Hi, I am a RN and currently work in a neuro trauma ICU. I have wanted to do the FNP degree for awhile and I recently ran on to the ACNP degree. I'm considering going to SLU and doing the ACNP degree with the FNP certificate so that I could work in both practice areas. I've talked to a few people and have heard positives and negatives. I've heard hospitals don't really know what to do with ACNP's and they aren't going to turn over MD responsibilities to a ACNP. But other ppl have told me that ACNP/PA's write orders, do bedside procedures, go to surgery etc. I'm from Missouri and could relocate if necessary but don't really want to HAVE to. I would like to practice as independently as possible. I understand I have to collaborate with MD's and work sometimes closely with them but I don't want to set myself up for wanting a certain form of practice and then not being able to do it.
1. Can anyone out there explain the complete scope of ACNP's.
2. If anyone has gone to SLU can you tell me how class/clinicals are. I'm considering them because I have a previous BS degree in something other than nursing.
3. What are the average compensation packages. Is it hourly, salary, percentage of billings etc.
4. What states are the best to be an ACNP in, for scope of practice etc.
Any other information that you could provide I would really appreciate!
:bow:thanks so much, everyone, for your replies. this helps alot. i had almost decided to do acnp before getting this reply but this cinches it. i have read up (via all nurses...) about acnp and slu and i believe that this program and degree is what i'm looking for!
as far as pay, there is a job currently available in south texas for an acute care np a.k.a hospitalist and the pay is 120k per year with no benefits. they have been trying to fill it for a year, so i have a feeling they would pay even more since they're getting desperate. they tried to get a physician to take the job, but couldn't find one who was interested.
i would like to hear what the going rate is for an acute care np. anyone know the ranges?
well, it could be that no benefits is turning someone off... it could be that the call is unreasonable... the general schedule could be bad... no telling.
i started at $75k base, new grad, full benefits, productivity structure to be added to my contract at 6 months... i would think that average for an acnp would be $90-110... or at least that's what i read when i was finishing up my program... and that's also for houston area. i'm in a smaller area right now... but my earning potential with my productivity is well over the six figure mark, even tho my base is lower than more urban settings, and the pa we hired a month or so ago with 15+ years exp, said that our productivity, benefit structure, and value within the company is almost unheardof. i can't say that with any clout because i have neer been a mlp anywhere else, but i would think that the $120k would be on the low side since benefits are not included and there is no mention of productivity pay.
DaisyRN, ACNP
383 Posts
great!! best wishes to you... :)