Adult NP or FNP?? Any Opinions??

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I was wondering if anyone has an opinion about the differences between the Adult NP track and FNP track, and opportunities in both areas? I am currently in an FNP program but have not started clinicals yet. I am considering switching to the Adult/Gerontology track as I am not really interested in treating children. I also have been hearing some really negative things from friends and on this forum about the FNP track at the school I'm in...a weed-out program, less than half make it through, instructors are unsupportive and you teach yourself, etc. I hear some of the other tracks are much better.

Not sure what to do. Are there any Adult NPs out there that can tell me how they like their practice? Do you feel you made the right choice? Or am I severely limiting myself as far as employment opportunities?

Perhaps I should transfer to another school...

I'd be grateful for any helpful comments!

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Specializes in Anesthesia, Pain, Emergency Medicine.

FNP is much more marketable then adult.

You don't HAVE to treat children as an FNP, but you can work in the same areas as the adult NP does.

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Specializes in ACNP-BC, Adult Critical Care, Cardiology.

With all the cr*p going on with reorganizing the Adult NP tracks because of the Consensus Model, I'd say go for FNP.

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

That's what I suggest too:

Per the ANCC Consensus Model, the Adult NP track will no longer exist: it has become the Adult-Gerontological NP.

I vote FNP.

BTW ACNP is going to be retired too.

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Specializes in cardiac.

So I read over this consenus model during a break in studying for my soon to be retired certification (ACNP) and the way I see it is that I'm OK as long as I don't ever let my certification lapse? It sounds like, if something happened and I wasn't practicing for a while, didn't have the practice hours to re-certify, I'd have to go back to school and take classes to be eligible for the new certification?

I know my school was in the process of reworking the curriculum, I wonder if it meets the new eligibility criteria already.

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I'm a newly-graduated ANP. I'm working at a job I only could've dreamed about when I was in school, so perhaps I'm biased.

For me, knowing I did NOT want to treat children or deal with their parents, going FNP would have wasted a lot of my time in learning about childhood immunizations, disorders usually only common to children, etc. Instead I was able to focus my time in courses and clinicals that dealt with my goals of practice - learning to diagnose and manage chronic disease.

The programs (at least where I went to school) are the same length of time. Had I spent time/effort learning how to care for children (which I already knew I didn't want to do) I wouldn't have had as much training in adult preventive care and disease management.

So I think it really depends on where you want to go ultimately. As for marketability of the ANP, I graduated August 12 and started my job (after looking at several options) October 11.

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Specializes in Anesthesia, Pain, Emergency Medicine.

A sample size of One.

No offense meant. I'm glad it all worked out for you. :)

The fact remains that the FNP is in higher demand than the adult NP. Look at the job site. I'm guessing, but I'd wager it is 50 or 100 to 1.

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Specializes in Community Health.

I am also in a FNP program where the Pediatric rotation is not favorable among students. High attrition rates during Peds. A couple of my classmates switched to ANP because of those reasons. I'd say don't let one faculty member dictate your entire career. I put on my big girl panties and worked through it and actually enjoyed it. I'm not sure that I want to work in Pediatrics either, but if you ever want to moonlight in retail health (good pay), you need to be a family practitioner. You can't just go back and take this one pediatric semester if you change your mind. You'll have to complete an entire PNP program. Keep yourself marketable and your options open. Good luck:-)!!!

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Thanks everyone for your responses. I'd love to hear from some more Adult practitioners...are there any out there? How do you like your practice? What do you think about job opportunities?

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Specializes in Level II Trauma Center ICU.
That's what I suggest too:

Per the ANCC Consensus Model, the Adult NP track will no longer exist: it has become the Adult-Gerontological NP.

I vote FNP.

BTW ACNP is going to be retired too.

I'm confused because this is listed on their FAQ page. So are they getting rid of ACNPs or not? This is what I found on their site.

10. What will the new certifications be and when will they launch?

As a result of the APRN Consensus Model implementation in 2015, ANCC will be creating new certifications to meet the role and/or population foci requirements. Planning for these certifications is under way, and we are pleased to announce the expected launch of:

  • Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner [expected launch 2013]
  • Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner [expected launch 2013]
  • Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist (across the continuum from wellness through acute care)[expected launch 2014]

11. Which certifications will be retired and when?

The certifications listed below will be retired when their current National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA) accreditation period expires in 2014. Retiring certifications are:

  • Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
  • Adult Nurse Practitioner
  • Adult Psychiatric & Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
  • Gerontological Nurse Practitioner
  • Adult Health Clinical Nurse Specialist
  • Adult Psychiatric & Mental Health Clinical Nurse Specialist
  • Child/Adolescent Psychiatric & Mental Health Clinical Nurse Specialist
  • Gerontological Clinical Nurse Specialist

I'm thoroughly confused now.

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First of all, dont go to a school that is not good, where instructors are unsupportive and make you find your own clinical site. Choose your program wisely. Make the money and time you invest a worthwhile investment. Make sure, your teaching faculty are also practicing NPs currently at least part time. Look at the program clinical requirement, the more the better vs. more theory/fluff class. Some NP school relies 1st year heavily on nursing theory/policy. I am a FNP student too and obviously I am biased for choosing FNP. But, honestly FNP open more doors and you're more marketable and yes you dont have to work with kids if you choose not to. Plus, lets say 10yrs-20yrs down the road you change your mind, you dont have to go back to school to get a post masters PNP.

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

Per ANCC:

What will the new certifications be and when will they launch?

As a result of the APRN Consensus Model implementation in 2015, ANCC will be creating new certifications to meet the role and/or population foci requirements. Planning for these certifications is under way, and we are pleased to announce the expected launch of:

Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner [expected launch 2013]

Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner [expected launch 2013]

Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist (across the continuum from wellness through acute care)

[expected launch 2014]

So, the ACNP will now be called "adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioner"

http://www.nursecredentialing.org/APRN-FAQ.aspx#9

A lot is changing with the Consensus Model - for those of you in programs now, keep going, for those of us in certifications that are "retiring", don't ever, ever let your certification lapse or you could be facing more school and for those contemplating grad school - make sure you know what program you're getting into.

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