Family Nurse Practitioner info

[PhillyKidRN]

I recently graduated from a BSN program and have begun looking into nurse practitioner programs trying to decide which road to take. Right now I am working in a pediatric ER in Philly and I know I don't ever want to get out of working with kids. The thing I am questioning is whether or not I want to get my Masters as a family nurse practitioner or as a pediatric nurse practitioner. Philly has lots of different opportunities for pediatric nurse practitioners (sub-specialties). I just think in a few years I am going to want to be working with adults as well. What are the job opportunities like for FNPs? Is this an area that's growing in popularity or not? What does the job entail exactly? I went to school in Northeast Ohio and there are no FNP programs there therefore I didn't even know this was an option. I know if I were to stay here at the hospital where I'm at, I would have no problem getting a job as a peds NP, but I am really thinking I want to go the FNP route? I'd love to be a part of any of UPenn's NP programs? Anyone who has gone through there? Is it worth the $$ or is Drexel just as good? Any insight here would be appreciated.!!!! Thanks everyone!

[puggymae]

I graduated from an Adult FNP program. A classmate of mine went on and then completed a Peds program as a post graduate certificate. She said that the Peds component was much easier after completing the Adult portion. Good Luck!

[lilboboxox]

hello. i will be attending UPenn's FNP program in the September (2 weeks from now!!!). i will be glad to give you some input once i'm in the program. feel free to private msg me. :)

[EDSNA85]

Ihave always herd that going FNP is the bestway bc if u ever have to work with adults u can and u are less restricted. I want to go to graduate program after i get my bsn in may. Anyone have recomendations on programs on the east coast ( im from CT)

[EDSNA85]

I have a friend that works at UPENN and she is in the NP program there she seems to realy like it.

[Jas0nRN]

I'm a year into an FNP program in Cincinnati. Most folks I've talked to have said that FNP is more desirable. In fact there were 2 in my PNPs in my class coming back for the FNP to increase their marketability.

However, I've found that most FNP programs are heavy on the adults and very, very light on the Peds. If you know that you want to only work with kids particularly in a speciality (hem/OC, developmental etc) talk to them about what they are looking for. If you want to do primary care then FNP might be better.

Long term I plan to work oversees in medical missions so I know I'll be seeing a lot of kids. I'm trying to fill all of my electives with peds wherever possible. I think the most important thing is knowing the setting you want to work in and then finding professionals in that setting that help guide you. The schools can be helpful but they have their own agenda (graduation rates, enrollment, bragging rights etc).

-Jason