NP specialty? TX? Advice?

[newGNTX]

I will be applying for NP school in a few months. I am a NICU RN with 2 years of experience. I know I don't want to work as an NNP but I'm very torn on these programs: Pediatric NP, Acute Care NP, and Acute Care Pediatric NP. I want to be able to find a job when I'm finished with the program. I'm also not sure if I'd like working more in the Clincal setting or the Hospital setting. Anyone in these programs willing to over any advice or give your opinion. Here are the pros/cons/questions I have about each program. Any advice or info about these specialties would be greatly appreciated.

Pediatric NP: Pros-M-F day shift job, weekends off, no holidays, no on call, better chance to find a job. Cons-Lower end on salary (or is this not true)

Question: As a PNP can I only work in a clinic?

Acute Care NP: Pros- Possible 3 12hr shifts, night shift, higher pay, I can see a mix of Pedi and Adults if I work in an ER setting. Cons- Weekends, holidays, on call

Question: I was told ACNP aren't hired as much in the ER as a PA would be, is this true? Would it be hard to find a job if I wanted to work in the ER? Where else can I work as a ACNP?

Acute Care Pediatric NP: Pros-( If I work in the ER) 3 12hr shifts/week, night shift, higher pay. Cons-Weekends, holidays, on call, hard time finding a job?,

Question: As a ACPNP can I work in a clinic as well? Would I be limiting myself and have a hard time finding a job with this specialty?

[kelseykelsey4]

I'm thinking I want to do acute care PNP. You can work in patient in PICU, peds ED, any of the peds floors AND you can also work in outpatient speciality clinics. I think that gives you more flexibility/opportunity than PNP. But primary care PNPs do have better schedules. I think AC PNPs are more hirable too because not very many people have that specialization right now because there are only a few schools that offer it.

I wouldn't want to do acute care nurse practitioner because I don't want to work with adults. :***:

[ghillbert, MSN, NP]

Acute Care NP: Pros- Possible 3 12hr shifts, night shift, higher pay, I can see a mix of Pedi and Adults if I work in an ER setting. Cons- Weekends, holidays, on call

Question: I was told ACNP aren't hired as much in the ER as a PA would be, is this true? Would it be hard to find a job if I wanted to work in the ER? Where else can I work as a ACNP?

It is not accurate to say that - if you are certified as "adult acute care", you can only see adults, age as defined by your state. You'd have to do both ACPNP and ACNP to be able to see both.

Acute care NPs can work anywhere there are acutely ill adults. The role is not limited to a certain setting, but to the patient population congruent with your education and experience, per the consensus model. This can be inpatient or outpatient, just not primary/preventative care.