FNP VS PNP-PC --Scope of Practice

[ana.saavedra14]

Hello Everyone!

I am quite new here and decided to join because I feel getting advice from those who have been in my shoes is important!

I will be applying to DNP programs this fall. I am still indecisive about which one to pick. I know that at the end of the day only I can make this choice, but I do appreciate people's input.

Of course I've been told to go for the FNP as I can still care for peds, BUT I was told my a professor that States are actually making changes as to where NPs can practice based on their education. She also said how the idea of being able to work in more areas as an FNP has changed since there are many programs for specialties and there is a demand for specific skills that many organizations want to have.

As many of you may know, more institutions are actually offering emergency department NP programs, so that has obviously changed as FNPs working in the ED.

I love peds. I don't think I can see myself performing pap smears. I will be shadowing both FNPs and PNPs to get a better insight.

However, I am afraid that if I were to pick PNP, I wouldn't be able to have more opportunities to grow, become involved in communities, help with policies regarding healthcare access, etc.

For those PNP's out there, do you feel this way? Or is there enough room for growth?

Thanks :)

[PG2018]

I've had someone tell me that peds NPs do peds gyneo when needed. I've been told by others that adult NPs don't do any adult gyneo. Crotches and orificees (or is it ani) are the ONLY reason I never pursued FNP training. I couldn't care less about what most programs call "the reproductive family" or something of that nature.

If you know absolutely you want to go to work in pediatrics then pursue PNP. When I was in the old undergrad nursing program I shadowed a PNP clinic manager in the health management class. She was in VERY high demand. Of course this was a rural area (12000 people) with like 1-2 pediatricians in the city.

I don't think you'll ever see any bureacratic moron tell you that you that a family trained NP can't work in a peds clinic...or an IM clinic or a nursing home or a school or urgent care, etc.

If you want in on policy making, just get your name out there. Network, do your job well, dress well, speak well, and know what's going on in healthcare - politically and economically. Put your finger on the pulse of politics and economics in general as well. Getting on boards and committees, etc has only everything to do with who you know.

[ana.saavedra14]

Thank you so much for replying.

I think I will follow my heart and go for PNP :)

and I will definitely become involved while and after school.

Thanks :)

[A&OxNone, MSN, RN]

I battled between FNP and PNP for a while, then once I decided PNP, i battled with primary vs acute care. Honestly, it came down to the fact that I literally never want to take care of adults as an APN, so going the FNP route would only limit me from the jobs that I really wanted (clinics that only saw peds or in a peds hospital). I know the major children's hospital network in my area recently said they weren't going to hire FNP's anymore for any location - they only want PNPs. So that pretty much made the decision for me. Good luck to you!