Can ANP work in ICU

[meghanq21]

Can anyone tell me if ANPs can work in the ICU and what the likelihood of finding such a position is. I'm currently looking into a program for a masters in nurse practitioning for students with bachelors degrees in a non-nursing field. The program only offers ANP, FNP and psych though. I wanted to be able to work in the ICU or another critical care setting in case I someday decide to go back for nurse anesthesia. Would it be possible to obtain an ICU position as an ANP because the program does not offer ACNP?

[NurseKJ]

where do you live? you should check with your state's BON. I think it pretty much depends on the state. I'm in Maryland, and you have to be an acute care NP to work in a monitored unit here. Again, check with the Board. hope that helps : )

[MikeyBSN]

Do you have your RN already?

[meghanq21]

I would want to work in Maine, New York or FL. I do not have my RN. I have a bachelors degree in a pre-med science field. There is a program at Univeristy of Southern Maine nursing school that offers a masters in nursing (either FNP, ANP or psych) to people who do not have an RN but a bachelors in a medical field instead. That is what I'm looking into. THis is the only way for me to become an NP before 2015 and be grandfathered in under the new laws requiring nurse practitioners to be DNPs. The program is 3 years. The first year is basically an accelerated nursing bachelors and the last 2 are the grad school years.

[meghanq21]

Is there any way to do the ANP program and then do an internship of some sort in acute care to work in the ICU?

[meandragonbrett]

I wouldn't hire you for two reasons. ANP is still a primary care program. You don't have any previous critical care experience and you want to be an ICU Intensivist.

[teacher08]

I hope you achieve your goals, acquire the experience needed, and have the opportunity to work in ICU. Hopefully someone will grant you an opportunity to work in critical care and subsequently ICU. Best wishes in your future endeavors.

[NickiLaughs, ADN, BSN, RN]

I believe they will get their RN while in the program though, it is a requirement I believe to become a nurse practitioner. So she will have her RN boards (NCLEX) to take, and then also be able to test for ANP at completion of the program.

You would be qualified to work in ICU as an RN, I am not certain if they would hire you as a ANP though. Especially with no previous RN experience or ICU experience. The economy is pretty dire for new grad nurses, but that could change in three years.

[PostOpPrincess, BSN, RN]

At my hospital system, you cannot be at the ANP level without 5 years worth of ICU. You must be bedside, first and foremost.

Anyone who thinks they can be an ANP right away in a Level 1 or Level 2 ICU setting is going to be biting off more than they can chew. Very, very bad idea.

[meghanq21]

I've read that ANP can further specialize in many areas including acute care. There is NO ACNP program in the state of maine (where I am now). So, if ANP's can't work in critical care who's working in the ICU's in Maine and the other states that don't have ACNP programs?

I wasn't expecting to go straight from school into the ICU with no experience. I just wanted to know if doing an ANP program is going to rule out a acute or critical care position. Then I know to leave state for an ACNP program if need be. Out of state tuition for masters programs cost more the double in state tuition this is what I'm trying to avoid.

[meghanq21]

Nickilaughs is correct after the 1st year of the program (3 years total) you sit for the NCLEX then proceed in the grad program as an RN assuming you pass the NCLEX (the pass rate for this program is over 86%).

[PostOpPrincess, BSN, RN]

I've read that ANP can further specialize in many areas including acute care. There is NO ACNP program in the state of maine (where I am now). So, if ANP's can't work in critical care who's working in the ICU's in Maine and the other states that don't have ACNP programs?

I wasn't expecting to go straight from school into the ICU with no experience. I just wanted to know if doing an ANP program is going to rule out a acute or critical care position. Then I know to leave state for an ACNP program if need be. Out of state tuition for masters programs cost more the double in state tuition this is what I'm trying to avoid.

There needn't be a special program because going into the ICU as an RN is the training needed. The ICU training alone is AT LEAST 1 year for a new grad. You're looking for something that doesn't need to exist.