family NP vs. Acute care NP

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Specializes in generalMedical surgical; MICU/SICU/CVICU.

Can someone help me understand the difference between the two? And can a Family NP work in a doctors office with an MD or do they have to have thier own practice? Which one, Family or Acute care, lets you work less hours a week if needed. And does a family NP required to treat all populations, babies, pediatrics, adolescents, adults,and the elderly?

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Specializes in Education, FP, LNC, Forensics, ED, OB.
Can someone help me understand the difference between the two? And can a Family NP work in a doctors office with an MD or do they have to have thier own practice? Which one, Family or Acute care, lets you work less hours a week if needed. And does a family NP required to treat all populations, babies, pediatrics, adolescents, adults,and the elderly?

Hello, KatieRN04,

Acute Care NP:

The ACNP is educated in managing the acutely ill adult patient. Focus is not primary care, but this is incorporated into the programs. They manage patients in the hospital ED, hospital admission through discharge, and even in some specialty clinics.

Family NP:

The FNP is educated in managing the the needs of the entire family....birth through geriatrics and everything in between. Normally located in a clinic, they work just about everywhere, depending upon the area need and job requirements: office, clinics, shools, hospitals, etc.

Yes, FNP work in physician offices (clinics) and some do have their own practice (depending upon the state requirements). But, "having their own pracitce" is not required.

As for which one is "less hours"?.......that is something that I do not think can be answered.

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Hello, KatieRN04,

Snip

As for which one is "less hours"?.......that is something that I do not think can be answered.

I think that generally ACNP's work more defined hours. Although if you are in a hospitalist group you work til it's done. FNP full time is going to be 50+ hours a week (or at least it is around here). The other part is that it seems to be easier to get job sharing etc. in the FNP.

David Carpenter, PA-C

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Specializes in Education, FP, LNC, Forensics, ED, OB.
fnp full time is going to be 50+ hours a week

david carpenter, pa-c

it's that +that gets me every time!!!;)

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Specializes in OR Internship starting in Jan!!.

lol, as someone considering FNP down the road, that + is a kicker :D

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Specializes in Accepted...Master's Entry Program, 2008!.

I think what's more important is which patient population you prefer. Because if you'd rather treat acutely ill adults, FNP is going to make you miserable. If you'd rather treat the entire age range as a primary provider, you'll be miserable as an ACNP.

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lol, as someone considering FNP down the road, that + is a kicker :D

Realistically, it's about taking care of patients. The real issue is not letting people take advantage of this. What I like about my job is the variability. I have a small group of patients that I see for regualar probelms, a number of patients that I see once or twice for consults and then inpatient work. I like the fact that I have some patients that I can develop a relationship and the immediacy of inpatient work.

David Carpenter, PA-C

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