Published Oct 11, 2013
Dranger
1,871 Posts
So I searched beforehand for FNP vs ANP but didn't find exactly what I was looking for (info within the last year). Basically I am a RN/BSN interested in pursuing the NP eventually and I was wondering what path is best for INPATIENT care. I am not interest in doing clinics or really anything outpatient. The areas in the title are what I would be interested in doing.
I know the pay isn't all that great but that's not why I am interested, I am really into the diff diagnosis and care plan process/treatment rather than bedside nursing.
Thanks
pacnwRN
97 Posts
I have seen several programs with Primary and Acute care tracks- specifically for the AGNP programs.
Corey Narry, MSN, RN, NP
8 Articles; 4,452 Posts
If your interest is strictly in the in-patient side, your best bet is Acute Care NP. There are two programs currently (1) Adult and Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AG-ACNP) or (2) Pediatric Nurse Practitioner-Acute Care (PNP-AC).
Thanks, how many opportunities are there for inpatient NPs? I live in one of the most NP friendly states but I don't often see them on the floors. Am I shooting myself in the foot by only wanting to go inpatient? Thoughts?
sapphire18
1,082 Posts
ACNP is needed for many ICU NP positions; FNP is needed for ED positions as the Acute Care degree doesn't cover pediatrics.
At least, that's how it is in my area.
You'll have to do your own research. Ask around in your hospital. Being an Acute Care NP myself, I know a lot of peers who work exclusively in the in-patient setting in my 9 years as an NP. I've been in the acute care field working as an ICU NP and I know where the opportunities are at least in the metro areas I have lived in. Unfortunately, I'm not familiar with other job markets in the country. One of the ACNP's in our group moved out of state for family reasons in an independent practice state and had a hard time looking for a similar ICU position there. It took this NP over six months of selling the role to intensivists before finally being offered a job as an ICU NP. It is, however, an exciting opportunity as this NP will start the very first ICU NP group in that hospital.
Ok I will look around some more, I just don't want to back myself into an area that isn't mid-level friendly where I have to fall back onto my RN for work...
My initial research just doesn't show that mean inpatient NPs when I look at surrounding hospital providers