ACNP - Job Opportunities and Long Term Viability

[DavidRNNV]

I am currently an ER RN with experience in LTC and Med/Surg.

I am looking into NP programs and would like information on the ACNP (Acute Care Nurse Practitioner). I am aware that the FNP is more flexible, because you are trained to handle all age groups. They only have FNP in my ER, because we see all age groups. However, I am not very interested in OB/GYN assessments on a regular basis. Also, I'm not the type of nurse that seeks out working with children, don't mind it much, just not my passion. Therefore, I am seriously considering the ACNP, but I'm having a hard time finding out about its viability. Specifically:

- What type of environments/jobs can an ACNP work in when they graduate?

- Is it that different from an ANP?

- Is the ACNP a strong degree? That is, will there be job opportunities when I graduate? (I only see FNP around.) Does it have a Long Term Viability like the FNP?

- Will I get paid consistently less than an FNP?

- I am looking at Grand Canyon University, I any thoughts on this program or any other suggestions that I might look into? (I live in Las Vegas, NV so it will probably be online)

MANY THANKS FOR ANY INFORMATION YOU CAN PROVIDE!!! DavidRNNV

[MurseJJ]

At my major academic center we have ACNPs in all areas, including outpatient specialty practices. I'm on a neuro stepdown unit and we have a neurohospitalist NP service composed of ACNPs only (in addition to the resident services), and they're very autonomous. This really depends on the region.