FNP or PNP certification

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I am a new graduate NP certified in adult/ geriatric care. However, in the geographic area in which I currently reside, the majority of available opportunities are requiring the ability to be able to take care of children as well as adults. I have decided that in order to expand my opportunities and to be able to continue living in an area I love, I need to earn a certification that will also allow me to take care of children. The question is as I already have an adult/ geriatric certification, should I just go for a pediatric (PNP) or family (FNP) certification.

I have already found a school, now I just need to decide what track. I would greatly appreciate any advice, feedback, etc.

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Specializes in Outpatient Psychiatry.

I'd go with peds. You'd be a dual specialist in adult and child. Family is neither of those. Plus you'd get to repro medicine. I think you'd also be qualified for anything advertised for peds, adult, or family.

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

I'm going to speak to the other side of the spectrum: that if you do TWO certifications, you must keep them both up!

I'm an adult and peds CNS - two certs via ANCC. Since most of my CME must be to the population I'm certifying, that means that I must make extremely certain that I obtain both very peds specific as well as adult-specific CME.

I'm at the point now where I'm recertifying both certifications and gee whiz - ugh!

I would opt for FNP (I actually was in an FNP program and am currently on leave of absence) but just can't face another 500 hours of clinical.

I use Audio Digest for my CME.

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Specializes in Outpatient Psychiatry.

I...just can't face another 500 hours of clinical.

I feel your pain.

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