PNP-Acute vs Primary- Need advice

Specialties NP

Published

Hello,

I am currrenlty a PNP student and need to make a final decision whether to pursue primary or acute care?

When I imagine the job I would like I am aware of three things

1. I do not want to work in the PICU

2. I would like to work in a specialized peds clinic (developmental, nephrology, heme/onc, allergy, CF, etc)

3. I want normal work hours (M-F, no weekends/holidays)

My question is, do I need an acute care certificate to work in specialized clinics or would a primary certificate suffice and/or be competitive? I can't seem to make up my mind and would love any advice regarding primary vs acute PNP.

Thanks

No you don't need an acute care certificate to work in specialized clinics unless its inpatient and it also depends on what your state requires of you as a NP. I have a friend that is a primary care PNP and he now works peds rheumatology outpatient but follows them inpatient sometimes (but not doing any inpatient procedures like chest tubes/central lines..etc)

Specializes in ER, Pediatric Transplant, PICU.

Primary care all the way! I tell people only to acute care if critical care is what you want. I know plenty of primary care people that work in all those areas. Good luck!

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