FNP work critical care?

Published

Specializes in CEN, CCRN.

Hi guys, I wanted to know if it is possible for family nurse practitioners to work in the acute care setting like the ER or ICU? I know there is an adult-gero track that is specific to these areas but I feel the adult-gero is very limited to adults and just acute care. Which is why i ask if the FNP track would also work for these areas? Any thoughts or experience with them?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in critical care, ER,ICU, CVSURG, CCU.

In south east Texas (Jasper, Texas) FNP, carry the "quick care, minor care". In our local hospital ER, they also help ER physicians in acute care ER......also in Beaumont, Texas, memorial Herman Hospital, np work as a staff mgt...in I cU and Cv ICU.....lots of Protential....l

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Medsurg/ICU, Mental Health, Home Health.

In my neck of the woods, ICUs and ERs don't really like NPs - they much prefer residents and PAs. Every other department utilizes them for the most part. But that could just be my area.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in CEN, CCRN.
In my neck of the woods, ICUs and ERs don't really like NPs - they much prefer residents and PAs. Every other department utilizes them for the most part. But that could just be my area.

Right, and that's what I was thinking .. But overall I think there's more opportunities in the FNP

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Medsurg/ICU, Mental Health, Home Health.
Right, and that's what I was thinking .. But overall I think there's more opportunities in the FNP

Well...what is your goal?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in CEN, CCRN.
Well...what is your goal?

Well work in the emergency room, but also have the freedom if one day I want to move on from it to something else, i can (primary care, urgent care)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Medsurg/ICU, Mental Health, Home Health.
Well work in the emergency room, but also have the freedom if one day I want to move on from it to something else, i can (primary care, urgent care)

True that if you were gero-acute care, you'd have some difficulty switching to primary care; however, if ED/urgent care is your desire then I'd say you'd be better prepared with the gero-acute care NP.

I do have a friend who did oncology as a bedside RN, then was hospitalist NP and is now doing ER as an NP. There really are tons of factors! I think her reputation and experience landed her the ER gig.

Wish you the best!

Just a thought - why not search for job postings for ED NPs? See what they require.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in CEN, CCRN.
True that if you were gero-acute care, you'd have some difficulty switching to primary care; however, if ED/urgent care is your desire then I'd say you'd be better prepared with the gero-acute care NP.

I do have a friend who did oncology as a bedside RN, then was hospitalist NP and is now doing ER as an NP. There really are tons of factors! I think her reputation and experience landed her the ER gig.

Wish you the best!

Just a thought - why not search for job postings for ED NPs? See what they require.

Yeah absolutely, i guess it depends on your experience and interest.

But Will do, thanks a ton!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ER/Tele, Med-Surg, Faculty, Urgent Care.

In my part of the country, FNPs work as hospitalists, Er, urgent care & primary care. Acute care hero NPs are not used in these roles as they can not see peds. I do know some ACGNPs in internal medicine, LTC, Cardiology but also some FNPs in derm, cardiology, aesthetics.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.
Hi guys, I wanted to know if it is possible for family nurse practitioners to work in the acute care setting like the ER or ICU?
FNPs are utilized in the fast-track section of ERs in the region where I reside.
Up Vote Up Vote ×

Hello just happened to see your post mentioned fnps with specialties in Derm and aesthetics - I'm interested in pursuing this specialty but am somewhat nervous about how to break into this field - do you Have any insight from your friends?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Pediatric Critical Care.

You could also consider a dual track MSN, or getting an AGACNP now and then doing a post-masters FNP when you are ready to move on.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment