AGACNP vs. FNP? Dermatology

[HMK]

Hi All- 

I am currently a burn/traum/SICU RN who was recently accepted into two wonderful but very different programs. 1)FNP online and 2) AGACNP on campus. 

I have never considered caring for children or practicing in women's health, hence why I have always favored AGACNP. However, I have heard that the FNP role is more "marketable". 

My dream career would be to work for a surgeon (burn and or plastics) and follow patients both inpatient and outpatient. However, I am also very interested in dermatology and would love to spend the later half of my career working in an outpatient dermatology clinic. I don't love the inpatient off shift hours and am looking for a more traditional work schedule. 

Would the AGACNP specialty "limit" me? Is broader better? Any AGACNPs out there currently working in dermatology and/or in any outpatient setting? Would love to hear from you!!

[djmatte, ADN, MSN, RN, NP]

1 hour ago, HMK said:

Hi All- 

I am currently a burn/traum/SICU RN who was recently accepted into two wonderful but very different programs. 1)FNP online and 2) AGACNP on campus. 

I have never considered caring for children or practicing in women's health, hence why I have always favored AGACNP. However, I have heard that the FNP role is more "marketable". 

My dream career would be to work for a surgeon (burn and or plastics) and follow patients both inpatient and outpatient. However, I am also very interested in dermatology and would love to spend the later half of my career working in an outpatient dermatology clinic. I don't love the inpatient off shift hours and am looking for a more traditional work schedule. 

Would the AGACNP specialty "limit" me? Is broader better? Any AGACNPs out there currently working in dermatology and/or in any outpatient setting? Would love to hear from you!!

My recommendation would be to do the agacnp route. You will find the job more in demand than FNP(even if it’s a broader focus). If later in your career, the derm part becomes more of a goal, I would get a post masters in either agpc or FNP. The former would be the easiest as it is the least amount of additional work you will require. Though there are kids younger than what agpcnp’s can see that need derm and short of hard limits of a clinical preferences, it could be a job limiter.  I’m going to bet if you land the high speed area you’re focusing, you won’t go back to work outpatient.