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Discussion

FNP in the ER?

Hi, I'm an undergrad student right now, but I'm interested in advanced practice. The two areas that interest me most are the Family Practice setting and the ER. I know the two are as different as night and day, but in my rural area, it's quite normal for the family docs to work the ER. I'm wondering how much your "specialty" limits you in your field or getting jobs.

My question is about applying for programs.. If I go to an FNP program will I be prepared to work in the ER, or if I go with Acute CNS would I be able to work in a family practice clinic? even if I was prepared, could I get the job?

I guess I'm just confused on how this works.

Thanks!

K

Featured Replies

  • Experts

You'll need the FNP to work with all ages...kids to old folks. FNPs can work anywhere with the right preceptorship behind you and/or work experience.

  • Admin

totally agree with zenman.

i am ob-gyn np and fnp. do ed call as sole hcp all the time. i, too, am in a very rural environment. but, i "worked" my way into the ed position. experience and more experience before i even considered doing it.

you need to see what your area will support as to the type of np track you consider. just one of the many things to consider.....

i see you have posed a cns question in that forum. the moderator for that forum will be around to help you as well.

  • Author

Yes, I posted in both places. I didn't mean to double post, but I wanted to see if I got different opinions from people with different backgrounds.

Thanks to both of you for the replies, it really answered my question because family practice is my main goal. I'm working in a hospital now in the cardiovascular care unit as a PCA. I took the position hoping to get a little more insight and a little bit more experience as I go through my BSN program. So far I've been really disappointed. At my hospital PCA's are trained to do foley's, remove IVs, do vitals, glucose, and simple sterile dressings, but I really feel more like a housekeeper. I've even thought about becoming and EMT and doing that part-time through nursing school. I guess I just expected too much of the PCA job with my limited training. At least I'm learning how to interact with patients.. I'll keep plugging away.

Again, thanks for the responses. Looks like for now, FNP is more what I'm looking for.

K

The FNP track is the right choice. I had worked in the ER for about 12 years before I went back for my NP, the experience was invaluable. I currently work as a NP in an ER, and you will need the FNP track to take care of patients across the life span. Also consider NP programs that are ERNP programs, there are some out there but in the end you take the same board certification as FNP, your clinical experience is different,however. There is no speciality certification for ERNP as of yet.

Good Luck

So my question is for those of you that work in the ER what is your role? Do the patients you see have to also be seen by the Doctor? Or are you more independent.

  • Admin

My role is the same as the physician, Joebird21. If I need to receive physcian consult, I do that and I refer as needed.

An FNP I worked with made $80/hr in the ER.

  • Admin

I wouldn't even consider doing it for $80/hr..........;)

I wouldn't even consider doing it for $80/hr..........;)

What do they make were you live?? why would you not consider it even?

  • Admin

For me, it's $100/hr.

For me, it's $100/hr.

Can I ask where you are from? I am in California....a depressed area at that!

  • Admin

Rural Arkansas.

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