Family NP and Pediatric NP

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Nursing Education.

Question: Are family NP frequently employed in pediatric only settings? Or are pediatric NP's preferred? Or, is the FNP just as competitive for the job? Or, does it really not make a difference...

I know, I know. Seems like a no brainer. Just wanted to know from some NP's though. I want really really really to do peds, but a little voice in my head says "do family. you will have more choices!"

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Specializes in ER/Tele, Med-Surg, Faculty, Urgent Care.
Question: Are family NP frequently employed in pediatric only settings? Or are pediatric NP's preferred? Or, is the FNP just as competitive for the job? Or, does it really not make a difference...

I know, I know. Seems like a no brainer. Just wanted to know from some NP's though. I want really really really to do peds, but a little voice in my head says "do family. you will have more choices!"

You might listen to the voice. Ask yourself: Which is more marketable?

I know a PNP that said if she had it to do over she would go FNP & in my FNP program we had 2 womens health NP's & 1 geriatric NP come back to get FNP. I know FNP's that specialize in cardiology, peds, women's health, dermatology.

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You might listen to the voice. Ask yourself: Which is more marketable?

I know a PNP that said if she had it to do over she would go FNP & in my FNP program we had 2 womens health NP's & 1 geriatric NP come back to get FNP. I know FNP's that specialize in cardiology, peds, women's health, dermatology.

I agree. You may change your mind in 10 years and with FNP you have that option.

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I am a FNP but I work in a Pediatric ED. I too debated whether to go to a FNP or PNP program. I chose the FNP tract because I felt it would be more marketable, would open more options for me in the future, and would allow me to pursue other areas to practice in if my plans changed in the future.

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Choice really depends on your experience and what population you are comfortable with. I am a former neonatal nurse who "branched out" by getting my PNP. I work in a pedi specialty area (outpatient). I had to do a rotation in a Family Practice Clinic for my post-masters program and had anxiety and panic attacks the whole way through. I absolutely hated it! I think Pediatricians are the best docs to work with, even though they complain about being poorest doctors.

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Specializes in Education, FP, LNC, Forensics, ED, OB.
Choice really depends on your experience and what population you are comfortable with. I am a former neonatal nurse who "branched out" by getting my PNP. I work in a pedi specialty area (outpatient). I had to do a rotation in a Family Practice Clinic for my post-masters program and had anxiety and panic attacks the whole way through. I absolutely hated it! I think Pediatricians are the best docs to work with, even though they complain about being poorest doctors.

I understand TOTALLY from whence you come!!

I would panic if I had to work full time in a pedi clinic. I am FNP and OB NP, but, do NOT like the peds. I see them, but, not many if I can help it.

Everyone has their comfort zone. The choice of NP discipline should be based on interest, prior experience as an RN, location, ie, state, rural/city, marketability......

Thank you for the reply. I hope we can get more NPs to respond here and on the other NP threads as well.

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