FNP vs. AG-ACPN

[Jessann5]

Good morning :) I have decided to go for post-MSN NP certification. I am trying to decided between FNP or AG-ACPN. I have zero interest in peds or OB and I have worked with adults and geriatrics my entire nursing career. I am afraid if I chose one over the other, that I will limit myself in the way of career opportunity. Could anyone who has been there, done that, give me a little advice on the best direction to go? Thanks and have a beautiful day!

[Rocknurse, MSN, APRN, NP]

I'm in my final year of the adult acute program. I chose it because I've always worked in an acute area (ICU) and I can't see myself working in a primary care office. I also don't want to work with kids. On the other hand I would like to see a future that doesn't involve weekends and holidays but as an acute NP I know that might be unlikely unless I find myself getting into a specialty office but who knows. I will most likely work in critical care when I graduate although I'd love surgery/OR/first assist. Time will tell once clinicals are done and I've had a chance to see the variation. I would have liked to do ER/Urgent Care but without the FNP that might be a challenge, although I know the #1 hospital in my state does hire acute NPs. I'll just take my chances and opportunities when they arise. I think in your case it might be an idea to decide where you'd like to work and follow the track that is appropriate. For me it had to be acute care.

[gelli.25]

Haven't been there yet; I start this upcoming fall - but here's my 2 cents of how I chose what route to pursue.

It pretty much sums up to what you want to do? Do you want to work inpatient as a hospitalist or outpatient (primary care clinic)? Do you want to work with children, only adults or children and adults? Do you want to work urgent care or the ER? Do you want be on call? Do you want a set schedule? Lots of things to take into consideration.

FNP: infants to geriatric population, typically no call with set schedule, office setting, urgent care, possible ER (however ERs like for you to have dual specialty: FNP and ACNP).

AG-ACNP: adult-geri population only, typically takes call, hospitalist: ICU, medical surgical etc., no urgent care or ER due to no experience with peds population.

I personally chose FNP because I have no desire to work as a hospitalist with ICU/surgical patients; I prefer an office setting. I have no desire to make rounds. I have no desire to take call. I don't mind seeing patients of all ages. I like preventative care and more educating.

Good Luck!

[Jessann5]

Thank you for the great advice! I am still researching schools and I am most interested in my local school that has a hybrid online and in class model. Did any of you go straight online? And do you have any school suggestions? I'm in Kansas.