FNP vs AGNP vs ACNP

[EN9087]

Hey everyone,

I have read a few threads similar to this but haven't really found quite the answers I'm looking for. I'm an RN BSN currently working in an ICU unit for about 2 years. I have previous experience working in assisted living and a med surg unit. I finally feel ready to go back to school, partially because I am getting burnt out from the stress of bedside nursing. I really want to go back to school in Fall of 2018 but I am so torn about the direction I should go in for my masters.

I am leaning towards doing an FNP or AGNP program because I like the idea of more regular hours and less stress in the outpatient setting. I am looking for some advice on which program is the better option and what my options would be after graduation. I would be open to working with kids as well as adults as an FNP and have heard that the ability to also care for children allows more flexibility in finding a job.

But part of me worries I would be bored doing only outpatient and that it would mean sacrificing having more clinical knowledge and skills. I was thinking of possibly going into a speciality where I round on patients in the hospital but also have office hours would be a good in-between. From some things I have read and people I've talked to it seems that in order to have the option to ever see patients in the hospital, that I would need to get my ACNP instead. Does anyone have experience with working in both settings and if so, what degree did you pursue? I know some of this is different state to state depending on the laws. I do live in PA but near enough to NJ that commuting there would be a reasonable option

Any advice is much appreciated :)

[Dodongo, APRN, NP]

At this moment in time, you can definitely find a job somewhere in the hospital with an FNP. In the future - 10, 15, 20 years - this will probably not be the case. ACNP is rapidly becoming the preference in major metropolitan health systems. With the consensus model rolling out and more ACNPs graduating, FNP will soon be relegated to outpatient (what they are trained for) and ACNP will be hired for inpatient (what they are trained for). So are you going to choose a program for now, or for later?

FNP doesn't necessarily give you more options. Choose what specialty/area of medicine you want to practice in and then choose the training that prepares you for that.

[staphylococci, NP]

I think the first question to ask yourself is "Do I want to be in the provider role?" before deciding which NP specialty to pursue. You mention wanting better hours and less stress. I work much harder as an FNP than I ever did as a CCRN. Sure, my job isn't physically demanding, but being the one who is ultimately responsible for the patient can be very stressful. It's not something to ever take lightly. There are plenty of roles one can do with a BSN that aren't considered bedside nursing and have regular hours. Have you considered those avenues?

[RiaC]

Hi,

Going back for your masters isn't limited to NP role, especially if you are looking for more regular hours. You could look into getting an MSN in administration, health education, or public health nursing. I work as an RN case manager (public health) in a major metropolitan hospital and my hours are about as regular as you can get (9-5, weekends and major holidays off). Like asystole00 said, make sure you research different roles and figure out what you really want to pursue whether that is a NP degree or perhaps a masters in another area of nursing.

[CVSU]

At this moment in time, you can definitely find a job somewhere in the hospital with an FNP. In the future - 10, 15, 20 years - this will probably not be the case. ACNP is rapidly becoming the preference in major metropolitan health systems. With the consensus model rolling out and more ACNPs graduating, FNP will soon be relegated to outpatient (what they are trained for) and ACNP will be hired for inpatient (what they are trained for).

This is happening right now. As of this year, almost all of the local hospital groups accept AGPCNP's at a minimum and only AGACNP's for ICU.