For ER: FNP or ACNP (Texas)

[ZackFlightRN]

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

[Corey Narry, MSN, RN, NP]

5 hours ago, CodeBlueMedic said:

I could not agree more...It seems like an absolute dumpster fire of layers and layers of bureaucracy that hinder any cohesive structure. As much as I'd like to not have to worry with it and go to PA school instead, it just isn't really feasible for me as a parent to be out of work that long to complete the schooling, which is why I have come the nursing route to begin with.

As others have mentioned, there were dual certifications programs where you end up with your FNP and AGACNP, but these have transitioned into simply FNP with the ENP-C specialty included and no longer offer the duel certification. To me, it makes zero sense that we corn hole ourselves by having so many different credentialing bodies that all contribute to the confusion. I understand specializing, but it's turned into a convoluted pile of garbage that no body can understand or plan for.

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.

[Dodongo, APRN, NP]

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.

https://www.aanpcert.org/faq-enp

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.