From adult CNS to FNP???

core0 · May 18, 2008

i am currently an adult health cns working in nephrology. my role is that of an apn where i have prescriptive authority, etc. my co-workers (we all do the exact job) are three fnps and a pa. our practice is undergoing restructuring and i want to have as many options as possible. i am looking at getting an fnp. however, (and yes, i know i want the easy way out - lol), would i have to do an entire fnp course just to get the peds portion for the fnp? anyone want to hazard a guess? thanks.

my question would be why would you want to do an fnp? can you envision yourself doing fp? if you want to maintain maximum flexibility a post masters pnp will give you the same scope of practice with the additional benefit of allowing you to work in peds offices and pediatric specialty care (at least around here pediatricians don't hire fnps).

david carpenter, pa-c

Trauma Columnist · May 18, 2008

Thanks David. My real hope is to go back to the ER as an APN and for that I need to be able to see both adults and kids. A PNP might give me more peds experience but I'm almost 50 (ugh) and I don't have the time or $$$$ to do a completely different degree. I figured the FNP would give me the needed peds experience.

Thanks again.

core0 · May 18, 2008

Thanks David. My real hope is to go back to the ER as an APN and for that I need to be able to see both adults and kids. A PNP might give me more peds experience but I'm almost 50 (ugh) and I don't have the time or $$$$ to do a completely different degree. I figured the FNP would give me the needed peds experience.
Thanks again.

Hopefully Siri will chime in. I only know two other people that have done dual certs. One was a FNP that went back and got an ACNP. She was pre-masters so she had to do the whole program. The other was a PNP who got a post masters ANP. She said that her original program wanted her to do whole program so she opted for a post masters certificate from another program (~around 32 credits if I remember). It would depend if they will give you credit for pharm, A&P etc. The two issues that I would see is one the program wants the $$$. No reason to give you any credit. The other is that the pharm and disease processes in most FNP programs are integrated covering both adult and pediatrics so it would be hard to separate out just the stuff you need to learn (ie. what wasn't previously covered).

The other issue is I am unconvinced that FNP is a viable solution for ER. Once again it will depend on your location, but I went to a meeting last week and listened to the representative from CCRN tell the board that the only qualified NP to work in the ER is the ACNP (guess they assume all ERs only see adults). He stated that FNPs were not qualified by training to work there. They did concede that FNPs were qualified to work fast track as long as their were proper triage protocols in place:rolleyes:. The funny thing was, I was sitting behind the program director for the local ENP program and I could hear her teeth grinding two rows back. I think that eventually there will be a separate ENP certification but you probably don't want to wait for that.

Good luck

David Carpenter, PA-C

elkpark · May 18, 2008

Hi, trauma -- I would suggest you contact the school(s) you would actually be interested in and ask them directly what your options would be. I have been a child psych CNS for a long time, and, a year or so ago, got a flyer from a state uni in my state that they were starting a PMHNP post-Master's certificate. Just out of curiosity (and boredom -- it was a slow day at the office :)), I contacted them and asked whether it would be possible (if they would be willing) for me to complete only the Rx authority portions of the curriculum without doing the entire program (and still get the certificate, of course!!), since I'm already a psych CNS. They were v. pleasant about how that would certainly be possible, and I should just send them my transcripts and we'd work something out (I have chosen not to do that so far, but it's nice to know it's an option).

So, y'know, it never hurts to ask ...

Trauma Columnist · May 18, 2008

Thanks - I did send an email inquiry off this am to one of the local universities so we'll see.

David - in my area (central IL), FNPs are the ones used in the ERs and that is specifically because ACNPs can't see peds. thank you.

yellow finch, BSN, RN · May 18, 2008

Don't forget about online programs. They would allow you to complete a post-masters program and they all take into account your previous education. I know that in my search for a post-masters ACNP program the shortest possible duration was through St. Louis University (4 classes), but that was specifically looking at what I already have and would need.

Best of luck to you! Reading your posts it sounds like the ER would be a good fit!

Trauma Columnist · May 18, 2008

Thanks Yellow Finch - I may look there.

Editorial Team / Admin · May 18, 2008

Mine was post-grad certificate. 42 hours. And, had no problems with credits being accepted.

Lots to consider, traumaRUs. Your heart is in the ED.......

Trauma Columnist · May 18, 2008

Oh Siri - you are so right....and if the restructuring comes to pass, I might need to look for something else.

yellow finch, BSN, RN · May 20, 2008

Mine was post-grad certificate. 42 hours. And, had no problems with credits being accepted.
Lots to consider, traumaRUs. Your heart is in the ED.......

Heh. To me, ER = Emergency Room. ED = Erectile Dysfunction.

Always good for a giggle.

:lol2:

emmycRN · May 20, 2008

Tauma,

I'm sorry I don't have any advice for you...only questions. I am in an adult CNS program now. It worries me to hear about this "restructuring". Have you found it difficult to find work as a CNS. I'm encountering many people who don't understand the role and I'm becoming more and more worried about my future prospects. Once I graduate I will be an APN with RX privileges. I hope to be able to practice as an APN. Thanks for any help/advice you can give.