Critical Care DNP Programs

[emkccrn]

Joined allnurses to get some information from everyone on this wonderful site. I've been an OR nurse for 5 years and most recently, a CVICU RN for 2. I'm interested in getting into an online DNP program that's a dual FNP/ACNP and recently discovered the Emergency NP program at University of South Alabama. Sounds perfect; however, I would much more prefer to work in an ICU setting than an ED. Does getting this degree automatically mean you're en route to being an ED NP or would it allow one to work in an ICU? And on that note, do ICU NPs (or educational programs, for that matter) even exist? Does anyone have any feedback on the USA Advanced Emergency Nursing program?

Thanks!

[Corey Narry, MSN, RN, NP]

I am not familiar with this program you are referring to but I do have an understanding of core competencies of both the FNP and ACNP role. Having both certifications would make you more flexible in terms of roles that require primary care across the lifespan and high acuity care of the adult. That does not necessarily mean ED alone because there are blended roles in actual practice in other specialties which may be well suited for this combo (i.e., Orthopedic Surgery, Neurosurgery). You mention ICU as an interest. ICU as a specialty is strictly age-based. Adult ICU's are staffed by intensivists trained in adult critical care and Peds ICU's are staffed by Pediatricians trained in critical care of kids so the splitting of the adult ACNP and peds ACNP programs does not pose an issue.