Hospice Nurse Practitiones

[mcmetauten]

Hello, I'm currently enrolled in a acute care nurse practitioner program in South Florida, and at the same time I'm working in hospice care for the last 10 years. The question I have is if I should stay in the acute care program or transfer to family practice. I have never worked in a hospital before (this go against the acute care program). However, I think that acute care nurse practitioners are better prepared in the clinical setting to manage acute diseases, that's why I associate hospice with acute care. Note: My current employer does not have children as patients. BTW, the NP that works at my workplace has a FNP. Finally, I was thinking if I have to work with a doctor that is not a GYN or a Pediatrician, they should prefer an ACNP better than a FNP right? I have only 3 more weeks to decide my track...

Thank you so much for your help

[lhflanurseNP, APRN]

I think you need to ask yourself where you want to work when you complete your studies. If you plan on working in an acute care setting(hospital or private practice), then you should stay in the acute care program. If you plan to work in a general office, or do palliative care, then a FNP program may be more up your alley. I went from FNP to ANP as my rotations have shown that very few children go anywhere other than pediatricians in my area...they youngest patient I have taken care of in clinicals was 18 years old and was transitioning from the pediatrician to a "family" doctor. Take a deep breath and look at the degree of "acuteness" you expect to be treating to help guide your decision. Good luck!

[mcmetauten]

wow! thank you so much for your advice it clarified a lot more. I have being doing research about it and I noticed that it is exactly as you advised. I'm going to change back to the FNP program before is too late :)

Thank you again!!!

[lhflanurseNP, APRN]

mcmetauten, you are most welcome. Sometimes a new set of eyes can help find the path among the trees...as they say

[TammyG]

I was in a similar place as you and was advised by my school to take the AG primary care versus the AG acute care program. The clinicals for acute care were all in ICUs, and I am never going to see the inside of an ICU as a hospice nurse. I didn't see the use in learning to manage critically ill patients by balancing electrolytes and fluids.

[guest538567]

I think you would be ok either way and there are benefits to both programs. Overall a primary care background will be fine for outpatient hospice. I work in the field and do not personally know any hospice or palliative NPs who have ACNP training although these programs are rare in my area. However, I think there is merit to acute care training for any type of inpatient setting (ie. inpatient hospice unit or palliative care). I work mostly in inpatient palliative care but also see patients in a clinic, nursing homes, and a residential hospice facility. Many of my palliative care patients are in the ICU and a background in critical care is essential to participate in the medical planning and to meet with families to establish goals. ACNP programs also commonly include specialty training that you could use for oncology, hospice, or palliative care rotations.

I have certifications as an ANP and AG-PCNP. I am considering obtaining the AG-ACNP as I prefer inpatient roles. You would have no problems obtaining employment as an FNP and will have diversity in employment opportunities should you desire to work in other outpatient specialities.

One other thing to consider... There is a growing model of palliative care that integrates primary care. The FNP would excel in this type of model.