FNP practicing as a Neonatal NP?

[adboehnen]

I am currently an FNP student. I was wondering if an FNP may practice as a NNP? Would a person need to go on for further certification?

Also, are there any FNPs would there working in perinatal clinics? If so, I'd love to hear how you like your profession?

[babyNP., APRN]

What it all comes down to is that there are no shortcuts with neonates.

I'm not saying this to discourage anyone. I think neonatology is the greatest thing since sliced bread and I don't want to do anything else with my career. But there are no shortcuts.

[bethab10]

In accordance with Consensus Model, your education must be match your NP role. So your FNP education doesn't prepare you to function as a NNP. While FNPs can work in many areas, they can't hold them out as different type APRN role. In addition, you could never achieve national certification as a NNP, as it is required to be a graduate of NNP program. FNP education would not meet that criteria. You can go to the National Council of State Board of Nursing site www.ncsbn.org and select APRN Consensus link. They have maps that show what are the requirements for APRNs in each state.

[mrl3fnp]

There seems to be a common myth among some that FNPs can "do anything". I would urge anyone who is considering a specialty to ensure they are qualified to do the job, their training was sufficient and that their BON supports them in doing it. Definitely don't rely on employers who sometimes don't even care if you are competent let alone practicing within your scope. In one of the other threads on this topic someone wrote something along the lines of it is ok until something goes wrong. Ummm yeah! Harming a patient and losing a license over what would appear to be an ego driven choice would be a travesty.

There is no myth and please there is no ego involved if you have the necessary education.........FNPs are legally able to practice as a provider from ages preterm to death. Women's Health, Neonatal, Pediatrics, Adult, Urgent Care, ER, ICU, Surgery, Psychology, etc......With that being said, and similar to medical students, career options may require additional experience, training, or other factors beyond a successful completion of an FNP program.

[mrl3fnp]

In accordance with Consensus Model, your education must be match your NP role. So your FNP education doesn't prepare you to function as a NNP. While FNPs can work in many areas, they can't hold them out as different type APRN role. In addition, you could never achieve national certification as a NNP, as it is required to be a graduate of NNP program. FNP education would not meet that criteria. You can go to the National Council of State Board of Nursing site www.ncsbn.org and select APRN Consensus link. They have maps that show what are the requirements for APRNs in each state.

Some states don't require APRN national certifications........In those states, RNs are legally able to practice as a provider. So we need to be careful when we start saying "can't" or "required." I think most nurses come to this website to find truthful answers instead of opinions, feelings, or egos that polarize what we believe to be true.