Emergency Nurse Practitioner programs?

Nursing Students NP Students

Published

Hey all,

I'm beginning to get the itch to do something more with my BSN. I really like the idea of being an ENP, but I haven't found too many schools offering it specifically.

So far:

University of Texas - Arlington

University of Texas - Houston

University of South Alabama - College of Nursing

Vanderbilt University School of Nursing

Emory University School of Nursing

The rest that I found only mention Emergency Practitioner as an aside.

Now, I realize that an ACNP would prepare me for working in an Emergency Department, but I wonder if doing a specific ENP-focused program would be better.

Anyone out there with experience in this field?? Anyone out there attend or are planning to attend these programs who would provide some insight??

Lastly, what kind of salary could you expect in this field? I've seen $70-$85k per year.

Thanks again!

-Craig

RN, BSN

Specializes in ER and Aesthetics.

I think it also helps who you know. I was an ER RN for 6 yrs in the ER prior to becoming an FNP in the ER. I have amazing trainning. I know a great deal and I am proud to say I am an NP and not a PA. Yes we are similar in the ER. yes they come out with extra procedure trainning, but its not like I can't learn it or did not learn it on the job :)

Best of luck

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Craig,

I agree with the last post, you will be cornering yourself by going ENA. 75% of care in the ER is primary care with a paradigm shift of the ED setting towards this level of care due to a lack of primary care providers. Also, the boards for an ENP are the FNP boards since currently there are no ENP boards. Do not get me wrong. I agree that Emergency NPs need specialized training but if you decide to leave, say after you become burned out, then what will you do. I have currently worked in the ED setting as an NP for the past 5 years and have a private practice on the side. I believe it is this mix of care that keeps me from getting burned out.

Elle

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Hi!

Okay this thread is a little in the past, but is relevant to some questions I have (and posted in another thread, but makes so much sense here, so maybe you past-posters can help).

I was under the impression that NPs can only work in the urgent care setting of the ED, but the way this thread has gone, talking about suturing chest tubes and intubating, it sounds like this isn't the case?

I am a SICU RN starting to apply to schools (I am thinking FNP), and was told about a brand spanking new emergency-concentration from UMDNJ that would prepare the practitioner to work in all areas of the ED, which, according to them, is a brand spanking new change in practice. Maybe it's not so new?

This interests me (though I am thinking I'd like this at a level III, not the level I currently downstairs from me!), though I don't see how I'd be competent to take on this role with three years' more education (and actually they said the ED part is simply three more classes in addition to the FNP part)...sounds a bit scary???

Are the other schools mentioned here - , Houston, etc -- offering the same sort of program/cert?

It also interested me b/c I'd have the FNP aspect covered, but would get more critical/emergency care that would give me options to (a) work in the ED or (b) work somewhere else but be more knowledgable (sorta just for kicks!).

Really quite confused now, so thanks for your thoughts!

Edit: I had a thought - maybe ENPs will be hired for the main ED but won't take trauma rooms? So, they would mainly deal with the "primary care in the ED" that it sounds like the demand for NPs in the ED originated??

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I am a brand new NP but have been an nurse for 20 years with a good portion of that time in a Level III ED-- my small hospital does not employ FNPs. But in my area NPs work in the walk in side of the ER. If you have been an ER nurse for any length of time in a rural ER then being an FNP in one would be similiar to that of a busy primary care practice. Like in an earlier post there are few ENP programs around, and with the FNP training you can opt to do clinicals in an ER walk in clinic. So, this gives you a few more options if you choose to leave ER one day and do a specialty or do primary care.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Hi!

Okay this thread is a little in the past, but is relevant to some questions I have (and posted in another thread, but makes so much sense here, so maybe you past-posters can help).

I was under the impression that NPs can only work in the urgent care setting of the ED, but the way this thread has gone, talking about suturing chest tubes and intubating, it sounds like this isn't the case?

I am a SICU RN starting to apply to schools (I am thinking FNP), and was told about a brand spanking new emergency-concentration from UMDNJ that would prepare the practitioner to work in all areas of the ED, which, according to them, is a brand spanking new change in practice. Maybe it's not so new?

This interests me (though I am thinking I'd like this at a level III, not the level I currently downstairs from me!), though I don't see how I'd be competent to take on this role with three years' more education (and actually they said the ED part is simply three more classes in addition to the FNP part)...sounds a bit scary???

Are the other schools mentioned here - Vandy, Houston, etc -- offering the same sort of program/cert?

It also interested me b/c I'd have the FNP aspect covered, but would get more critical/emergency care that would give me options to (a) work in the ED or (b) work somewhere else but be more knowledgable (sorta just for kicks!).

Really quite confused now, so thanks for your thoughts!

Edit: I had a thought - maybe ENPs will be hired for the main ED but won't take trauma rooms? So, they would mainly deal with the "primary care in the ED" that it sounds like the demand for NPs in the ED originated??

FYI, just because you've been trained to do more than take care of minor emergencies in the ER doesn't mean a hospital will let you do it. The hospitals in my area would never allow that. We can work in the fast track (and we also suture there), but that's it.

Also, I don't know which state you live in, but be aware that those combination ER/FNP programs are not recognized in every state. There was a combo ER/FNP program at UT-Houston and a couple of their graduates moved to other states and couldn't get licensed as a NP due to the fact that they graduated from a dual program.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Hi my name is Drew Dawkins and i'm thinking of applying to Vanderbilt as well as Emorys ENP program. I have not been able to make contact with anyone who has been through these programs and knows what to expect in terms of application etc. I was wondering if you'd be able to answer some of my questions and give me an idea of how you liked the program etc. Thanks so very much. My email is [email protected]

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Have been practicing as ENP for almost 10 years now, graduated for UT Houston, ENP course which was excellent. Have never had an issue with the state in regards to lic. Cert as FNP (no er boards yet) can work with all age groups. Was well trained at UT. Have very few practice limitatios. Basically if I am trained to due, I can. This includes advanced procedures. I see all levels of acquity from non-urgent walk in to traumas. My physician group is very supportive of NP's and PA's. Haven't regreted the decision once, pay is good (over $100,000). If you are thinking about going this route I would definitely recommend it.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
I definitely needed more experience in ophthamology and ortho. I trained with internists and family practice doctors and they did not suture or perform many procedures. They were also very weak in reading x-rays. In Texas, only Acute Care NP's can work in the ER setting. However, FNP's can work in the fast track...we take care of those people who shouldn't be in the ER. So, anything cardiac related goes directly to the ER.

I completed close to 1500 clinical hours, since I certified as a GNP, ANP and FNP. I'm absolutely astounded that FNP programs don't require a MINIMUM of 1,500 hours! The most clinical hours I've seen is 800 and that is NOT even close to enough. FNP's should be mandated to do pedes, ortho, surgical and OB rotations - most family practice docs in larger cities do not treat kids or pregnant women. I know several FNP's who never assessed a pregnant woman or small child during their rotations. The ANCC and AANP need to double the clinical hours for each specialty. In fact, it would be awesome if the FNP was the starting point and then people could complete further education and clinicals hours in the various specialties - just like doctors do!

Also, UT Health Science Center in Houston had an ER/FNP program, but some of their students weren't able to get licensed in some states, even though they were board certified as FNP's. I believe that's the reason they closed it down - what a shame. Aren't there ER programs in California?

for an update- in Texas FNP's can work in the ER, in fact I know many who do. I also know many who work in the fast track. Individual hospitals may have restrictions, the the state BON does not. CDM1106

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I understan this is late but wanted to chime in with my experience. My background has been critical care, ED and Flight nursing as a RN. wanted an advanced practice job and after a large amount of research and thought, many of what has already been posted I choose to enter a FNP program..

We don't have and ENP program in my area, I wanted to be able to take care of all age ranges, and the closest ACNP program is a state away... I got a job immediately in the ED.. we take care of ESI triage category patients 2 in collaboration with the physician and ESI category 3-5 independently. We staff both the main ED and "fast track" or UC. Our medical director will not hire ACNP or ANP due to the inability to care of for kids....

we see about 30000 ED patients a year so a little community ED that is busy. We have been proven to be cost effective only due to the APP (advanced practice professionals). In our health system our ED looks the best budget wise and we are staffed the best.

I am hoping that there will be a certification/validation of knowledge test coming soon for us.... I love my job

D Steele...

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Which Emergency NP Programs are on line? I have heard there are 9 in the country. I am aware of Vanderbilt and U of So. Alabama. Thanks.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Anesthesia, Pain, Emergency Medicine.

You pretty much have to certified as an FNP to be able to see all the ER patients. All the ENP programs I've seen have dual certification as FNP/ACNP.

If you really want ER, either move to a state where you can work ER as an FNP or get the dual certification.

Here are my thoughts....

Check into which certification exam these programs are preparing you to take. When I looked at this some years ago, most of the programs were preparing the student to sit for the FNP exam. So in the end, you end up a FNP.

There is one ACNP where I work and without additional preparation he can't see the kiddies. Which has been sort of a sticking point with the docs. But he does a fantastic job otherwise.

It is necessary to be broad in scope when working in the ER.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I know that, to work in an ER, FNP is the desired credential. What I am looking for (and, not for myself-I am a primary care FNP already-I am trying to help a former student) are the on line NP programs, FNP, or dual FNP/ACNP with a focus on emergency care. My former student (BSN with 2 years ER experience) does not want to relocate, and can't stop working, so wants a program that is on line, allows her to do clinicals in her home town, offers a part-time option, and is FNP with an emergency focus (like UMDNJ), or dual FNP/ACNP (like Vanderbilt). Any iformation is appreciated.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment