FNP who wants to work ICU

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My name is Anthony and I am currently working in a Cardiac Thoracic ICU in Chicago. I want to become an FNP who works in an ICU setting. When I'm older, I hope to work in an outpatient setting (something more chill). I understand that FNPs aren't suppose to work inpatient let alone ICU. Is there a certification that allows FNPs to work ICU/ER/Inpatient? I read there is a certification called the Acute care nurse practitioner certification that will allow FNPs to work in ICU settings. Is this true? and how long are these types of certifications.

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Look for programs that offer a dual track Family NP/Adult-Gerontological Acute Care NP..

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Many schools have post-master's certificates for FNPs or AGPNPs to get the ACNP credential and for ACNPs to get the FNP or AGPNP. A quick google search should turn up a lot of information. They're usually a few semesters/quarters long depending on which classes they accept from your previous masters degree.

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I've been looking through the Dual FNP/ACNP programs and there at only a few out there out of state which can be problematic. If I were to do FNP then an acnp credential after, would it be sufficient for work in the ICU as an NP? How long are these programs usually? I'm trying to google search it but I might be searching the wrong terms so I'm not coming up with what I need. What is the name of the credential? I've been googling ACNP credential

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I've been looking through the Dual FNP/ACNP programs and there at only a few out there out of state which can be problematic. If I were to do FNP then an acnp credential after, would it be sufficient for work in the ICU as an NP? How long are these programs usually? I'm trying to google search it but I might be searching the wrong terms so I'm not coming up with what I need. What is the name of the credential? I've been googling ACNP credential

Google "post masters acnp" and the first 4 that come up are Vanderbilt, Drexel, U Penn and U Pitt. All good programs. A post master's certificate ACNP will put you on the same level as any other ACNP, so ICU positions would be fair game. Each is a bit different but generally are only a few semesters. Usually only the clinically oriented specialty classes.

All the combined FNP/ACNP programs that I looked at were for nurses with ER experience so that's limiting.

You could also do the ACNP first, secure a job working in an ICU, and then complete the post master's FNP program. Might be a better/more financially savvy course of action.

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Specializes in Hospitalist Medicine.

There are some good online ACNP programs: Georgetown, Yale & Vanderbilt (if you have the $$) or more affordable programs such as University of South Alabama, UAB and University of Michigan-Flint. All are online. Yale & Georgetown find preceptors for you, which is a plus. They're just incredibly expensive.

All programs require that you come to campus at some point during the program to get skills competency check offs. It's only a few days, which is workable.

Do some research and see what you find. I do like University of South Alabama's dual FNP/ACNP program. You can also get a post-master's certificate. Either do the FNP and get the post-master's ACNP certificate. Or do the ACNP and get the post-master's FNP certificate. If your focus is to stay in critical care/ICU, it makes more sense to pursue the ACNP.

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There are some good online ACNP programs: Georgetown, Yale & Vanderbilt (if you have the $$) or more affordable programs such as University of South Alabama, UAB and University of Michigan-Flint. All are online. Yale & Georgetown find preceptors for you, which is a plus. They're just incredibly expensive.

Do you have some documentation that Yale offers an online ACNP program? I am a graduate and member of the alumni association, and I haven't heard anything about any of the MSN programs being offered online. The DNP program, which is a generalist DNP-completion program (no clinical concentration) offers a hybrid option, that is part online and part on-campus, but I'm not aware of any other online programs at YSN.

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Specializes in ACNP-BC, Adult Critical Care, Cardiology.

Penn has a accelerated post-master's AGACNP program that is online and can be completed in 3 semesters. It was specifically developed for primary care NP's working in Acute Care settings. The student uses actual work experience for logging clinical hours. It is a bit too "easy" in my opinion but Penn has a good reputation. I know two people where I work who did the program. I also work with many of their traditional AGACNP program grads. Also, check with your BON if this type of program is approved in your state first.

https://www.nursing.upenn.edu/adult-gerontology/adult-gerontology-acute-care-nurse-practitioner/streamlined-post-masters-acute-care-np/

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So I will be able to sit for my liscensure wth a post graduate certificate program

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The whole certificate would be worthless if you could not. If you get your ACNP before your FNP, I would HIGHLY suggest you find a program that offers both and return for your post-master's certificate at the same school. This is to minimize additional classes you'll have to take.

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If you want to work ICU-you need AGACNP. You will have didactic and clinicals preparing you to manage acute & critical care. Another consideration is that many hospital systems are looking closely at the preparation of applicants. You can do FNP as post masters.

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