Best specialty for ACNP

Published

Is there a nursing specialty that is best for an RN to work in if they know they want to apply to ACNP school? Would ER be best, or ICU, or does it not matter?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in CCU, SICU, CVSICU, Precepting & Teaching.
Is there a nursing specialty that is best for an RN to work in if they know they want to apply to ACNP school? Would ER be best, or ICU, or does it not matter?

I have no idea if there's a "best specialty", but it seems to me that you'd want to be working in the specialty that calls to you. I'm fascinated with cardiac, not at all interested in neuro and completely skeeved out by anything having to do with babies. Your mileage may vary.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

A lot of ACNP programs require 1-2 years of ICU experience. So I would say critical care would serve you best.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ACNP-BC, Adult Critical Care, Cardiology.

My classmates in my ACNP program were ICU and ED nurses. Technically, AGACNP (the new name for ACNP) would admit anyone with some acute care experience but having the high acuity patient care experience that ICU's offer will be something that would be a benefit in the program itself as well as in finding options for employment later.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment