ACNP - Job Opportunities and Long Term Viability

Specialties NP

Published

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

Specializes in Neurosurgery, Neurology.

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.

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