Adult NP to Family NP

Advanced Practice Columnist / Guide · Feb 24, 2011

would it be faster to try to get a post-master's in a PNP track?

aprn_2005 · Feb 24, 2011

would it be faster to try to get a post-master's in a PNP track?

Thanks for your reply,

I need the FNP cert, I need to sit for the FNP boards, would I be able to that. I don't have to do it fast per say I just need to know that there is a way to do it. It wouldn't make sense that I would have to start all over again...

Trauma Columnist · Feb 24, 2011

I would go with Juans suggestion of PNP. I'm an adult health CNS but needed to make sure I could see kids so I did a second post MSN peds CNS. I kick myself everyday that I didn't do the FNP first.

Advanced Practice Columnist / Guide · Feb 24, 2011

Thanks for your reply,
I need the FNP cert, I need to sit for the FNP boards, would I be able to that. I don't have to do it fast per say I just need to know that there is a way to do it. It wouldn't make sense that I would have to start all over again...

You won't be able to sit for the FNP boards if you are dually certified as ANP/PNP but your scope of practice should essentially be similar unless your employer is adamant that you acquire FNP certification. You'll have to educate employers on this yourself. Is there a particular reason why you are being pushed to the FNP direction?

Bonosgrrl · Feb 24, 2011

I am in the same situation. I would like to transition to Family NP. I thought about doing the PNP, but then would that mean double certification? as in double the cost? and maintaining ceu's for both, which again would be a lot.

aprn_2005 · Feb 25, 2011

You won't be able to sit for the FNP boards if you are dually certified as ANP/PNP but your scope of practice should essentially be similar unless your employer is adamant that you acquire FNP certification. You'll have to educate employers on this yourself. Is there a particular reason why you are being pushed to the FNP direction?

Yes, I Active Duty US Army, in order to practice as a NP, I will have to get the FNP to change my "job" per say. I went active duty in March for many reasons. I am currently only working as a RN, which also means when I go back to civilian life I will have lost all NP skills and my ANCC board cert will need to be renewed in 2015.

aprn_2005 · Feb 25, 2011

I am in the same situation. I would like to transition to Family NP. I thought about doing the PNP, but then would that mean double certification? as in double the cost? and maintaining ceu's for both, which again would be a lot.

Yes, good points. But is also can be double the opportunities. I'm so wishing things were easier/different.

Advanced Practice Columnist / Guide · Feb 25, 2011

Got it...yeah, the Army is one agency that only recognizes FNP's, PMHNP's, and CRNA's. Well, then can you ask if you can go back to the school you got your ANP from and see how long it would take for you to transition to FNP?

aprn_2005 · Feb 25, 2011

Got it...yeah, the Army is one agency that only recognizes FNP's, PMHNP's, and CRNA's. Well, then can you ask if you can go back to the school you got your ANP from and see how long it would take for you to transition to FNP?

I know... if only it were that easy. Ofcourse with the military it is not that easy plus the school I went to is several states away and they do not have an FNP program. That is one reason I didn't do FNP initialy plus I knew I never had the desire to work with Peds so I felt comfortable getting my ANP. But as we know hindsight is 20/20, if I had it to do over I would have done FNP.

Thanks again for your help, if you think of anything else please let me know :)

Le-Lee_FNP, MSN, RN, NP · Feb 25, 2011

My school has a post masters distance FNP program. I can PM you the name if you want it.

aprn_2005 · Feb 25, 2011

My school has a post masters distance FNP program. I can PM you the name if you want it.

Please do, thanks!!!