Certified in two specialties?

Specialties NP

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I am a senior in my BSN program and trying to figure out my path in advance nursing. I know I definitely want to pursue APN in pediatrics/neonatal. My love is NICU, but I know there is a possibility that as I age I will want to do something different and working in a Pediatric practice (or opening up my own pediatric practice) really entices me.

I already have a job at a large children's hospital in my area and they have agreed to pay for my continuing education. So....

In my area Baylor is the only NNP program and they require 2 years of NICU experience.

I was planning on attending my alma matar (TWU) for their PNP program (which I can enter right after graduation) and obtain my PNP, work in the PICU/NICU for a while to get my experience with all pediatrics and then go back and get my post-masters at Baylor for their NNP program.

Is this reasonable?

Baylor's website states "The Post-master’s Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Study option allows nurses who have completed an advanced nursing degree (master’s or doctorate) to prepare for the nurse practitioner role. Students must have a graduate nursing degree. The curriculum averages 34-hours in length with the option of receiving a second master’s degree."

Is anyone dual certified in two different specialties?

Are there any PNP's that work in NICUs?

TIA for any advice, experience, or other comments.

sorry so long....

Specializes in Psychiatry (PMHNP), Family (FNP).

I thought the specialty creds were Adult Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (APMHNP), Family Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (FPMHNP), or simply Adult Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner (APNP)....?

Whoops! You are correct. I was reading off my school certificate and not my ANCC. APMHNP it is. Wow! :bugeyes:

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Hi, Smitty08.

I'm curious about how you combined the specialties of psych and family health. I have often thought dual certification as an FNP and PMHNP would be a powerful combo. Can you write about your practice settings and work experience, etc... Thanks!

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Specializes in Psychiatry (PMHNP), Family (FNP).
Hi, Smitty08.

I'm curious about how you combined the specialties of psych and family health. I have often thought dual certification as an FNP and PMHNP would be a powerful combo. Can you write about your practice settings and work experience, etc... Thanks!

Hi ya

Well, I started out right out of Nsg School in Psych., although I did some work in Long Term Care too, I stayed in psych -loved it, every minute of it- but realized when I started my MSN that there was so much cross-over symptomatology , psych/somatic, that I decided to do both FNP and Psych. Nurse practitioner. I consider myself really a psych. practitioner, and thats what I do -day to day- but it sure was interesting learning everything else. The extra placements (3) were a little weary-making, however, I was younger at the time and I wouldn't do it any differently.

I have a great perspective now and more job options than I know what to do with! Now I am looking at a DNP program, would like to practice/teach as a nice retirement job, and it should look good that I have both credentials. Hope that answers your question, but if not let me know - and best of luck!! Smitty

:yelclap:

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