Confused about FNP and CAGS

Nurses General Nursing

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Hello!

I'm a BSN student; however, I just found out that I was accepted into my college's accelerated 5 year Family Nurse Practitioner program. I was hoping that I could get some advice. I've never exactly envisioned myself working in a primary care doctor's office, and for some reason that's what I think of when I think of FNP. Would anyone be able to shed some light on possible other areas in which you might see an FNP practicing? For example, an advisor at my school told me that an FNP who works in an ob/gyn office basically does what a Women's Health NP does, is this true?

Are FNPs truly qualified to practice across the lifespan, or do certain fields like pediatrics, neonatal, maternity, etc require you to have a more specialized education (like a PNP, NNP, CNM, WHNP)?

My next question is this: I've seen these CAGS programs for nurses who already have an MSN in something else being offered in pediatrics, neonatal, adult gerontology, and psychiatric nursing, even nurse anesthesia! What are your opinions on these types of certifications? Supposedly they prepare you to sit for the licensure exam. So, say you have an FNP and a CAGS in pediatric nursing and sit the exam, would you be considered an PNP in addition to an FNP? Do employers consider those who have CAGS certifications as qualified as those who did the entire MSN program in that specialty? Will you be a less desirable job candidate?

I guess I feel like the CAGS seem too good to be true. Are they legit? Do they seriously allow you to become a PNP, NNP, etc in only a year?

If I see myself ultimately wanting to practice in pediatrics or maternity, would I be better off just going straight for a PNP or WHNP, or would it be a good idea to get my FNP first and then specialize through a CAGS program?

I'm so lost! Any advice is greatly appreciated!

Thank you

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Specializes in NICU, ICU, PICU, Academia.

First, how is a five-year program 'accelerated'?

Second, what does the acronym CAGS mean?

Third, perhaps you should have clarity about your desired path in nursing before enrolling in an advanced degree program without RN experience.

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According to google, "CAGS" stands for Certificate in Advanced Graduate Studies. Is that like a post-master's certificate?

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1) I am in a 4 year BSN program and if I choose to do this program I will get an MSN in only 1 extra year, that's why it is considered accelerated.

2) CAGS = certificate of advanced graduate studies

3) I haven't enrolled in the program yet, I've just been accepted to it. I am trying to get more clarity, that's why I made this post. If I decide it isn't right for me, I will not enroll.

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Specializes in ICU, LTACH, Internal Medicine.

CAGS = what was once named "postmaster certificate".

Yes, a FNP who do this type of program can be considered whatever is written on the certificate. Women's Health, Peds, Acute, whatever. It is a both-ways street - if an FNP happens to work (or just develop a special interest) in, say,population with multiple not addressed mental health issues, mental Health/Psych NP certificate would be useful, and if a CNM would like to work in urology or fertility, he or she might be required to get FNP certificate to see male/pediatric/geriatric patients. I would run away from any place which offers CRNA, Neonatal NP and CNM this way, though. These are very specialized areas, and employers know it pretty darn well.

Being an FNP, with some luck and experience, one can do pretty much whatever except few highly specialized areas. CRNA is a common exclusion from this rule (so far) but I know at least on FNP who does IV sedation for vascular procedures (done by her as well). Although there are places where FNPs may have problems getting acute care/ICU positions, the situation is still evolving and highly depends on market.

I wouldn't advice embarking directly onto FNP ship without even know where you want to sail to.

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Thank you so much for your insight! This is exactly the kind of advice I was looking for. I know I have a lot to think about before I commit to this program, but I'm so grateful to be going into a field that offers so many different and amazing paths to take! I really appreciate the time you took to write this reply.

Best wishes,

-Madeleine

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Specializes in Med Surg/ICU/Psych/Emergency/CEN/retired.
1) I am in a 4 year BSN program and if I choose to do this program I will get an MSN in only 1 extra year, that's why it is considered accelerated.

2) CAGS = certificate of advanced graduate studies

3) I haven't enrolled in the program yet, I've just been accepted to it. I am trying to get more clarity, that's why I made this post. If I decide it isn't right for me, I will not enroll.

Hmmmm. Sounds a bit fishy to me. My MS was a full two years after already having a BSN. How can you "accelerate" an MSN? If a person already has an MSN, he/she can usually do a full 12 months (at some schools) of more study to become an NP. That is labeled a post master's. There is a great deal of debate here whether or not to have any experience or how much experience is needed before enrolling in an NP program. A word to the wise: There are no shortcuts, valid or otherwise, to being an Advanced Practice Nurse. I think it is a huge mistake to push BSN students into an advanced practice role. You may change your mind several times as to what interests you. Get your BSN, practice as an RN and then move on to graduate school in an area that interests you, if you decide to go in that direction. Nurse anesthesia programs are the most competitive and difficult, requiring ICU experience to be considered.

It's all possible to meet your goals. Take it one step at a time.

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