NNP VS PNP

llg, PhD, RN · Aug 24, 2010

How committed are you to staying where you are? NNP's are in great demand nationally and will probably continue to be. Are you willing to be flexible in where you live in order to do the work you seem to love?

Another option, you can do an online NNP program (with just arranging your clinicals at a local hospital). I live in an area with no NNP programs and that's what our NICU nurses do who want to become NNP's. Most of the time, they get hired by the hospital who agrees to do their clinicals. It's how we get new NNP's.

Another option is to explore other roles in neonatal nursing. It's not just management or NNP. There are education coordinators, CNS's, project coordinators, follow-up coordinators, parent educators, developmental specialists, etc. You indicate a distaste for management. Maybe one of these other roles would work well for you.

I just suspect you have more options than those mentioned in the OP -- and you should consider all of them thoroughly before choosing a path that doesn't light a spark in you. Don't spend that much time and money for something you really don't want. Keep looking.

krenshaw06 · Aug 25, 2010

very true..even though i love georgia...i may move elsewhere to get a job if need be...me and my bf have mentioned before that if we were to get married he may not stay in georgia

our hospital has a hiring freeze..and our nnp/pnp are comfortable in their jobs and not going anywhere we are one of the biggest hospitals with a nicu, but i could research other nicu's in the area though. emory, a teaching hospital, has openings yet they want 2-5 yrs experience...not going to help me there.

there was a doctor in the area that was paying for nurses to go to school and hire them in his clinics..yet he just hired on a few rn's into his practice.

the other positions seem good too, i just really want to stay with patient care...not go as far as a neo and yet not stuck in a cramped office all day attending meetings.

but thank you for your reply..it helped me realize a couple things :)

Annaiya, NP · Aug 26, 2010

I don't know a lot about it, but there is a group called Pediatrix. I don't know if they are national or just in TX, but they will pay for you to get your NNP if you agree to work for them when after you graduate. Might be something worth looking into.

NP degrees are hard and a lot of work. If you don't love what you're doing, I can't see how you'd get through school, much less be happy in your work. If NNP is where your heart is then do that and figure out the job situation after you graduate:)

SteveNNP, MSN, NP · Aug 26, 2010

Hey...

So it seems you have a little time on your hands while in NNP school to network and job seek. Fortunately the NNP job market is still pretty strong, and most places take new grads...

Most units are transitioning over to an all-NNP staff, as opposed to PNPs in the NICU. So if your plan doesn't include working outpatient peds, I would stick with the NNP if that's your niche. UAB (University of Alabama Birmingham) is just one of many online-based NNP programs that a lot of my friends have been through and liked. You are responsible for setting up your clinical sites, however, when you do an internet program.

If I were you, I'd look into UAB. Work on getting your NNP over the next 2-3 years. You will find that through your clinical sites, you will meet a lot of people, and have access to many NNP jobs that you didn't know existed, or you qualified for.

Good luck!

Steve

krenshaw06 · Aug 28, 2010

thx annaiya..i will look into pediatrix as well. the hospitals i have contacted so far are not promising here in georgia.

and steve im not in school yet :) but yes neonatal is my true love..i do home health for a 4 year old...but peds is not my niche.

i looked into the university of southern alabama also...but didnt know birmingham had a program also. i will do that as well to compare pricing.

thank you all...if neonatal is what i love..then that is what i should do. i dont want to be stuck into something i will not like and waste money on a degree that will not help me. thank you all :)