FNP vs. ACNP

[LacyMarie]

I am trying to determine where I want to pursue my degree, I enjoy acute care, but I don't know that it's where I want to be for the rest of my Nursing career. I am currently trying to determine which degree I want to pursue, FNP or ACNP. I am hoping to get information on what limitations each degree sets for future prospects, I have been told with an ACNP I will have more options, is this true? Any information and perspective would be great, I have researched both but I feel like perspective from others would be helpful, thank you in advance.

[turnforthenurse, MSN, NP]

Have you tried shadowing an FNP and an ACNP to see which one you're more drawn to?

[traumanightsRN, NP]

I know how you feel. I have been an ICU nurse for 7 years. I had this same decision to make before I went back to school. I came to the decision of going back for FNP. You definitely have much more job options as an FNP than an ACNP because your education covers the entire lifespan, birth to death, whereas ACNPs only do adults. You can work in any setting as an FNP, even acute care, but as an ACNP you cannot because you cannot provide care for children. Don't know if that helps you but that helped me make my decision.

[Dranger]

ACNP can work specialty clinics and acute care so aside from primary care and kids they can do a lot that FNPs can. In addition you are trained to do more procedures.

[andrew.youv]

I know how you feel. I have been an ICU nurse for 7 years. I had this same decision to make before I went back to school. I came to the decision of going back for FNP. You definitely have much more job options as an FNP than an ACNP because your education covers the entire lifespan, birth to death, whereas ACNPs only do adults. You can work in any setting as an FNP, even acute care, but as an ACNP you cannot because you cannot provide care for children. Don't know if that helps you but that helped me make my decision.

In many areas, FNPs work in several roles including acute care and ED. The consensus model is that there is to be a split with ACNPs working in acute care settings. When will this happen? Who knows. There is still (generally) a shortage of ACNPs, so FNPs with ICU or ED experience can often times get an OK to serve in the hospital, however be wary as this would be practicing out of scope.

In my current hospital system, it is clearly delineated that only ACNPs can practice within the acute care setting, however in several hospitals nearby there are many FNPs practicing in ED and ICU settings.

Hope this helps muddy the water a little bit.

-Andrew

[MursingMedic, DNP, RN, EMT-P]

Thank you for asking this! I've been wavering back and forth as well. I see myself working in a specialty type setting but didn't want to limit myself out of the ED by going AG-ACNP. I wouldn't imagine ACNPs being used too frequently in an ED setting unless there is a separate peds ED broken off from the rest of the patient population.