What are my options? Family Nurse Practitioner vs. Acute Care Nurse Practitioner?

[NurseDeroko]

Hi allnurses.com community!

Since I became a Nurse, I have always had a goal set for myself to become a Nurse Practitioner. As a new nurse I always thought I would do Family, but through my experience as a Med-Surg RN I have predominately cared for acute care adults in a hospital setting. I enjoy the hospital setting but have not had experience with pediatrics. I don't want to limit my capabilities to just one area.

I have never worked in a community setting and not sure if I will enjoy it. I love educating my patients and "playing detective" to try and find a cause for what ever ails them. I want to thrive in my career, do I stay in the hospital or work in a family practice setting? Will my lack of experience with children hinder my practice?

Any suggestions or even stories of your experience would be greatly appreciated.

[IcySageNurse]

Try shadowing an NP in both positions and see which you like more. If you become an FNP, you can always get your Acute Care post-master's certificate later.

[Annaiya, NP]

Depending on where you're applying to, you may have more trouble getting accepted to an FNP program if you don't have any peds experience. A friend of mine was not accepted to an FNP program because she only had 2 years of adult experience and they said that wasn't enough. Maybe apply for both programs and see which one you get into and then do the post-masters, if you still want the other certification.

[NurseDeroko]

@Annaiya,

Thanks for the advice!

[teelatice15]

Depending on where you're applying to, you may have more trouble getting accepted to an FNP program if you don't have any peds experience. A friend of mine was not accepted to an FNP program because she only had 2 years of adult experience and they said that wasn't enough. Maybe apply for both programs and see which one you get into and then do the post-masters, if you still want the other certification.

I live in Buffalo & you don't have to have peds experience to get into the FNP programs.

[ll9919]

I've never heard of someone not getting into an fnp program bc they don't have peds experience but every program differs. I am in an fnp program and don't have peds experience. I've had people tell me it's actually easier to learn peds info with adult med surg experience than vice versa. Based on your interest in education, fnp or adult np could be a good fit. Unfortunately, the acnps I've worked with have less time to teach due to the high acuity of their patients.

[Aussierules1985]

Being a younger guy that doesn't want to touch peds with a ten foot pole; its okay...

A) you'll learn the basics

B) i think it may be easier to find jobs b/c of that exact same reason you dont want to do FNP; the fact that it is a broad field.

The Family NP is totally worth it.

[Aussierules1985]

Oh.. and eventually you can find a job that really does avoid that..

its the same with OB-GYN. Most guys don't want it. So i avoid doing it...

ps if im not mistaken on physicals; blue cross insurance pays for a separate obgyn visit to do all that. point being LOTS of clinics do whatever they feel comfortable with.