FNP to acute care CAGS

allaboutnursing77 · Oct 16, 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.

Yeah, my end goal is the same as yours. Though I think you're definitely more prepared than I am, seeing as you have critical care experience.

pro-student · Oct 16, 2018

Also, will you be required to do a peds acute NP program if you plan to see kids in the ED?

This isn't true. The vast majority of nurse practitioners in emergency settings are FNPs and almost none have done peds acute care (I know if only a couple but they work in exclusively pediatric EDs). In most EDs that see all ages, kids make up less than 20% of all pts and generally come for less acute/more primary care type issues. There also tends to be a much lower threshold to transferring a child to a pediatric-specific facility.

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.

There is a board certification for ENP now which requires one to be a licensed FNP. Emergency care doesn't fit nicely with the Consensus Model but the major push now is for ENPs to be FNPs (+/- A.G. ACNP) with specific training in advanced practice emergency nursing through either an academic program, fellowship, or informal OTJ training. Many of these routes are not accessible to nurses without at least of year of ER experience as an RN.

My personal opinion is that the combo of FNP/AGACNP is ideal for the emergency setting with a close second being formal training in advanced practice emergency care for FNPs. But there is still a derth of formal programs.

Trauma Columnist · Oct 16, 2018

My experience is in a level 1 trauma center combined adult/peds ED. Acute care PNP and acute care Adult were all that was hired.

zoidberg, BSN, RN · Oct 20, 2018

My hospital system recently started asking specifically for AG-ACNP for NP jobs for the adult ED, and i think they have PAs without experience do a fellowship. I think a provider treating peds and adults should be trained in acute care of both adults and peds. I am not sure an FNP with "additional training" is enough. Will need to be standardized.

allaboutnursing77 · Oct 20, 2018

My hospital system recently started asking specifically for AG-ACNP for NP jobs for the adult ED, and i think they have PAs without experience do a fellowship. I think a provider treating peds and adults should be trained in acute care of both adults and peds. I am not sure an FNP with "additional training" is enough. Will need to be standardized.

I think you are right with the standardization. I'm meeting with two local NPs next week, one that has worked in the ER for ages and another that works in Medsurg. I'd like to see what the general feeling is in this area. Either way, I'm excited to have figured out what I want to do as an NP! It only took me 7 years practicing in different areas to do that but thats ok with me :)