ENP programs

[zacarias]

Hey all,

I was wondering if you all knew which universities had Emergency NP programs. I thought UT-Houston and Loyola were the only two but I guess Emory has a program now!

My question is, are these programs similar as in, do they all teach intubation, chest tube insertion, and advanced suturing? Thanks.

[pro_student_2010]

UT-Arlington also has a ENP program that is fairly good. Graduates are certified as FNPs in order to cover them from birth to death. Programs vary in how they prepare students. Some really only arrange your clinicals in ERs or more acute settings but otherwise not any different. The better programs actually offer some modification of whatever base program you would be certified in (ACNP, FNP, etc...) to prepare you for the unique nature of emergency care. Since you said your goal was to work in a level I trauma center I would think that the more specialize training you can get related to emergency medicine would be advantageous. And yes, all ENP programs really do is pad your resume, your certification will be the same as any other FNP or ACNP but hopefully your program will give you more specific didactics and clinicals that will better prepare you for the ER.

[traumaRUs, MSN, APRN]

Personally, yes I think the way to go is the ACNP and then ACPNP.

However, the caveat to this one is that at the level one trauma center where I live, they have a large residency program and don't use ANY mid-levels. I work in a community hospital ER because of this.

I'm an adult CNS (since 05/06) and am doing another post-MSN peds CNS.

[BmoreCRNP]

Not sure if you want a specific state, but UMD has an acute care/emergency/critical care program. I can't remember exactly what it's called. But you are trained in acute care with a lot of trauma, critical care, and ER focus. Not sure about the Peds part though. You'd have to look up the program specifics. Here's the link to UMD's website. http://nursing.umaryland.edu/

[nurseman78, BSN, RN, NP]

The best one I've seen so far is at Vanderbilt University. This program trains you to take the FNP and the ACNP certification exams. The program is two-years full time (altogether, not per each certification), or they have longer part-time options. I believe they also allow you to do it via video conferencing from out of state, and they also set up preceptors in your home state so you don't have to move. Another great thing is that the director of the ACNP program wrote the very first certification exam, so the school is well connected to the industry.

So it gives you the breadth of experience of being able to treat all age groups, plus the more in-depth critical care knowledge.