FNP or ACNP?

Trauma Columnist · Feb 14, 2009

An ACNP allows you to only see adults usually ages 13 and up. This is not conducive to the ER unless you get a job in a very large ER that has both an adult and peds ER. As an FNP, you can see the spectrum from birth to death but may not have the acute care experience for the ER.

I would advise you to check into what type of mid-level providers the ERs around you hire unless you can relocate.

JDCitizen · Feb 14, 2009

I am looking into possible programs to get my NP, but I was wondering...If my plans are to work in a hospital initially as a nurse practitioner (hopefully in the ER), but possibly later in life move to a doctor's office (this would be a long ways down the road most likely)...what would be the best degree for me to seek. ACNP or a general FNP? Any input would be great thanks!

FNP: All age ranges but from my readings some states won't allow in hospital (with the list having the potential to grow)

ACNP: Youngest age range varies somewhat but that is still a limitation. ACNP roles outside of a hospital???

What I am looking into:

FNP (I am now)

ACNP (as a post masters certificate my NP training cuts the classes required in half plus I have the opportunity to shave 200 hours off the clinicals... which I won't do)

If I go ahead: Part time schedule will have me start fall 2009 graduate spring 2011. Actual class load is 6 total. Although I must admit I am a guinea pig for the program.

Actually it really just depends on two thing:

1) What you want to do.

2) The local practice arangments you have to deal with.