FNP and ACNP??? Need help...

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I am looking for some information about the ways to go about specializing as a nurse practitioner. I really want to do the Acute Care NP program, but I work for a hospital that is involved with a school and IF I go to that school I can basically go for a third of the cost to me. The problem is they only have a Family NP program. Can I get a FNP and then speicalize in Acute Care someway? Does anyone know how that would be done without going through another program? Are there certain certifications I could get to sit for the ACNP exam too? I am trying to figure out if I can do what I want to do with a FNP or somehow tailor it... any info would be helpful. Thanks.

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I am looking for some information about the ways to go about specializing as a nurse practitioner. I really want to do the Acute Care NP program, but I work for a hospital that is involved with a school and IF I go to that school I can basically go for a third of the cost to me. The problem is they only have a Family NP program. Can I get a FNP and then speicalize in Acute Care someway? Does anyone know how that would be done without going through another program? Are there certain certifications I could get to sit for the ACNP exam too? I am trying to figure out if I can do what I want to do with a FNP or somehow tailor it... any info would be helpful. Thanks.

You MIGHT be able to practice as an acute care NP, even though you are a FNP, it depends on your state. In TX, they are starting to crack down on things like that. I used to live in OK and I knew FNP's who worked in acute care psych. That won't happen in Texas. In fact, a FNP would have to be certified as a mental health NP before he/she can even make a DSM IV diagnosis or prescribe psych meds (in TX anyway). In order for the FNP to work with a psychiatrist in TX, they would have to go back to school, take more didactics exclusive to mental health and then do 500 clinical hours. After that, they can get certified through the ANCC. I went to a school that had an Acute Care NP program. I got 2 certifications (Adult & Geriatrics), and my training was very different from theirs. They also have a Trauma/ER program, Forensic NP, Palliative Care NP, etc. Check with your BON and ask them your question. I think they are overly strict here in Texas.

p.s. I know several FNP's who work exclusively with nursing home patients - which I thought would be the domain of the geriatric NP. In fact, I don't even think doctors even know the difference between a FNP, GNP, etc...we're just kinda all lumped under the "Nurse Practitioner" label. Something else...if you want the big bucks become a CRNA or Neonatal NP...they're starting out at over 100K a year here in TX.

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Specializes in Education, FP, LNC, Forensics, ED, OB.
I am looking for some information about the ways to go about specializing as a nurse practitioner. I really want to do the Acute Care NP program, but I work for a hospital that is involved with a school and IF I go to that school I can basically go for a third of the cost to me. The problem is they only have a Family NP program. Can I get a FNP and then speicalize in Acute Care someway? Does anyone know how that would be done without going through another program? Are there certain certifications I could get to sit for the ACNP exam too? I am trying to figure out if I can do what I want to do with a FNP or somehow tailor it... any info would be helpful. Thanks.

Hello, leaflet,

I agree with the previous poster. It all depends on the state in which you reside if the FNP will allow you to practice in the acute care setting.

I am FNP (and, OB/GYN NP) and have ED privileges in my hospital. I take call and am the sole HCP in the ED. You need to investigate this in your state before making any long term decisions.

Good luck with your future goals.:balloons:

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