ARNP vs FNP

Nursing Students NP Students

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looking at getting my FNP but the more i read the more ignorant i feel.

1. What are the differences between ARNP and FNP?

2. are there other types of Nurse practitioner specialities?

3. are what are the differences in the training?

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Specializes in Neonatal Nurse Practitioner.

I will use the term APRN because that is what my state uses and what the consensus model recommends. ARNP is still used by a few states.

APRN - Advanced practice registered nurse. An RN who has completed graduate education (MSN or DNP) to practice in one of the four APRN roles: nurse practitioner (NP), certified nurse midwife (CNM), certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA), or clinical nurse specialist (CNS).

A nurse practioner is a type of APRN. There are quite a few specialties. Think of them like medical residencies. Yes, you have to choose before you start. There is a good bit of overlap but none can do everything that any of the other can. It's becoming more and more common for NPs to be dual ceritified to expand their scope of practice (FNP/PMHNP, FNP/AGNP-AC -> emergency, PNP-PC/PNP-AC)

The most common is FNP - trained in PRIMARY CARE of people across the lifespan. This includes uncomplicated maternity care, but not delivery. FNPs are not generalists and aren't trained for acute care. States following the consensus model do not allow them to work in acute care settings.

WHNP (Women's Health) - primary care of women across the lifespan. More emphasis on OBGYN than FNP (Only CNMs deliver babies)

AGNP-PC (Adult/Gerontology-Primary Care) Emphasis on primary care from about 13 yo to old age.

PNP-PC (Pediatric Primary Care) Primary care from birth to about 21 yo. (Why would you choose this instead of FNP? Pediatricians around me are hiring PNPs more often because they do all of their clinicals in peds instead of just 1 semester.)

AGNP-AC (Adult/Geri Acute Care) - Acute care of adults. May work in hospital or specialty clinics

PNP-AC (Pediatric Acute Care) Acute care of children

NNP (Neonatal) Acute and primary care of infants up to 2 years old. Most NNPs work in NICUs with premature and critically sick infants. (Obviously the best specialty :yes:)

PMHNP (Psychiatric Mental Health) - psych and mental health care across the lifespan

Please someone help me expand.

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