Evaluating FNP vs AGNP, acute vs primary care

[eviewi]

Hiya!

I'm looking at applying to some DNP programs (Washington state requires DNP for nurse practitioner license), and I'm trying to decide between the Family Nurse Practitioner and the Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner programs.

I work in a hospital setting with adult patients and have not worked with children. I'm thinking that the AGNP might be a better fit for me but I'm reluctant to limit myself to only that population. On the other hand, it looks like the AGNP programs might be less competitive (read: easier to get into).

The other decision point involves the question of acute care vs primary care. I haven't worked in primary care, which makes me wonder if it might not be a good fit for me. On the other hand, there are not as many programs focused on acute care, and I'm not sure I want to work in acute care for the rest of my career. :-)

What do you think?

[pnwagnp]

If you see yourself wanting to work with peds in the future then you should go for a FNP. I don't think AGNP programs are easier to get into, esp in the schools in WA State as most programs in the Seattle area are highly competitive.

You should though decide if you want to do primary vs acute care. If you do get your FNP you can still work in urgent care. Maybe you should shadow or volunteer to figure out where you would like to focus on.

If you want to work in a inpatient setting I would recommend getting a ACNP, because the Seattle area is putting out more grads out of acute care programs (UW and SU) it would be tough for you to find a position w/ a primary care degree in a acute care setting. From what I know there are no dual FNP/AGACNP programs in Washington. You could move out of state to do a dual program and/or attend a distance program. Really decide in the area you want to focus and if you can't then go for a dual program that would cover you in both arenas. Good luck.