Best RN job to prepare you for becoming a FNP

[anapap]

Hello,

I'm a new grad with 6 months experience in a level 3 NICU. I love my job but I do not want to be a NNP. I want to be a FNP. Should I consider finding another job while I attent grad school to better prepare me for the FNP role? I'm worried that my experience with neonates isn't going to help me when my FNP patient will probably be adults and geri patients. I know nurses from all areas have gone on to be great FNPs but I'm thinking about what will make the most sense.

Thank you!!!!!

ANA

[adventuregirl, MSN, NP]

Hi Ana, I just passed my boards for FNP 2 weeks ago. My background was cardiac and ER nursing, and for the past 2+ years while in grad school I was in primary care. I think if you're interested in working with a more varied population as an FNP, getting experience with this as an RN would be very helpful. Not to say working in the NICU wouldn't teach you a lot, but as an FNP, you're not likely going to be working with this age group and I could only imagine it's pretty specialized. Working in ER and cardiac floor gave me a great background to draw knowledge from, but working in primary care was also especially helpful. When it came time for clinicals, I was very comfortable in the clinic/out-patient setting and understand the not only the major complaints/illnesses patients came in for, but also how the clinic ran. Not to say you need primary care experience (none of my classmates had this), but I personally found it beneficial. I do however feel that having acute adult care experience would be key, and you may want to consider looking for another position, or even a per diem position to get that varied experience at some point.