Best RN Clinical Experience for Acute Care NP?

[BiscuitStripes, BSN, RN]

I’m applying to a DNP program for Adult-Gero acute care nurse practitioner. My background is in the ER. I was wondering for those who are in NP school or are NPs, what clinical experience do you feel would make you the most prepared to work as an AGACNP? Or does it matter? Would one area of experience make you more competitive than another? Thanks!

[NurseBlaq]

ER, ICU, Hospitalist, Internal Medicine, and things that are acute care focused. I wouldn't gauge competitiveness, but more along the lines of getting the exposure and experience. Try to get preceptors who are very knowledgeable and/or willing to explain things to you as they will play a big part in your future career. Knowledge is everything and some things you won't learn in class, hence why clinicals are important.

[Corey Narry, MSN, RN, NP]

Back when it was called ACNP in 2002, my class of 8 was about half ICU nurses and half ED nurses.  We all got jobs in the in-pt setting after graduation in Cardiology, Neurosurgery, Transplant, ICU, and a few got a job in the ED.  I have both ICU and ED experience as a nurse but I felt like the ED part of my experience was just as helpful in the program as the ICU experience.  I think you will be fine where you are. In the end, your chances will depend on what jobs are available in your area and whether you are willing to move for the specialty you want to pursue.

[PaulL]

I think Juan makes a great point in that you should keep an eye on jobs that are available, and in a specialty similar to that you would want to practice in. Obviously working as a NICU would give you exposure to critical patients and some of the theory behind critical care, but not all of the information will be able to transfer over as easily to adult patients as something like a MICU