Published
I've seen a few threads where this was discussed in some detail, but I must say that I am still very confused about the pathway to ER. I've seen some post FNP emergency medicine programs out there, but I haven't found anything for the ACNP that is EM geared. I know I want to work ER, for the foreseeable future, but may want to specialize further on down the road. I understand the life span issues between the two licenses, so that points me towards FNP, but then I hear and read about the consensus model and it makes me feel like I should do ACNP and try to maintain a pedi certification as well.
Thoughts? Experiences?
Thanks so much
19 hours ago, juan de la cruz said:What made matters worse is that AANP stepped in to muddy the waters even more by coming up with an Emergency NP certification (ENP-C) that is only open to candidates who are FNP's. It seems shortsighted and self-serving. AANP does not offer an ACNP certification (both adult and peds) so they don't seem to care that they left ACNP's out of being eligible for their shiny and new ENP-C certification. It's ridiculous.
I say if your goal is ER, go to PA school.
Exactly. It's like AANP giving itself kickbacks. I personally wouldn't want to attend an ENP program, unless it gave me dual certs in FNP and ACNP. NPs limit themselves enough. The last thing I would potentially want to happen is for employers to think I am ONLY qualified to practice in the ER.
ACNPs need to start offering an ACNP - Across the Lifespan degree. Then FNPs can do lifespan in primary care, like they were trained, and ACNPs can do lifespan in the hospital, like they were trained. NP licensing bodies are *only* concerned about $$$. Not about us.
Corey Narry, MSN, RN, NP
8 Articles; 4,475 Posts
You may have to "settle" for an FNP program that has the ability to provide the ENP training component required by AANP to make you eligible to sit for both the FNP and ENP-C certification. That would seem compliant with current "standards" with less risk of your competence in the ED setting being questioned. Of note, I know quite a few Flight NP's and they have acute care certifications.