FNP and Acute care NP

Specialties NP

Published

Specializes in ED.

I am thinking of returning to school. I am interested in a post masters. What is the difference in FNP and Acute Care NP?

My background is in ER.

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Specializes in ER; CCT.

Double check, but I do not think ACNP covers pediatrics or OB as FNP does. Also, double check with your state: Can FNP's work in acute care settings? Can ACNP's work in primary care clinics. In California it doesn't matter. In Arizona (I think--could be wrong) it does. In this months issue of Advance, NP's there's an article regarding the names used for NP's and one concept that was forwarded is doing away with the setting in which NP's may practice and focusing on populations (eg adults, family, peds, etc).

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

And what is your MSN focus? Is it nonclinical or another type of APN.

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Specializes in ED.

My MSN is a Nurse Educator. I live in MN. a friend who is a FNP tells me , from a conference she attended, that there is a need for ACNPs. They can do hospital rounds but wondering the pros and cons of each. Before I take the plunge. I don't want to return for my doctorate. I still practice in the ER and want to stay in practice.

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

The problem with the ACNP in the ER is that they can only see adults. I'm an adult health CNS (which encompasses chronic adult care, acute adult care and geriatric care). however, I can only see those over the age of 16. So, am heading back to school in August for a peds and family CNS so that I can see acute pts in all ages. I know of several ER APNS who have the ACNP coupled with PNP or ACPNP.

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