NP... specialty?

zenman · Jul 19, 2012

Hi! Currently completed just one semester of FNP program. Any NPs specialized in a specific area? If o how did you go about doing it and did it change your potential pay? Any specialty! Interested in either peds or dermatology once I graduate...

Yes. I went to a psych NP program. Yes, it changed my pay and I made six figures from day 1. And yes, I'm now interviewing for a job with a $30 K raise.

Missy89 · Jul 19, 2012

Yes. I went to a psych NP program. Yes, it changed my pay and I made six figures from day 1. And yes, I'm now interviewing for a job with a $30 K raise.

Awesome! How long have you been doing psych? Since I'm doing just the FNP program which is so broad would I need to receive a certificate in the specialty area I'm interested in to be able to specialize?

IrishIzCPNP, MSN, RN, APRN, NP · Jul 19, 2012

I'm going to a ped np program. I knew what specialty I wanted right away. If you are wanting a specialty...does your current school offer what you want? I'd probably look to switch programs now, if possible.

Missy89 · Jul 27, 2012

I'm going to a ped np program. I knew what specialty I wanted right away. If you are wanting a specialty...does your current school offer what you want? I'd probably look to switch programs now, if possible.

No my school only has FNP and Adult. I chose FNP for job purposes upon graduation.I guess I'll have to do a post masters certificate program to specialize...?

allnurses Guide · Jul 27, 2012

I'm an FNP and I worked for a few years in adult primary care. That gave me the opportunity to see a broad range of conditions, and see what I liked. I discovered that I hated diabetes, cardiology, and psych, was ok with women's health, GI and ortho, and really liked ENT, pulmonary, and derm. I now work in an asthma/allergy practice which combines a bit of the three areas I really like. I also get to see kids again, which I like. I also got a substantial pay raise because I went from a community health center to a private practice. There are very few true specialty certifications for NPs-I've seen forensic, palliative care and of course the ANP, ACNP, Peds, WH, and psych tracks. Your best bet for working in a specialty is to find a position in a specialty practice where they're willing to train you. I'd recommend spending some time in a family medicine/internal medicine practice after graduation to get some experience and see what you like. Also, if you work in a general practice you will likely be referring to specialists in your area, and can make some contacts that way.