what area of nursing best prepares you for being an FNP

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I am a recent grad with almost a year of experience in the NICU. I have decided to go back to school and get my FNP. I think working in the NICU may not be the best place as my FNP patients are not likely to be critical premies. So, should I look into an ICU, ER or med surg job? I want the job that will best prepare me to be the most well-rounded FNP who could then work anywhere.

Thank you!

ANA

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Specializes in Family Practice, Urgent Care.

Ana,

I wouldn't worry about that. Nothing fully prepares you. I spent the previous 2 years before I started as pre-op and PACU outpatient surgery nurse. It's such a different world - the NP world. There is a study out there, I wish I could find it discussing prior RN experience vs NO-to little RN experience and NP programs. Virtually no difference in outcomes between the two groups. In fact, the study showed it was an easier transition for those with less experience because you didn't have to "switch off RN" so much. You will come out of FNP school ready to work. ER would help with assessment skills, but again, those are different from NP assessments. Best of luck!

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Specializes in FNP, ONP.

I agree^^^. RN and NP practice are so completely different that I don't think having RN experience, or where you may have gotten said experience, is significant (and I had 20 years experience, so I am not practicing apologetics here). *LIFE* experience is the most helpful, IMO.

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What the roles/ settings of an FNP?

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Specializes in Adult Internal Medicine.

I wouldn't worry about changing jobs.

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

I had 12 yrs as an RN 10 in level 1 trauma er, 2 yrs in icu, 1 yr lpn in picu and 1 yr ltc

I work in nephrology as an APN 7 yrs now and I was hired becuz of my er experience

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thank you all for answering my question!

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Specializes in Home Health, Podiatry, Neurology, Case Mgmt.

Glad you asked this question. I was a CNA, then LPN for years, and have only been an RN for 19mo, where I have only done Case Management in an RN role. I worked long term, home health, tbi/neuro and derm and acute rehab care as an LPN...I was a bit worried about wanting to go to NP school next year, but so far my friend who is an NP said the most i might struggle with is the pharm and patho but with diligent studying I'll get by. The rest of the nursing courses will prepare me just like the LPN and RN courses prepared me for this role. So I appreciate hearing the concurrence from the rest of you as well!

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