Which NP specialty is most in demand?

Editorial Team / Admin · Feb 27, 2016

That's going to vary a lot by where you are and the local job market. Have you researched job postings in your area to see what is currently in need?

PA_RN87, BSN, MSN, RN, APRN · Feb 27, 2016

I recommend researching the need in the area you plan to work in, as the specific demand varies from region to region. I will say FNP is the most versatile, and you can always get a post-masters certification in pediatrics, psych, etc. Really though you should think about your professional interests and think about which specialty fits YOU best. Good luck :-)

Larry3373 · Feb 27, 2016

FNP (family nurse practitioner) can see all ages. Most people choose that track thinking it will offer them more job opportunities. The acute care NP (AGACNP), is designed to work with more unstable patients, such as ICU or just inpatients in general, but limits you to adults. You can also use it in a specialized practice like surgery or cardiology. ER is a bit difficult because they see all ages, which is why my program offers a dual role that includes both FNP and AG ACNP in a slightly condensed program. Some may believe that unnecessary since an FNP has been sufficient for many to work inpatient or in the ER. However they may be operating outside of their scope of practice at times, and may be subjected to lawsuits or board problems at some point. I would rather cover myself and get both specialties. Psych NPs seem to do very well and are in demand in my state. My guess is that it takes a while to get an appt with a psychiatrist to get one's psych meds (Xanax for example), and therefore NPs fill this role nicely since they can prescribe in my state. Again, as a PP mentioned, check what type of NP is in demand in your state, but also check the prescribing laws and if you are independent or must collaborate with a physician.

Trauma Columnist · Feb 27, 2016

I also recommend reviewing the ANCC Consensus Model as it might play into your choice. While currently not a big player in your choice, as you say, you are still several years away from a choice and things change.

APRN Consensus Model

PG2018 · Feb 27, 2016

Look at your area. I've encountered several patients from Lubbock so there appears to be something there that needs prompt psychiatric attention. They were really bad off.

Having said that, don't look at being a NP as an altruistic, friendly health Savior. Consider yourself a business person and pursue your training and practice in that light. Examine your regional market. Start making networksbthat will help you. Where will you get the most autonomy and thus likely the most revenue? Consider your motivations for the doctoral degrees. They won't help your practice or revenue in the least.

portx · Feb 27, 2016

Look at your area. I've encountered several patients from Lubbock so there appears to be something there that needs prompt psychiatric attention. They were really bad off.
Having said that, don't look at being a NP as an altruistic, friendly health Savior. Consider yourself a business person and pursue your training and practice in that light. Examine your regional market. Start making networksbthat will help you. Where will you get the most autonomy and thus likely the most revenue? Consider your motivations for the doctoral degrees. They won't help your practice or revenue in the least.

Interesting that you say that about Lubbock. Based on what I've experienced, mental health is still a very taboo subject for much of the population, which I can see causing some problems among people who need medical attention.

Great tips! Thanks for chiming in.

Larry3373 · Feb 27, 2016

I also recommend reviewing the ANCC Consensus Model as it might play into your choice. While currently not a big player in your choice, as you say, you are still several years away from a choice and things change.
APRN Consensus Model

Yes, I kind of alluded to this in my comments above. The Consensus model is attempting to better define the roles of various types of nurse practitioners and other APRNs like CNS. This is one of the reasons I'm working toward two specialties rather than FNP only, so that my scope is not as limited to outpatient once this consensus model is translated to law on a state by state basis.

sailornurse · Feb 28, 2016

In Texas, you will need to have a collaborating physician. Prescribing may require physician's name on your script pad especially when ordering controlled substances. Look at job postings on the internet/paper and see what type of advance practice nurses are in need. Look at local hospitals postings online.

allnurses Guide · Feb 29, 2016

I think psych NP is most in demand in my area.

Lizlaw · Mar 3, 2016

I'm a RN in Texas and work in the Psychiatric ER at a Level 1 Trauma Center. Psych NPs are in high demand and make the highest salaries. Several of my coworkers are currently in grad school.

yhl1975 · Mar 3, 2016

My personal subjective view is simple, if person really likes what he does and this is his "flow" - he will be sucsessful and needed all the time.In positive psychology, flow, also known as the zone, is the mental state of operation in which a person performing an activity is fully immersed in a feeling of energized focus, full involvement, and enjoyment in the process of the activity. In essence, flow is characterized by complete absorption in what one does.(Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi)

Nursing profession is dynamic and it is important to be updated all the time. So if the nursing field is your "flow" it will take some time to find the best match, but no worries FNP, ANP,Geriatric, PMHNP all will find the job.