Beating a dead horse but ANP primary vs acute

[Knight Owl]

I started an Adult NP program from the only school in Florida that still offers the BSN-MSN NP degree. After this whole "national practice change" to adult-gero, it seems they added the option of adult acute care (which wasn't there before). I am only in my second semester, taking classes that go towards both specialties but I am wondering if I am choosing right.

My ideal NP job mixes specialized outpatient care with a limited amount of inpatient care. Either that or possibly working in an urgent care. I have worked as a nurse in a PCU level transplant/surgical unit for over 1.5 years.

I figure this sets me up for what I am in (Adult Primary) but I am not sure. Acute care NP sounds enticing but I have heard ICU experience is necessary and I have no desire to work in the ICU. Also, for me, FNP doesn't even factor. I would rather not re-learn and adapt all the medical knowledge I have acquired thus far to facilitate thankless demi-humans and their demon parents.

I know this subject has been beaten to death but does this seem like a viable choice for what I am looking for? Any advise is greatly appreciated.

[mrandmrsRN]

Hey knight owl,

i was just wondering how you felt about usf's np program, I'm kind of in your boat. I live in orlando and would have to commute to tampa. Is it manageable ? Are you there more than 2 times a week? Are local Clinicals offered? How is the program? Would love to hear from you.

Thanks

[TammyG]

I recently graduated with an NP-primary care, but I know that the acute care folks spent all their clinicals in ICUs and basically trained to be intensivists. They did not have any clinicals in primary care or specialty outpatient practices, long term care facilities, or anywhere other than ICUs. Unless you want to be an intensivist, it would seam that the primary care route is the best one. Perhaps other schools give their acute care majors broader experience, but ours did not.

[BDWilliams09]

I am currently at Emory University in the acute care program and while it is true most of us train in the icu's you certainly do not have to. Basically if you want to work inpatient you have to be acute care certified. We are told the days of the FNP's working in acute care settings are coming to an end and many states have already past legislation addressing the issue. If you are going to spend time in both settings I would recommend switching to the acute care program and doing your clinical in internal medicine if you do not wish to be in the icu's.