FNP vs. ACNP

[rstracy]

For the goal of assisting in surgery and following up with surgical patients, would you recommend family nurse practitioner (FNP) or acute care nurse practitioner (ACNP)?

Thank you!

[futureeastcoastNP]

For the goal of assisting in surgery and following up with surgical patients, would you recommend family nurse practitioner (FNP) or acute care nurse practitioner (ACNP)?

Thank you!

Definitely ACNP. You do a lot more impatient clinical work. Most FNP programs have clinicals outside the hospital, while ACNPs usually rotate through surgery, ICU, etc.

[pro-student]

Be aware that in some states it's necessary to be an ACNP to get hospital privileges without which you'd be unlike to be able to practice in a surgical setting. In general, many FNP programs focus on primary care and only cover surgery to the extent of knowing when referal to a surgeon is indicated. Most surgeons treat either adults or kids so the corresponding adult/gero or pediatric ACNP is really your best bet depending on the age group you plan to work with.

[djmatte, ADN, MSN, RN, NP]

The fact that this keeps coming up is both disturbing and a poor reflection of what RNs actually understand about their own field.

[Riburn3, BSN, MSN, APRN, NP]

The fact that this keeps coming up is both disturbing and a poor reflection of what RNs actually understand about their own field.

In all fairness, ACNP hasn't really become common in several markets, with some regions only having programs for just the last few years.

I know when I first went back to get my NP, I chose FNP mostly because ACNP's were far and few between, and relatively uncommon in even the hospital setting/ This was only 7 or 8 years ago. Now, they are much more common in my area, and I have since completed my ACNP as well, but if the OP comes from a relatively rural area, or an area with limited numbers of ACNP's, they might not known.

All that said, get your ACNP if working OR is your goal. It is the appropriate degree.