AGNP / ACNP

[reebokHCFR, MSN, EMT-P, APRN, NP]

I am looking hard at USA's NP program, and am having trouble deciding between ACNP and AGNP. I want to do FNP but won't do it at USA due to the horrible reviews, and because of some other reasons it's worth getting an MSN from them and getting an FNP certificate afterwards. My background is EMS and ER. In Florida, the NP's in the ER are typically FNP's and see the lower acuity pt's. I suppose you could say it doesn't matter which I do if I am getting an FNP afterwards anyway, but I am looking for any input or thoughts. My goal is ER/Urgent Care type work. Thanks.

[linzlace, BSN, RN]

I would go for your acute care NP! I work in ICU with ACNP's that function as intensivist at night and they go down to the ER lots during codes to intubate, place central lines/a-lines, etc. and many times the ER docs will call them to ask for advise! I would trust them with my life before most docs!! Haha! ACNP's are able to care for ages 14 and up, I believe! AGNPs function on a more primary care basis, like an FNP, but aren't able to see children and not sure if they would be able to do women's health either. Anyway...my advise would be that if you want acute, go for the ACNP, if you want more primary care, go for the FNP and don't limit yourself, unless you absolutely don't want to do pedi! Hope this helps!

[RNcarlo]

If you're looking to pursue the ER/Urgent care line of work, you'll need the pediatric portion of the NP graduate education and that is found in an FNP track. AGNP and ACNP focus on just that - Adult and Gero.

[carolinapooh, BSN, RN]

I thought ACNP was Acute Care NPs and they can work on 'big' kids - like 12, 13 and up?

[traumaRUs, MSN, APRN]

In my area, for ER you need ACNP and acpnp.

[reebokHCFR, MSN, EMT-P, APRN, NP]

I'll take the first guess...bangor, maine?

[traumaRUs, MSN, APRN]

Lol....nope. Central IL

[reebokHCFR, MSN, EMT-P, APRN, NP]

ok. and thanks to everyone for your replies.

[UVA Grad Nursing]

The national certifications are in the process of changing their names, and therefore many schools are in the midst of changing their programs. The precise setting/patient cohort that you can treat will depend on which certification you have. According to the Consensus Model, the certifications in your area will be:

Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP (for ages 18+ in an acute care or specialty care setting)

Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP (for ages 18+ in a primary care setting)

Pediatric-Adolescent Acute Care NP (for ages 0-18)

Pediatric-Adolescent Primary Care NP (for ages 0-18 in a primary care setting)

Many EDs have a dual track system (urgent care and true emergency/trauma). They would employ different types of NPs for each track. For example at the UVa Medical Center there is a separate pediatric ED that uses primary care PNPs for those patients who use the ED in lieu of a primary care provider. The adult ED uses both FNPs and AG-ACNPs for different types of patients.