NNP's---in demand, or not so much?

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Hello all,

I am due to graduate in May with my ADN. My goal is to get into the NICU ASAP. My question is this:

What is the demand like for Neonatal Nurse Practitioners? Obviously it is lower due to the economy, etc, but is there still a demand for them? I want to continue on and get my masters but I'm trying to decide what would be the best route if I want to stay in the NICU. Some have suggested getting my FNP and maybe getting some type of specialized certificate for NICU?? Anyone know if such a thing exists? I just don't want to be "super-specialized" (NNP) and not be able to find a job...:confused:

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Specializes in NICU.

My understanding is that there is a pretty consistent demand, although currently dampened by the economy. If you are just graduating with your ADN, I wouldn't take the current economy into account. I've never heard of an FNP working in a NICU, and 98% of the FNP's education would be of little use in the NICU. Get a job as an RN in the NICU and make sure it's your niche. Then commit and become an NNP.

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Specializes in NICU, PICU, educator.

FNP's do not practice in NICU or the nurseries at our hospital, they have to be specialized. FNP's do have more job opportunities than an NNP.

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Thanks so much for the responses. I didn't think that FNP's would really be involved in the NICU...oh well. My plan is to hopefully get a job in the NICU as soon as I can and then take it from there. I know that is what I want to do and I know I want to continue my education so I guess we'll see what happens! And that was a very good point about not judging the state of the economy today. I wouldn't be graduating with an NNP for at least another 5 years. Hopefully, for all of us, the economy will be better by then! Thanks again for your responses...I very much value your opinions! :yeah:

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Specializes in NICU, Post-partum.

Someone correct me if I am wrong, but I am almost positive that neonates is out of the scope of practice for an FNP, which is why you don't see them working in the NICU's.

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Specializes in Neonatal ICU (Cardiothoracic).

Hi,

I'm a newly minted NNP... and here's my opinion...

I would work on getting into a NICU, which is hard enough these days ;)

Once you're sure it's your niche, which you can usually tell within the first year, then maybe NNP is for you...

The market right now is pretty cool on the coastal states. Heavily promoted/recruited jobs that remained vacant through 2 years of grad school disappeared once the economy tanked. I went on several interviews in FL, DC, CA, SC, PA and the ones that panned out, or didn't hire internally, really weren't what I was looking for. I ended up getting a job in my current unit in NYC. There are still plenty of rural/mid-western jobs, and some in the Pacific Northwest. I'm hoping the market improves soon for all those still in school...

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Specializes in MSN, FNP-BC.

The job market is so dynamic and it also depends on what area you are in.

I know where I work there is a great demand for NNP's. We are super short right now becuase we have had quite a few retire since I've been there which is only 4 months.

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