Does being an NP hospitalist ruin your career as an ACNP

[katicurn84]

I recently graduated from an Acute Care NP program and have been in search of my first NP job. I have ICU experience and of course my dream job would be to either work in an ICU or an ER (although I have been told by several recruiters that without ER RN experience, this is unlikely).

Because the job search can be a difficult process, I have started to research the NP hospitalist role. I have seen plenty of these jobs available and think that it might not be a bad opportunity. Recently though, one of the recruiters said something to me:

"Don't take a hospitalist NP job, it will ruin your career"

He elaborated further about how it would be difficult to transition to another role as an ICU or ER provider, etc. I don't know if his sole reason for saying this was because he had a personal agenda in that he was just trying to get me to apply for a specific position he had in mind for me or if through his years of experience, this is what he has seen.

What are your thoughts on this statement? Do you believe this to be true or false?

I personally don't think being a hospitalist NP would be such a bad decision because you would be able to see so much. And if I were able to find a position that covers the ICU and/or can do some procedures, I think it would be a perfect position.

I would love to hear feedback from all members but specifically hospitalist NPs on this statement and if a position as a hospitalist is a good role for a new graduate ACNP.

[scottaprn]

It all comes down to your negotiation. If you negotiate a job that includes being trained in and credentialed for procedures and responsibilities with a wide range it can be a great position for a new grad

If you get railroaded in negotiations and just wind up doing the jobs no one else want it will limit you going forward due to limited experiences.

[BlueDevil, DNP]

I think that is most ridiculous thing I have ever heard. I am asked to moonlight as a ED provider in our University Hospital about once a month, and I've been in family medicine my whole career. Recruiter just doesn't get paid for placing you there is my guess.

[guest538567]

I would think that having a hospitalist position would actually be very easy to transition into any number of different specialties given the experience and generalist nature of the work. It likely is all in how you "sell" yourself in future.

[Candimk2]

That sounds crazy. To me it's like being a new RN. People are always saying "Get Med/Surg experience first & then you can go wherever you want". Wouldn't that kind of be like that? I would think being a hospitalist would open doors to more specialized fields just because of the vast amount of experience you would get & the different conditions you would see.

[globalRN]

I work as a NP on a hospital care team.

I don't see how that would 'ruin' you.

I think it would strengthen your experience with a variety of patient issues, and improve your skill set as an ACNP

[Dranger]

Umm a large part of being a ACNP is hospitalist work. Not every ACNP is in an ICU