FNP work critical care?

[miamiheatrn]

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?

[Troll_Patrol]

I am dual FNP/AGACNP and the training is a completely different experience in each program. Where I have worked as a nurse I have seen FNPs in CCU/ICU but they are only there to assess "easy" patients and write progress notes, H&Ps, etc... for the MD, whereas the ACNPs / AGACNPs function moreso like the physicians in that they manage patients and take call for the practice. So I guess to answer your question, it would all depend on what scope of practice you are interested in (and the state you live in). I would recommend getting at least a post-grad cert in AGACNP to cover yourself when caring for ICU patients without direct physician oversight. I hope this helps, I wish you the best!

[miamiheatrn, BSN]

I am dual FNP/AGACNP and the training is a completely different experience in each program. Where I have worked as a nurse I have seen FNPs in CCU/ICU but they are only there to assess "easy" patients and write progress notes, H&Ps, etc... for the MD, whereas the ACNPs / AGACNPs function moreso like the physicians in that they manage patients and take call for the practice. So I guess to answer your question, it would all depend on what scope of practice you are interested in (and the state you live in). I would recommend getting at least a post-grad cert in AGACNP to cover yourself when caring for ICU patients without direct physician oversight. I hope this helps, I wish you the best!

Yeah you're absolutely right.. It's best to continue my education and have the proper training and experience. Thanks a ton!

[Dranger]

Yeah you're absolutely right.. It's best to continue my education and have the proper training and experience. Thanks a ton!

If ICU is the goal, ACNP. The biggest selling point to the hospitals and physician gorups around here is that ACNPs are trained to do procedures (lines, chest tubes, intubation, paracentesis even) and are tracked towards ICU.

[staphylococci, NP]

It sounds like becoming dual certified as a FNP/ACNP might be a good fit for you. Where I work, ACNPs are the only type of NPs found in the ICUs. As far as speciality services, I've seen a mix of FNPs and ACNPs. The ACNPs mostly work with inpatients and FNPs with outpatients, although sometimes there is some overlap.