Is becoming an ANP a waste of time?

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Specializes in OB/GYN, Psych.

I know that there tend to be more FNP jobs out there, but is it a total waste to pursue an ANP? It seems like ANP programs may be slightly easier to get into than FNP because everyone wants the FNP, and I am not sure I want to work with children. I am mostly interested in women's health, endocrinology, and cardiology. Would you pursue an ANP, or no?

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INMHO it is not a waste of time to purse the ANP. Bottom line is...you should pursue whatever area you are interested in. I wouldn't pursue the FNP because you know there are more jobs, particularly if you don't want to work with children. Many FNP jobs may require you to work with kids.

I did an ANP program with a cardiology emphasis and I'm so glad I did. I got the job I wanted and it served me well. Other ANP grads I know also were able to find work as well. Just do whatever you know you are going to enjoy and the job will come. It may not come right away but in time, it will come and you will be glad you pursued an area that you were interested in. There are many women's health ANP programs as well that allow you to focus on just that area.

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Specializes in none.

Hello,

ANP = Advanced nurse practitioner, and FNP= ....something nurse practitioner? Sorry about my innocents, I'm a pre-nursing student interested in becoming a Nurse Practitioner, and I'm trying to learn the acronyms as I go.

thank you for your time,

Tim

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Specializes in Education, FP, LNC, Forensics, ED, OB.
Hello,

ANP = Advanced nurse practitioner, and FNP= ....something nurse practitioner? Sorry about my innocents, I'm a pre-nursing student interested in becoming a Nurse Practitioner, and I'm trying to learn the acronyms as I go.

thank you for your time,

Tim

ANP=Adult Nurse Practitioner

FNP=Family Nurse Practitioner

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Specializes in Emergency, MCCU, Surgical/ENT, Hep Trans.

Syd,

I have to agree w/Cardz, ANP is not a waste. It really depends upon how/why/where you WANT to work. I did NOT want to work with kids, and fully expected to take my time finding a job.

I work at a walk-in clinic, the PAs see the kids and everyone seems fine with the set up. I usually "kid" the PAs, pardon the pun, and just see an extra adult or two as a make up for them spending extra time with the kiddies/parents.

I feel happy at the clinic, seems more fun than my internal medicine rotations...more of a treat and street approach, but I'm learning so much, with an occasional ER punt.

You may have a more difficult time getting a job, esp if you want to work in an area that does see children and forget about working in retail clinics, unless you want that (then you need to be an FNP).

Good luck!!!

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