What Kind of NP to become?

[Slehr89]

Hello fellow nurses! I have recently decided to go back to school for my NP. I registered for FNP as I take my first few courses but I am torn as to which track to genuinely follow. I don't know if this is true but maybe you all can help me. I was told:

Family NP can only work in outpatient

Acute Care NP can only work in inpatient

My issue is that I believe I am interested in going into plastics. The one doctor I am interested does facial trauma (in the hospital) but also does cosmetic plastics (in his office). Anyone know what kind of NP track or program that I would need to be an NP for plastics like this?

[DizzyJ DHSc PA-C]

There is no specific track for plastics or any surgical specialty really. I would say ACNP may be better route, but that's just because you will get inpatient clinicals. Maybe you could manage to get a surgery rotation. The concensus model is saying FNP should be inpatient and ACNP shouldn't be outpatient, but you need to look at the specific laws in your state. Neither FNP or ACNP are traineed in surgery, but either could potentially do OR and office in plastics. Do you have a relationship with this plastic surgeon already? If not I wouldn't keep high hopes of actually landing a job in plastics. There just isn't very many jobs in that specialty. Another option is consider doing a residency/fellowship in surgery.

[Dodongo, APRN, NP]

You should do ACNP. You'll be trained in the management of surgical patients, although not intraoperatively. FNPs do not receive any inpatient/surgical training.

FNPs can work inpatient, however, many hospitals are beginning to deny privileges/credentials to FNPs and/or are hiring ACNPs preferentially.

[nomadcrna, DNP, CRNA, NP]

FNPs can work inpatient. In fact, many rural ERs are solo FNP. No physician etc. There is even a board certification for FNPs that grants the ENP (Emergency Nurse practitioner). Some states and many educators are confused about the consensus model. It is slowly changing but if you are interested, read up on the AAENP and ENP websites. The board certifications are through ANCC and AANP-CP