L&D RN to FNP

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Specializes in labor and delivery.

I am a labor and delivery nurse and am starting a FNP program in January. Has any other L&D RN gone to FNP school and found it hard considering you were specialized in L&D and may have forgotten other body systems? Did you find it hard to get a job after graduating? did you find a job as a women's health NP or go into primary care? I am not focused on being a women's health NP, but am scared that I won't have enough knowledge to be a primary care NP. Thank you in advance!

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Specializes in Med/Surg.

I feel like you will learn everything again. I've done so much reading on this website. And I've seen its more of a CAREER CHANGE then Career Progression. 

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Specializes in psych/medical-surgical.

I am in a similar situation: I was a medical-surgical RN for 11 years, and am now specializing in psychiatry as an NP. I had NO background in psych nursing. If you do a doctoral program - which I would recommend as you get 2 extra years, are more competitive than the MSN, have more clinical time, and don't have to go back to school if the DNP is ever mandated. I feel like I am ready to do my job as a psych NP, but I will always be able to read more and learn more in this area. The NP role is a lot different than nursing. You are diagnosing, managing tx/meds. Either way, you will learn a lot more and your role is completely different regardless of which path you choose.

Also, you might consider market saturation. FNPs are being pumped out at higher than other specialty rates. I would think there would be a lot higher demand for a WHNP which will influence your job options and how quickly you will be hired. My program doesn't even offer that. You can always dual certify. 

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Specializes in Clinical Pediatrics; Maternal-Child Educator.

I know of an L&D nurse who never worked any area other than L&D, PP, and nursery. She was very successful in her FNP program and has been successful in primary care since. You will review a lot of information in your program along with multiple clinical situations in different areas. If you study and prepare, you'll be fine.

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