AGNP vs. FNP

[pacnwRN]

Hey all-

I have scoured the AN forums as of late, because i am currently awaiting responses from several AGNP programs I applied to. I am having second thoughts this morning, only because i have read several posts about the difficulty finding jobs after graduating, and many places desiring FNP's vs ANP's. From an interest standpoint, geriatric patients are my "first love" although I will be able to treat 12 yo and up as an AGNP. In your area, do you feel having your FNP is truly an advantage over the other? Any tips or advicd from those who have experience? I am in a very rural community with a high geriatric population, and my goal would be to stay in my community once i am graduated, although I know there is a good chance that may not happen.

[pacnwRN]

*advice. Darn phone.

[lhflanurseNP, APRN]

I too live in a mainly geriatric community and struggled with deciding between the two. I spoke with several NPs who told me to "go for it". The reason is you can handle most anything that comes into the office and it is easier to do it all at once then decide later, oops...then take post classes and another certification exam. It doesn't add but one more rotation so why not?

[pacnwRN]

By "go for it "do you mean FNP?

[lhflanurseNP, APRN]

...yes. I figured it was better to have it...I may not need it, but if we were to move, or the area changes.....

[pacnwRN]

Are you currently in a program?

[lhflanurseNP, APRN]

Yes I am, South University online

[Soon2bAGNP]

I struggled with this decision as well. I decided to go with the AGNP. After talking with the dean and several professors at my school, I was encouraged to go for what I really wanted. I attend a brick and mortar program in Cleveland and the difference between their FNP and AGNP programs is only one additional class (peds) plus clinical rotation. I can take that and get a post-master's certificate if I find that I am having difficulty in finding a job. Even though it is only one additional semester, I do not want to accumulate any more debt than I have to ( I already have a ton). I have been watching job ads for the past 6 months and with the exception of retail clinics I always see FNP or AGNP so I really do not think I will have any issues. But I can only speak for my neck of the woods.

[uronurse1]

I started out going for ANP but switched to FNP after to speaking to a few other ANPs who regretted not getting their FNP. They felt FNP gave them much better versatility in finding a position. Although i have no immediate plans to work with peds, you never know what the future will bring.