Emergency Room NP

Published

I am currently looking into NP Masters programs in New England. I am interested in becoming an NP and working in an Emergency Room setting. UNH currently has an NP program that would focus on Family Practice, would this be sufficient to work in an ER or would I need to get an advanced certification in ER Practice? If so are there any schools in New England that offer such a program.

Thanks a lot!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ACNP-BC, Adult Critical Care, Cardiology.

The FNP route is a good way to start. Only concern is that FNP training may not cover high levels of acuity seen among ER patients particularly Level I Traumas. Unfortunately, there is no certification program available for NP's in emergency settings. However, anecdotal evidence do suggest that many ER's prefer to hire FNP's compared to other NP specialties.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU, Home Health Care, End of Life, LTC.

The hospital affiliated with my nursing school is a Level I trauma (adult) and Level II trauma (ped). It has a large ED with good "outcome measures". One of my favorite instructors is an FNP who works the ED. He does work to keep current, has CCRN cert and I would be relieved to see him from a gurney. I think FNP works well for ED. I am interested in the same thing. There are some programs in the country that offer ACNP (Acute Care) but they seem to be getting fewer.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

Very good points to look at acuity that is offered with FNP. In my area, APNs are going for a dual cert: ACNP (to see adults) and either PNP or ACPNP for children.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thanks for all the replies, all of your responses helped to answer my question!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in STICU/NICU/CCU/ER.

FNP exposes you to all ages seen in the ER, you will feel more comfortable in the ER with the high acuity patients if you have any clinical background in ER or critical care to draw from.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

Agree! I had 10 years in a level one trauma center as a staff nurse, case manager and charge RN before I went to grad school.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ER, Trauma, ICU/CCU/NICU, EMS, Transport.

It depends on the ED role that you would be doing.

If you would be relegated to a "fast track" or more "intermediate" type care, then FNP should do.

Contrary to the other posters there are Emergency Nurse Pracitioner programs actively. Although there is no ENP certification YET (but watch out it's probably coming), you'd still have to sit for FNP or ACNP. That being said - the ENP role is definitely more of "emergency" type stuff (intubations, chest tubes, central lines etc)... I don't know if there is a big need for this now. Most places that might consider this, probably also have medical/surgical residents who would be doing these procedures.

For right now, I believe, that MOST NPs working in the ED are doing more "volume" type work in that "fast track" type role.

Hope this helps.

-MB

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

That is correct at least in IL. Loyola has an ENP program but you take the ACNP exam - so even though you see kids in clinical, you can't care for them once you graduate. The program does not allow you to sit for the PNP or ACPNP.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Emergency.

well the university of texas at arlington also has an ENP program and you are able to take the FNP test. i believe at the end you do end up with a certifcation or specializing in Emergency. I cant quite remember the wording. just wanted to add in my two cents

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion