ICU and ED experience

No, it's not essential, though having ED experience is a huge plus if you plan on going to school to become an FNP. If you want to go for it, then do it! Or if you're in doubt, maybe e-mail the school that you are interested in and ask if your experience qualifies.

I would be more so worried if you worked in a highly specialized area. I went to an information session and there were several of us who were ICU/ED and we were told that the school really likes to see that kind of experience. Same with med-surg. There was someone who worked in ophthalmology or something and she said that would make it more difficult for her to get into the program.

I have the choice between a general medical unit or the ICU. I'm pondering which unit would be more beneficial if I want to be a FNP. Still thinking, thanks for the input!

ICU all the way.

Having prior experience made advanced health assessment, advanced physiology/pathophysiology, and advanced pharmacology a much smoother experience. Working solely in the MICU since graduating from nursing school, I have definitely honed my assessment skills and strengthened my knowledge of pathophysiology and pharmacology. The only drawback is that as FNP student with only critical care experience, I know absolutely NOTHING about diagnosing and treating disease in a primary care setting. It hasn't hindered me at all but presents a high learning curve. They are two completely different specialties. If you're really interested in critical care or emergency nursing, go ahead and apply for those jobs! The ED will give you the broadest exposure to the acuity spectrum, so I imagine it will be more beneficial as a FNP student.