Emergency Nurse Practitioners

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Specializes in ED, Flight.

I would like to hear from graduates of ENP programs presently working. I am considering this route for myself. I know there is no ENP boarded specialty. I have found ENP programs that are combination FNP/ACNP; and I see programs that are essentially an expanded FNP program.

I'd like to hear which programs you attended. How did you like the quality of the program? Do you have any special comments, positive or negative, about things to watch for? Did you attend an online or on-campus program? Are you working in the ED now? Are you working the full scope of the ED, or are you limited to specific areas such as Fast Track, Urgent Care, etc. ?

Any valid input welcome. Thanks in advance!

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Specializes in Emergency, MCCU, Surgical/ENT, Hep Trans.

Me path (over 20yrs):

military medic, EMT-B, BSN, military flight nurse, Critical Care Course, ICU, ED, MSN, ANP in a hybrid Walk-in/Urgent Care (yes, it can be done!)

My graduate program had nothing to do with emergency healthcare, all internal/cardiac. Long story...:rolleyes:

I am waiting with bated breath for a mid-level position in my ED. My ED director states, "I want a partner, someone to see the primary care/non-urgent stuff, someone with urgent care experience who is use to MOVING people quickly..." Uh...okay!

Fire away!

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

My path: LPN, ADN, BSN, MSN, post-MSN adult health CNS, now graduating with post-MSN peds CNS. Have completed over 1100 hours of clinical between the two programs.

My nursing experience: 1 year med-surg, 1 year adult ICU, 10 yrs level one trauma center and since I've been an APN: I've done nephrology and 8 months of prn community ER.

However, the ER docs didn't want to work with mid-levels so it was brutal! Will try again later this year after I pass the peds CNS so that I can see everyone.

Ooops...wanted to add that Loyola has what they term an ENP program though its grads take the ACNP exam....and in IL that means they can only see ages 16 and up....not sure how that works. By doing two programs, I KNOW I can see everyone.

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One more thing to consider:

Several states are considering changing their Nurse Practice Acts to prevent primary care NPs (FNP, PNP) from working in inpatient settings. These programs focus on primary care, and these programs do not prepare graduates for acute care patients. The National Organization for Nurse Practitioner Faculties (NONPF) are encouraging these changes in the respective state practice acts and regulations.

Here in Virginia, I am receiving many requests from FNPs who are seeking post-masters ACNP certification to enable them to continue to work in their present inpatient units.

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Specializes in Emergency, MCCU, Surgical/ENT, Hep Trans.

https://www.uta.edu/nursing/MSN/emergency_NP.php

These folks appear to be "blazing a trail" to the ENP pathway. They have written numerous proposals and white papers, housed on the ENA web portal. Not sure how close you are, but I noticed New Mexico. It might be worth looking into. They also suggest having your CNE. Certainly would carry some weight with your RN peers. Good luck,

jimbo

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

But what certification exam are they taking? I couldn't find that on the website.

That's what determines how you practice. Heck, I could have all the clinicals/education in the world but if I take an adult APN exam, adults are what I see. Now, if thru that program you can take BOTH an adult, say ACNP and an ACPNP then go for it.

Otherwise, its just a nice program with lots of skills!

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

Ooops - I looked closer and it prepares you to take the FNP exam.

Well....I know that in some states, an FNP can't care for acutely ill pts.

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