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Discussion

Going into NP school..

Hey everyone! I am an RN practicing in the state of GA and I work in CVICU. I have finally decided that I want to go back to school and I've been doing my research on the different NP tracks that are out there. I'm hoping to start school in October.

I've already knocked AG-ACNP out of the list, since I have been told by many that you must practice in an acute care setting in order to maintain licensure. My idea was to go for the acute care track and practice outside of acute/critical care and then return to it later in my career as an NP (I just want to get out of the hospital environment for a bit), but it looks like I'd have to go back to school to become certified in acute care if I ever want to go back, which I think is DUMB. Anyway..

I have narrowed it down to the AG-PCNP or FNP tracks but now I'm stuck and keep going back and forth between the two. I know I want to stick to adult care, but I keep thinking of scenarios in my head where I may run into a child and I'm limited in my practice because I'm not an FNP. What if I'm working in urgent care and someone brings in their sick child and I can't legally care for them? Or if I'm at a dermatology office and I can't take a patient because they are a child? Just things I keep thinking of like that.

So I'm just stuck in what track I should choose between the two. Am I out of line as far what I'm thinking here? Help?

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    • Featured Replies

    I think you're thinking too much. Following your dreams, finish school and get into practice. Never make decisions based on "what ifs." Best wishes to you!

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    • Author

    I'm looking for responses from someone practicing in the field now.. in Primary care. Dermatology/cosmetic derm, plastics, even urgent care.

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    • Author
    I think you're thinking too much. Following your dreams, finish school and get into practice. Never make decisions based on "what ifs." Best wishes to you!

    Not necessarily making decisions based on "what if's". It's not stopping me from going to school.. I'm going regardless. I just want to pick the right track.. as I will be practicing in one of the most restrictive states as far the nurse practitioner role goes. I want to make sure I get the right certification for the my line of work. But thanks for your input.

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    • Experts

    Moved to student NP forum

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    Honestly if you think you may work in any environment that has kids as their clients, then the FNP is a wiser choice. You could limit your practice to offices to those that see only adults if you wish as an FNP, but would have more opportunities later if you were to switch practices. And most urgent care facilities that I am aware of prefer someone that could see any patient that enters.

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    FNP sounds perfect for you. You can always add a post-master's certificate later on.

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    • Author

    Thank you.. we are thinking along the same lines..

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    • Experts

    Most urgent cares won't hire you unless you can see patients of all ages. I'm doing a dual ACNP/FNP program to keep my options open.

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