HELP I think I made a mistake!

[ashurtle]

OK, so here's the story.. I am in the middle of my Primary Care FNP program. When I first enrolled, I thought I was making a smart decision in choosing FNP over ACNP because I thought it broadened by horizons. The more I am learning about the job outlook for FNPs vs ACNP, the more I am realizing that I might enjoy the latter more. I have only had experience in the hospital setting and I really love the environment, pace, etc. versus working in a clinic. I'm not saying that I don't like the primary care aspect, I just really enjoy the multi-disciplinary setting and overall environment of working in a hospital. When I think of primary care, all that comes to mind is private practice, urgent care, retail, and clinic. Anyone have other settings that an FNP might consider that I didn't already mention?

Thanks!

[bayareaFNPstud]

Hello,

I start my FNP program in May, but I had the same concerns. I did some research and read that FNPs can work in fast track ERs (seeing patients with STDs, infection, ect.). Also, I read about hospitals hiring FNPs to do rounds on patients, but not necessarily doing any procedures that an ACNP would do. I live in California, and I know there aren't any laws forbidding FNPs to work in hospital settings, and it helps to know what your scope of practice is and when to say no. I plan on working in a hospital setting, hopefully orthopedics or the ER. I hope this helps!

[traumaRUs, MSN, APRN]

Moved to Student NP forum as other students can comment on what they have found too. Best wishes. Its a tough decision.

[Theloneyoni1]

I will be starting my ACNP program this May. I too vacillated a lot between, FNP and ACNP - everyone seemed to have an opinion and most of it was centered around "job outlook". I currently work in ED/Trauma and we utilize FNP's and PA's for non critical patients. That's not to say that if we have an onslaught of critical pts (multiple patients, multiple injuries) that the FNP and PA's don't step in. They are highly trained and well respected colleagues. To me, FNP is more clinic, outpatient (ED is considered outpatient) but, that said, in Texas they do work in some specialty areas. It's just a matter of networking and having connections with MD's in the specialty that you wish to work in.