FNP for peds?

[ixchel]

My local university has an FNP program, and the closest PNP program beyond that is far enough away that it would require a move (not an option b/c of family). I really prefer a face to face program (I'm better at online, but learn more face to face), so online is out.

Is it common for FNPs to work in peds in primary care? I haven't seen that we have any FNPs in pediatrics locally, but to be honest, I don't know if there are any APNs in practice locally at all, except for a couple of midwives. We have PAs, and a couple of them are in pediatrics.

I see the number of PNP programs are few, so my assumption is that it is common for FNPs to work in pediatrics, but that could be wrong.

[foreverLaur]

The Children's hospital in my area is a top 10 children's hospital in the US. Most of their job postings state: " Satisfactory completion of a PNP or FNP program." The only time you might be challenged is if you wanted to work in pediatric acute care inpatient (such as in a PICU) as most hospitals do want an acute care certification. If peds primary care is your goal, I think you could do it with FNP.

[KelRN215, BSN, RN]

I work in pediatrics, the vast majority of the NPs I work with are PNPs but, in Boston, there are a ton of these programs around. I have worked with NPs who were FNPs working in peds as well as RNs who chose to go the FNP route when they went back to school. Personally, I think FNP gives you more options when you're done with the program. In my area, most NPs in pediatric practices are PNPs and jobs in primary care are extremely difficult to find but if there aren't a lot of PNP pograms in your area, I'd imagine an FNP would be acceptable, as long as you have pediatric experience.

[ixchel]

See, that's what I've been thinking about FNP. I enjoy the flexibility of it. After I posted here I looked at job listings and saw a PNP position for a local co-op sort of place that contains all versions of primary and obstetrical care. They were specific in their requirement that the candidate be a PNP.

I'm just getting way ahead of myself now, I think. I used to like the idea of going direct entry in masters programs to get it all done and move on with life, but now I'm wondering if it is really possible to know and understand the market for APNs without working in it as an RN for a bit first.