NNP vs. PNP or even FNP (help I'm stuck!!)

core0 · Nov 23, 2007

Hi, I am new on here and found this site to be VERY useful as far as where I want to go with my career. I just have a couple of questions for y'all though...
1st of all, I feel like I have this strong desire to become an NNP, but I am not sure what the job outlook is like for these NP's. I'm not sure about the hours they work because I hear some do 24-hour shifts, something I dont think I would like.
My other question is that I also wouldnt mind becoming a PNP, but what is the job outlook like for these NP's as well. I know an FNP is probably the best way to go as far as jobs are concerned, but I have absolutely have no desire to work with patients above age 18. I really desire to work with babies, but I dont know what to do?!
Thanks for any input here!!!

The real problem is that no one can really answer your question but yourself. Job situations are incredibly region dependent. Shift work and job opportunities may vary region by region but also hospital by hospital. The only way that you are going to be able to find these things out is to research them.

On a general field how do you know that you only want to work with babies (the lack of identifying information under your name does not help). Presuming that you are an RN have you worked in NICU or level one nurseries? Neonatal NPs have very technically involved jobs (lots of lines and vent management). Is this something you are going to like? Also can you deal with sick babies some of whom will die? That is very difficult for many people.

PNP is a different field and has different opportunities. While the NNP primarily works in the NICU, a PNP can work in a variety of settings. They can range from outpatient pediatric practices to pediatric specialty clinics to inpatient pediatric medicine.

FNP is the most broad. However with the development of other specialty NPs some states have limited the practice. It allows treatment of all lifespans from infant to adult.

NNP in all the programs I have looked at requires one year experience as a NICU nurse. That would be a good place to start. You can look at the work environment and the type of job and decide if that is for you. Also many hospitals will cross train so you can float to peds. This will give you more information to work with.

If you have no desire to treat adults then your NP decision comes down to where you want to work. If you want to work in the NICU you need NNP if you don't then PNP is probably the way to go. Just remember those babies turn into teenagers;).

David Carpenter, PA-C

foreverLaur · Nov 24, 2007

I have recently come into a new program that I think sounds perfect: Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner. You are dual certified in acute care and primary care.

Perhaps it might peak some interest in you as well.

MommyandRN · Nov 28, 2007

I am having the same exact dilemma. I really want to switch to peds and can't decide whether or not I want to do NICU or regular peds. I also really want to go on to become a NP, and am torn between NNP and PNP. I know FNP is more marketable for jobs but I am not going that route because, like you, I am done with adults and have no desire to work with them as a NP. So I say, definitely count the FNP out if you don't want to work with adults. Just do what you know you will like!

foreverLaur · Nov 28, 2007

I vote for PNP personally because while i LOVE the NICU and babies... I think I would get a little bit bored after a while not being able to talk to them!! I like the kids because they are so cute and so much fun to talk to. I feel like I can personally tough their lives more than the premies. Again, don't get me wrong... I love neonatalogy and the NICU and I loved the times I volunteered in there. However, for a long term career options, I feel PNP gives you a lot more options. I am choosing to be dual certified in primary care and acute care.

bayouchick02 · Dec 1, 2007

Thanks for all you guy's input so far... I am an RN currently working in the mother-baby/ nursery unit. After working with the babies, I KNOW that's what I want to do. I do also love kids but if I had a preference, I'd rather work with school aged children and younger if I were to take the pediatric route. Right now I am leaning more towards the NICU though, but we shall see. I am interviewing with them later on in the week. I am praying that I do get the job so I will know where I stand as far as what direction to take!!