FNP to acute care CAGS

Trauma Columnist · Oct 13, 2018

Am not sure what CAGS means?

pro-student · Oct 14, 2018

Am not sure what CAGS means?

I think that similar to a post-master's certificate in an additional specialty.

Acute care isn't the same a critical care and/or emergency. Med-surg is also acute care. If your goal is to work in emergency, there are a few more options to train specifically in the ENP role. These include residency/fellowship programs as well as academic programs. There is also a certification for ENPs that requires one to be an FNP and have completed either of the types of formal training programs or have experience as an NP in an emergency setting. Some programs will require or prefer experience. The same with ACNP programs, some will require or prefer critical care experience.

Ultimately, you will have to decide for yourself whether you feel your experience has prepared you for a new specialty. You can take a look at materials for the CEN or CCRN exam to give you a sense of the knowledge base of an RN in these areas. It's not the same as experience which nothing can completely replicate but it might help you gauge your preparedness a little better.

Trauma Columnist · Oct 14, 2018

Then my next question - is this in the US?

allaboutnursing77 · Oct 14, 2018

I think that similar to a post-master's certificate in an additional specialty.
Acute care isn't the same a critical care and/or emergency. Med-surg is also acute care. If your goal is to work in emergency, there are a few more options to train specifically in the ENP role. These include residency/fellowship programs as well as academic programs. There is also a certification for ENPs that requires one to be an FNP and have completed either of the types of formal training programs or have experience as an NP in an emergency setting. Some programs will require or prefer experience. The same with ACNP programs, some will require or prefer critical care experience.
Ultimately, you will have to decide for yourself whether you feel your experience has prepared you for a new specialty. You can take a look at materials for the CEN or CCRN exam to give you a sense of the knowledge base of an RN in these areas. It's not the same as experience which nothing can completely replicate but it might help you gauge your preparedness a little better.

Thank you - This is really helpful!

allaboutnursing77 · Oct 14, 2018

Yes, just outside of Boston.

allaboutnursing77 · Oct 14, 2018

Ultimately, you will have to decide for yourself whether you feel your experience has prepared you for a new specialty. You can take a look at materials for the CEN or CCRN exam to give you a sense of the knowledge base of an RN in these areas. It's not the same as experience which nothing can completely replicate but it might help you gauge your preparedness a little better.

I think its safe to say I don't feel that my experience has prepared me for a new specialty. Though, I'm a bit nervous to even apply for a job as an RN in the ER! I haven't worked in a hospital as an RN in 7 years....not sure anyone would hire me. Any advice on that? @pro-student

Trauma Columnist · Oct 14, 2018

Okay so you are an APRN but want to work as an RN? Whats your end-goal?

pro-student · Oct 15, 2018

I think its safe to say I don't feel that my experience has prepared me for a new specialty. Though, I'm a bit nervous to even apply for a job as an RN in the ER! I haven't worked in a hospital as an RN in 7 years....not sure anyone would hire me. Any advice on that? @pro-student

You have to get started somewhere and it's not like you don't have any experience to build off of. I would suggest you invest some time learning about the specifics of emergency nursing. I like Pass CEN which is nice because it's in an outline format and makes it easy to focus on what you don't know. Jeff Solheim's review course is also pretty good if you're more of a audio learner. It won't substitute for experience but the more knowledge base you have going into a new position, the less anxious you'll be and the more cognitive energy you can devote to getting the most of your experience.

Many EDs will also pay for you to go through the standard training courses like TNCC, ENPC (if they see kids too), ACLS, and PALS. If you're really concerned about making yourself marketable, you might consider pick up one or two of these on your own. But I wouldn't discount your experience too much. You might want to consider looking for a position in a community hospital or level II/III trauma center if you're really concerned.

Trauma Columnist · Oct 15, 2018

Why would you take an RN job? Just get back in school and spend extra time in clinical. Also, will you be required to do a peds acute NP program if you plan to see kids in the ED?

Rocknurse, MSN, APRN, NP · Oct 15, 2018

Not sure what your end goal is but I'm in a similar position. I have a critical care background and am about to graduate as an Acute NP. However, my goal is either to work in ICU or the ED as an NP. The issue is that FNPs are not really trained to take care of acute patients in the ED, and Acute NPs are not trained to take care of children in the ED. There isn't really an appropriate certification for an ER NP. I am just starting a new RN job in the ED in the hope I eill get more ED experience that might translate into my NP career, but I will likely have to be dual-certified as an Acute NP and as an FNP.

allaboutnursing77 · Oct 16, 2018

Okay so you are an APRN but want to work as an RN? Whats your end-goal?

To work as an NP in the ED. Just don't think with my lack of experience working in that setting that I would be prepared to do so. Trying to make sure I'm as best prepared as I can be to move into a new role...