Can a PNP work in a hospital setting?

Trauma Columnist · May 9, 2010

In the local level one trauma center, the PICU is staffed with PNP's 24/7 so it is certainly possible.

That said, I have two friends who did a peds APN, one NP and one CNS and both of them looked for jobs for well over a year because of their narrow focus.

What's the job outlook in your area? Are you able to relocate?

core0 · May 10, 2010

Hi,
I currently work in the PICU (6 yrs experience) but will be applying for NP school next year. I would like to work in a hospital setting as a hospitalist, in peds ED, peds surg/cardiology etc and wanted to know if hospitals require the acute care NP masters or does anyone know of PNPs working in hospital settings?
Also, is it true that jobs are super scarce for PNPs and that its best to go for FNP instead, even if my interest is only in pediatrics?
Thanks

Most children's hospitals will only hire PNPs. The problem is this is a relatively competitive area with a small amount of jobs compared to adult hospitals. There are also pediatric hospitalist groups such as Pediatrix but they seem to hire mostly NNPs because of call issues. Most NPs that get jobs in Children's hospitals seem to be internal candidates.

David Carpenter, PA-C

caseyspen · May 10, 2010

Relocating isn't a possibility. The university affiliated with my hospital offers the PNP program and the private university (with tuition in the ten thousands) in the next city over offers the acute care pnp. I really don't want to rack up a huge amount of debt which is what would happen if I went the private university route. So I will probably be doing the pnp or fnp, just wanted to know if hospitals only hire those with acute care degrees.

Thanks

PICUPNP · May 10, 2010

Most pediatric hospital are only hiring NPs with their Acute Care. I'm a Crit Care PNP and have worked in a hospital setting my entire career.

txsummerRN · May 14, 2010

It may also depend on your state. Here in Texas, NPs are required to have acute care certification to work in hospitals. All of the PNPs I work with (in a pedi hospital) had to get a post-master's acute care certification. I think I remember hearing that there is only one other state in the country that does this, so maybe it won't be an issue for you!

guiltysins · May 15, 2010

Definetely the children's hospital, but I think it would help if you get certified as an Acute Care PNP and not just a Primary Care PNP, I was actually just looking into this myself but ultimately decided that when I do go back for my NP I would't mind primary care. There are less programs however for the Acute Care track which sucks (there are NONE in my area). If you know you are ONLY interested in peds, I would go with the PNP and not bother with the FNP.

caseyspen · May 18, 2010

Definetely the children's hospital, but I think it would help if you get certified as an Acute Care PNP and not just a Primary Care PNP, I was actually just looking into this myself but ultimately decided that when I do go back for my NP I would't mind primary care. There are less programs however for the Acute Care track which sucks (there are NONE in my area). If you know you are ONLY interested in peds, I would go with the PNP and not bother with the FNP.

yeah, after thinking about it. My plan is to go the PNP route with my hospital footing most of the bill and then getting a post masters certificate in acute care. Now I just have to study for the GRE.