Greater range of knowledge as NP than as RN?

ANPFNPGNP · Dec 28, 2008

I'm back! With more questions about the NP role!
I'm sure both jobs can get tedious, seeing the same conditions over and over. But I'would you say need a broader range of knowledge as an NP than as an RN?
I'm curious, as I'm the kind of person who likes to know a lot of things, without concentrating on any one thing too much. That's why, in spite of pressure from the faculty, I've rejected going on for my PhD. It would involve a relentless focus on a fairly narrow range of knowledge, something that would bore me to tears. I would think that the NP role, which has been describe as a "horozontal" expansion of nursing, would be the opposite.
But is that interpretation correct?

Yes, the NP has a much broader range of knowledge compared to a RN. We don't follow orders, we write the orders and the RN (or whoever) takes it from there. We assess, diagnose and treat the patient...the RN isn't allowed to do any of these things. However, when you compare the various types of NP's, you will find certain specialties are indeed limiting. If you're thinking about becoming a NP, you might want to find a dual ACNP/FNP program. Then, you can work in any environment you want and you certainly won't have to worry about getting bored.

Joe NightingMale, MSN, RN · Dec 28, 2008

Thanks!

I'm thinking of the ANP/ACNP; I don't have any interest in kids so getting the FNP wouldn't be worth it for me.

Someone has suggested becoming a Cardiovascular NP; I do have a fairly strong interest in cardiology though I wonder if that's one of those limiting specialities you mentioned...

Advanced Practice Columnist / Guide · Dec 29, 2008

Thanks!
I'm thinking of the ANP/ACNP; I don't have any interest in kids so getting the FNP wouldn't be worth it for me.
Someone has suggested becoming a Cardiovascular NP; I do have a fairly strong interest in cardiology though I wonder if that's one of those limiting specialities you mentioned...

Currently, no certification program exist that is recognized by BON's and insurance companies specific to Cardiovascular NP's. However, there are multiple ways to become a nurse practitioner in a Cardiovascular Medicine practice setting. You'll find that NP's who work in Adult Cardiology have various NP specialty training ranging from FNP, ANP, to ACNP. In most cases, these NP's had some Cardiology or acute care background when they were RN's regardless of which NP track they completed.

Cardiology remains to be one of those specialties that have shown to be NP-friendly. Many of my ACNP batchmates ended up working in Cardiology. However, Cardiologists around here in my area of the country prefer NP candidates with a strong background in caring for patients with cardiac problems. I've seen postings preferring NP applicants who have worked in CCU or Cath Lab. There are even statements in the posting that says "CCRN preferred".

Since you stated that you have no interest in caring for kids, ANP or ACNP would be a good start. That will prepare you to work in most adult specialties including Adult Cardiology. However, I notice you are a DEMSN student. At this early stage, I would recommend you look into working as a RN in a Step-down Cardiology Unit with a plan to further diversify your nursing experience by transferring to an ICU setting (i.e., CCU, MICU) after you pass the NCLEX-RN. This will make your resume appealing to potential employers in a Cardiology practice setting. On the other hand, you do limit yourself if you set your mind to just one specialty for your future nurse practitioner role.

Joe NightingMale, MSN, RN · Dec 29, 2008

. At this early stage, I would recommend you look into working as a RN in a Step-down Cardiology Unit with a plan to further diversify your nursing experience by transferring to an ICU setting (i.e., CCU, MICU) after you pass the NCLEX-RN. This will make your resume appealing to potential employers in a Cardiology practice setting. On the other hand, you do limit yourself if you set your mind to just one specialty for your future nurse practitioner role.

Actually, that's the preliminary plan...to work in a Tele unit before going on to CCU (which I liked best of the ICUs). I might also do med-surg, which I suspect would be good training in case I want to do primary care ANP.

jer_sd · Dec 29, 2008

Actually, that's the preliminary plan...to work in a Tele unit before going on to CCU (which I liked best of the ICUs). I might also do med-surg, which I suspect would be good training in case I want to do primary care ANP.

Ok here is my opinion, but i am bias since I primarily worked ER and ICU when I was a RN....

If you want to go to primary care I would recomend ER rather than med surg. Not too many post op patients or pancreatitis patients will be seen in prmary care. Compared to URI, medication refills, nose bleeds, ingrown nails..... plus you get the MIs and CHF to feed into cardiac career path.

Med surg will build your skill base on antibiotics, procedures such as NG tubes, dressing changes which are useful for an advanced practice RN to have but may not be requried that often depending on your work place.

Jeremy

ANPFNPGNP · Dec 29, 2008

Actually, that's the preliminary plan...to work in a Tele unit before going on to CCU (which I liked best of the ICUs). I might also do med-surg, which I suspect would be good training in case I want to do primary care ANP.

Vanderbilt has an Adult NP program with a cardiology focus, although you take the ANP board. Their program is taught in "block format" for students who live at a distance, so you'll have to spend time on campus throughout the semesters.

allnurses Guide · Dec 30, 2008

My ACNP program permits you to have a major - mine is cardiopulmonary. I believe the Vanderbilt one is pretty similar - you choose a certain elective in your area of interest and complete a block clinical in that area.