NP as Hospitalist

[DaisyRN, ACNP]

This is a role that I am VERY interested in. I am doing my ACNP and will graduate in December 2007. I plan to do clinical time with a hospitalist group next year, but just wanted to know if any of you are functioning in this capacity. I am very excited about the inpatient focus of the ACNP and aside from ER and hospitalist roles, are there other inpatient areas to work? I know that working for internal med MDs or specialists would provide some inpatient care, but I do not want to be primarily found in an outpatient/clinic setting.

[NeuroMedic]

I'm transitioning to an M.D.

[caldje]

I'm transitioning to an M.D.

i'm sorry, "transitioning?" Do you mind elaborating? Are you doing the full 4 years of course work or are you in some sort of "transition" program?

[NeuroMedic]

I made sure to pick up the proper electives over time to meet pre-req for M.D.

I took nursing instead of pre-med so I could get out on the floor and begin working to pay for my latter education. I have planned this path since I was 14. I now hold several degrees & licensures in various areas of medicine such as Paramedical science, nursing, and medicine in general.

[-Midget-]

That's interesting. What kind of ICU do you work in? Do you know what area of medicine you are going to specialize in?

[NeuroMedic]

Well; I work in Critical Care Trauma 1 environments. As far as specializing; I want to put emphasis on Critical Care/Emergency Medicine and eventually down the road; Emergency Neurosurgical Intervention. I have been working

trauma/e-med all my life; and I enjoy every minute of it.

[-Midget-]

Like in a Neuro ICU? and/or ER? What kind of problems would you be treating?

[NeuroMedic]

I want to handle the traumas as they come off the chopper. I am inclined to neuro-trauma. I want to handle the worst of the worst; the most critical pt for lack of a better term. I have experience as a nurse in Neuro-ICU and ER; now I want to experience it from the M.D. perspective.

[-Midget-]

Cool. And where are you taking classes at? Vanderbilt?

[NeuroMedic]

Yep.(hmm.. shortest reply in Allnurses.com history!)

[DaisyRN, ACNP]

The ACNP certificates I've been looking at seem to be about 6-7 courses long and will depend on how many you take per semester for graduating. I honestly believe that I'd be able to utilize my FNP for inpatient care especially having acute care and ICU experience. If required, I would earn the ACNP certificate in order to satisfy additional needs. As lrchester, I too have seen FNPs working in specialty areas throughout the hospital, just not with the hospitalists. If they can be hired by cardiology and pulmonary groups, why not hospitalists? :)

Are you looking to do the same?

Hey there,

Just wanted to tell you that some states are starting to look at pushing the FNPs out of the inpatient realm. They have determined that it is not in their scope of practice to treat acute illness on an inpatient basis. Discovered this at the American Academy of NPs' conference. Also, met with the president of my board of nurses... and she said that is an ongoing struggle with defining role/scope issues.

[-Midget-]

Daisy - that's interesting. When was the conference? And where? Did you learn anything else interesting? :)

NeuroMedic - I can not find any information regarding this program at Vandy. I know it's a long ways off for me, but I was just curious about the program, and if such a transition was offered at any other schools. Is there a website or something? :)

Hope y'all both had execelent days!

[NeuroMedic]

Vandy has no transition program; I just took ALOT of extra courses

math, phys, chem, etc. I planned this for quite some time.