you decide.

[traumaRUs, MSN, APRN]

NPgilly and Christine bring up valuable points:

1. Going with your heart and your interests turns out (usually) to be the best fit.

2. Specializing versus going for a generalist is geographic dependent - something that needs to be considered also.

[NurseKJ]

I, too, debated this very issue when applying for graduate school. ( I chose FNP, for the reasons below, and also, because I have acute adult, ED, OB and Peds experience).

would this peds program be acute care peds? Do you want to work in a hospital when you're done? If you want to do PICUs or the like, then maybe peds is for you.

But if you want to work in an office or health clinic, let me put it like this:

1. pediatric populations (teenage girls,ect) will need gyn and OB care

2. pediatric populations are experiencing more chronic "adult-like conditions" (DM, HTN, obesity, ect.)

3. pediatric populations will need good ole' newborn through young adult care.

All three of these are addressed and studied in an FNP program.

I recently did a share day with a wonderful, experienced PNP in the local school system. She stated that she loves peds, but is limited to caring for patients under 21- which makes it hard when you work for the local health departments, ect.

I hope this helps. You certainly have a big decision to make... Good Luck!

-KJ

[iPink, BSN, RN]

Glad for this thread, because I'm a pre-nursing student, pursing second degree. Have a B.A. in another field. I'm going for an accelerated BSN next year. Eventually wanting to become an NP, but didn't know if I should do the PNP or FNP program in the future. Reading these posts has helped.