More than one route

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How many of you have more than one degree (or post master's certificates) i.e. FNP and ACNP? Why?

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

OB-GYN NP, then Masters with post-Masters FNP. FNP added for better job opportunities in my area.

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OB-GYN NP, then Masters with post-Masters FNP. FNP added for better job opportunities in my area.

That is what I was thinking:

I have my FNP, now looking at ACNP post masters and even little more later a trauma residency... More opportunity, more training and better care.

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

You've the right idea, JD. Good luck!!

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How many of you have more than one degree (or post master's certificates) i.e. FNP and ACNP? Why?

I completed a combination ANP/GNP program, but found out I really liked urgent care. Of course, I needed to be able to see patients under the age of 12, so I got a post-Master's certification as a FNP.

I would advise people to get the FNP first, because you have a much broader scope and then get the specialty certifications if needed. One thing is for sure though, the ANP/GNP program was much more in depth than the FNP program. I told the director of the FNP program that they needed to add a lot more clinical hours to the program, especially the geriatric component. I've seen too many new FNP's get blown out of the water if they get a job in internal medicine or when they're having to take care of elderly patients with complex medical issues. FNP programs should require a minimum of 2,000 clinical hours.

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I completed a combination ANP/GNP program, but found out I really liked urgent care. Of course, I needed to be able to see patients under the age of 12, so I got a post-Master's certification as a FNP.

I would advise people to get the FNP first, because you have a much broader scope and then get the specialty certifications if needed. One thing is for sure though, the ANP/GNP program was much more in depth than the FNP program. I told the director of the FNP program that they needed to add a lot more clinical hours to the program, especially the geriatric component. I've seen too many new FNP's get blown out of the water if they get a job in internal medicine or when they're having to take care of elderly patients with complex medical issues. FNP programs should require a minimum of 2,000 clinical hours.

1st

Thanks

2nd

Hmmm sounds similar to the MD/DNP discussion (no please lets not go back into it)... Anyway I agree more clinical hours. Probably one of the larger factors of my going back school: More clinical exposure, update on whats new, in-depth focus.

I remember the grocery bag medicine list from some of my elderly patients: I was told you needed to know the pills I am on so here they are (large paper bag about 20-30+ bottles). A side note to this for any students. PDA + long list of medications = all kinds of interactions and such = as a good little student bring this up to the MD = :nono: (actually this is where I got the off label along with the risk / benefit lecture)... Chalked it up as a learning experience.

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I started with Primary Care NP, then WHNP, then FNP. I have a good CEU budget every year and there were stong motivations for each additional NP field. RNFA proram was also fun and a good skill mix to add to the NP role. I could stand to build my skills related to GNP polypharmacy is a huge issue for some of my patients.

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Specializes in Psych, ER, OB, M/S, teaching, FNP.

I got my FNP (agree that it has the broadest scope of practice) and had been a psych nurse prior to that so decided to get my post-master's as a psych NP. I begin this fall. As an FNP has a very broad scope and I can see those with mental illness as an FNP many ask why I am getting the PM. As an FNP I can manage medications, but cannot do therapy or counseling or mental health evals (like in an ER). Also, I have had much more interest in me as a psych NP than an FNP.

Next step...possibly CNM. The tiny rural hospital where I work needs another OB provider, and they may pay for school for me. As an FNP I can do all prenatal exams and follow a woman all through her pregnancy (as well as all areas of women's health) but not deliver babies.

It is interesting how these things work. As a psych NP I can prescribe a beta blocker for anxiety but not hypertension. As a CNM I can care for the woman and her daughters but not her husband or sons, as an FNP I can monitor pregnancy but not deliver babies and can prescribe any psych meds but not do any type of therapy!

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I got my FNP (agree that it has the broadest scope of practice) and had been a psych nurse prior to that so decided to get my post-master's as a psych NP. I begin this fall. As an FNP has a very broad scope and I can see those with mental illness as an FNP many ask why I am getting the PM. As an FNP I can manage medications, but cannot do therapy or counseling or mental health evals (like in an ER). Also, I have had much more interest in me as a psych NP than an FNP.

Next step...possibly CNM. The tiny rural hospital where I work needs another OB provider, and they may pay for school for me. As an FNP I can do all prenatal exams and follow a woman all through her pregnancy (as well as all areas of women's health) but not deliver babies.

It is interesting how these things work. As a psych NP I can prescribe a beta blocker for anxiety but not hypertension. As a CNM I can care for the woman and her daughters but not her husband or sons, as an FNP I can monitor pregnancy but not deliver babies and can prescribe any psych meds but not do any type of therapy!

...and we wonder why our patients are confused ( I mean literality not medically). :chuckle

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Nursing Education.
I got my FNP (agree that it has the broadest scope of practice) and had been a psych nurse prior to that so decided to get my post-master's as a psych NP. I begin this fall. As an FNP has a very broad scope and I can see those with mental illness as an FNP many ask why I am getting the PM. As an FNP I can manage medications, but cannot do therapy or counseling or mental health evals (like in an ER). Also, I have had much more interest in me as a psych NP than an FNP.

Next step...possibly CNM. The tiny rural hospital where I work needs another OB provider, and they may pay for school for me. As an FNP I can do all prenatal exams and follow a woman all through her pregnancy (as well as all areas of women's health) but not deliver babies.

It is interesting how these things work. As a psych NP I can prescribe a beta blocker for anxiety but not hypertension. As a CNM I can care for the woman and her daughters but not her husband or sons, as an FNP I can monitor pregnancy but not deliver babies and can prescribe any psych meds but not do any type of therapy!

your post cracked me up!!

i can see why, in rural healthcare, you have issues!

take care.

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