Considering NP after BSN--a few questions

Published

Hello everyone,

I'm currently enrolled in a BSN program and will graduate in 2008. My plan then is to move back home for awhile to save up some money, then go to grad school. I'd really like to end up working ER at a rural hospital, so I've thought about becoming a PA. But I really like the more holistic approach of the nursing care model as compared to the medical model, which I understand is more of what PAs use.

There are several excellent schools in my area, and I'm wanting to go to Barnes-Jewish Hospital's college to obtain my advanced practice degree. My main question is this: is there going to be significant demand, both in the short- and long-term, for nurse practitioners?

I've read several articles that suggest PAs and NPs will both be in demand as the emphasis on cost containment in healthcare increases. But I wanted to see what the job market looks like from your point of view, as practicing NPs. I like the extra autonomy the job seems to provide, but I do prefer the nursing approach. It seems like there's just something extra. And I'll also admit that I don't want to go to medical school. I think something like this would be a good fit for me, but I do want to make sure there's going to be plenty of jobs before I start making longer-term plans about my career.

Thanks in advance to anyone who can help!

-Ed

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Education, FP, LNC, Forensics, ED, OB.

Hello, EdBSN09,

Alot will depend upon the type of NP track to secure. In my area, I work in a rural area, private clinic with 6 physicians. They utilize FNP. I work in the ED taking call as well as having a practice at the clinic. And, the ED makes no specification of FNP or ACNP. Only the ability to see all ages and genders.

But, some entities will demand the NP be certified as ACNP (Acute Care NP) and will accept nothing less to work in the ED. You will need to conduct research in the area in which you wish to work and see what is the need.

Good luck and congratulations on your soon-to-be graduation and furthering of your education.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thanks for the info. Do you see the job market for NPs in general as being good? I don't have any particular rural area in mind, but I worked in a small, rural hospital before I came to the city. I liked the rural setting much better. Do you think there's truth in what I've read that NPs and PAs will see many more opportunities in the future?

I guess what I'm asking about is the overall job market. I don't want to go for my Master's to end up having trouble finding a job. For instance, I already have a job secured as an RN at my hospital after I graduate (I have two years to go, despite the '09' in my screen name :-)). Do most NP grads have similar luck with securing a job offer?

Any other advice or thoughts you have on the matter would be most appreciated. Thanks again!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Education, FP, LNC, Forensics, ED, OB.

I don't have hard and fast statistics, but the answer is, yes. A career as an Advanced Practice Nurse should be one that will evolve and be utilized by many many areas. Large cities as well as rural areas. And, they are not going to be phased out. The population is older and getting bigger and bigger.

Right now, in my area, the NP is utilized more so in the rural area. Big demand for us. More so than the PA. And, in the hospitals of my area, NPs normally do not have a huge role. Some cannot find work in the hospitals for they do not want the liability of an NP as opposed to a physician. The NP in the hospitals in my area have duties of an RN only.

You will need to search out the areas/states in which you desire employment and see what is available and how NPs are utilized. You will need to decide upon a speciaty area and a track. You will need to seek certification after graduation from your NP program, too. Lots and lots of decisions and research involved.

Don't be discouraged about if NPs are going to be around when you seek a position. They will.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

So for the most part can a FNP work in any hospital setting??

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Education, FP, LNC, Forensics, ED, OB.

it really depends upon your area, joebird21.

the fnp is educated in all areas from birth through death. but, as i said above, some want certain np specialties. like the neonatal np (nnp). they are highly specialized nps with neonates and hospitals normally hire them for this area. pediatric np (pnp) is the same thing, snatched up by hospitals.

but, the acnp normally work in the settings of ed and/or other acute care settings. fnp normally work in clinics, family practice settings. and, both can work ed without problem.

but, one must conduct research of their areas and see what the accepted practice is in hiring which specialty np.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion