I, like many others in the forum, have been recently struggling with which NP program to pursue - FNP or ACNP. I've read so many threads and talked with so many people (RNs, NPs, nurse recruiters, professors, deans) and this is the summary that I've compiled.
Does anyone have any thing to add?? Please let me know!
FNP
Pros:
Care for patients of all ages
Flexible career options (Primary care, ambulatory care, urgent care (?))
Increased need for FNP/PCNP in future of US healthcare
Increased need in underserved populations
Increased opportunity to work abroad
Will learn more about US healthcare system
Increased opportunity to develop meaningful relationships with patients
Often working with healthy patients
Opportunity to open own practice
Cons:
Ineligible to work as NP in hospital setting
Sacrifice in-depth knowledge in one population for more basic knowledge across lifespan
Often working with healthy patients
Mellow work atmosphere
Most likely working 5 days/wk, less $ than ACNP
ACNP
Pros:
In-depth knowledge in adult population
Can work anywhere in hospital (ED, ICU, Floor)
Can follow pt throughout hospital stay (trauma NP)
More fun work atmosphere
Most likely working 3-4 days/wk, more $ than FNP
Cons:
Education limited to adults
Career options limited to hospital setting
Limited ability to develop relationships with patient (?)