current Adult NP considering FNP??

bsnanat2 · Apr 5, 2012

Hi,
I am currently contemplating going back for the FNP since the job market stinks for Adult NPs. I am currently working in the Burn Unit but hate the hours, I see all sorts of job opportunities for an FNP but not an ANP. I wanted to know if anyone else has done the FNP program after already completing the Adult NP and becoming certified? What was your experience? Are there any good online options for an FNP program? how much did it end up costing you? I am just getting starting researching my options for programs.

Almost any program out there will give you consideration for your previous education, as most pharm, patho and health assessment courses are "across the lifespan" and not just adult. That being said (semi rant coming)........

I hear this FNP thing all the time. I don't know you or where you live, but in MOST cases, yes, employers are looking for "FNP", but many do so because that is all they know. Unless it is specifically a Peds setting or small ER or small Urgent Care, an Adult NP is easily qualified to do the job. Please don't go by the ad, instead, ASK, APPLY, EDUCATE; Ask about the population, Apply for the job, and Educate them about the Adult NP role. In my state Adult NP's can treat 12yo and up. Only Peds and Peds specialty see clients under 12, so they will not even accept clients under 16 or 18. These clients are all referred to peds, but most places still look for FNP because it is all they know. Don't spend tons of money and time when it MAY not be necessary. Develop a little speech or brochure to explain the preceeding.

I wish you well!

abiagirlnp · May 6, 2012

I agree with the last post. The FNP program may be revised soon, like the ANP. Be careful not to spend all your money on a certification that may be retired soon.

sandnnw, BSN, MSN, EMT-B, APRN · May 6, 2012

Another ANP here. I thought about the same thing! Took me ~6 months to even find a job. They even offered to pay to send me back to school, but i declined as I did not plan on staying with that employer.

Sounds funny, but I've heard the saying when you take a job, do so with the consideration of where you are headed next, ironic, but that's how it worked out for me. Even now, in my second job, I think about and plan for my next job even though I have no idea where or who I want to work for.

There are jobs out there for ANPs. Internal Medicine, Cardiology and Endo are huge and going to get larger over the next 10-20 years, not to mention the amount of NP retirements coming soon.

In a burn unit, I think your skills would be in high demand from either the Trauma or Plastics side. Sounds like you work for a larger, metro medical center. There has to be a ton of NPs and you might find that its "who" vs "what" you know that matters.