Adult-Gerontology NP versus Family NP

chillnurse, BSN, RN, NP · May 8, 2014

Down to 13 isn't bad though. That's still a great degree esp if you like older folk like u all seem to

flipper628 · May 8, 2014

I know getting my agnp will limit me in the areas of ED, Urgent Care, and Minute Clinic type jobs. I'm ok with it though. I debated fnp vs agnp until I was dizzy. In the end I went with what I knew...adults. I stressed so bad about making the wrong decision and not being able to find a job afterwards. After talking with my program director and some students who graduated I feel better about it. Plus I have never worked with kids and I don't think I would feel comfortable caring for them after one semester. So fingers crossed that I made the right decision for me.

Bumashes, MSN, APRN, NP · May 8, 2014

Yeah, you just really have to go with what you're interested in. And if you're undecided, then I'd go with FNP, just so you don't end up stuck if you change your mind.

In my area, ERs and Urgent Cares will hire AGNPs. Just depends. Most of the time, they hire AGNPs because there are a few other NPs on duty, either FNP or PNP, who can see the peds cases. Or the peds cases just get shunted to the MD. A lot of times, they hire for what the bulk of their pt population is (which is generally adult), and then they choose a candidate based on qualities other than their degree after that.

twinmommy+2, ADN, BSN, MSN · May 9, 2014

I think to answer the original poster's question, the choice is mostly a personal one. Some people like peds, some don't care, and some don't want any peds. I work with the VA and plan to stay there, therefore I'm going with the Adult/Gerontology NP. I don't mind peds but the environment I work in is adults. Also there is going to be a huge increase of Geriatric patients needing care for the foreseeable future whose medical needs will be getting increasingly complex so I feel its a pretty solid field.

As far as what is more beneficial to the community, you have to look at your community and see what their needs are. Maybe you can ask your local health department if you're not sure what the local needs are.

ShannonE83 · May 10, 2014

Thank you for the great feedback, everyone! I really appreciate hearing all of your thoughts on FNP vs AGNP.

I know that ultimately it's a personal choice based on what I want to do/who I want to work with/where I want to work, but all of the comments really help to get the wheels turning and help me see things from lots of different perspectives, which is always great when making an important decision like this.

Cheers!

guest538567 · May 11, 2014

Like others I did an AGNP program because my previous experience was in adult medicine and I had no desire to learn or work with pediatrics. I also went to the local MSN program that only offered an AGNP program. In my area there seem to be plenty of jobs for AGNP graduates and I am not aware of any of my classmates that struggled to find work. Most of the positions I see either list FNP, AGNP, or ACNP as desired specialties. I have also known AGNP colleagues to work in family practice and just see the adult patients. There are areas that only want FNP as other posters have already mentioned (ie. urgent care, ED, retail clinics, etc).

That being said, I still think it is regionally specific and I worry sometimes that if I ever move I will be less competitive as an AGNP. I would have probably done an FNP program if I could do it over - really the same amount of coursework and time commitment. I have also thought about doing a postmasters certificate in another specialty (not sure which) and have thought about the FNP just to broaden my scope.

traumanurse99 · Dec 17, 2015

Read this: Adult NP vs. Family NP: Which Specialty Should You Choose | MidlevelU

bsnursingstudent · Aug 8, 2017

Bumashes I know this is an old post. I also live on the MS Gulf Coast. With your AGNP degree can you work in hospitals along the coast? I have no interest at all to do PEDS. I have always had a love for geriatric. Also did you do the adult -gero primary care NP?

Thanks

khalStorm, BSN, RN · Dec 2, 2018

I'm just starting it, just finished my first class:up:

hi. would u mind telling me what are the basic requirements to get into the program? thanks in advance. :)

Dodongo, APRN, NP · Dec 4, 2018

I'm an ACNP, but if it were me in your position, I would choose FNP. AGNP isn't great for inpatient work because the ACNP exists. And AGNP isn't great for outpatient because the FNP exists. It seems kind of like a... waste? I don't necessarily see the role it fills. If I were you, and the thought of OB and peds doesn't seem like a soul sucking nightmare (like it did for me), I'd find a combined ACNP/FNP program and do that. Haha.