NP vs FNP

adventure_rn, MSN, NP · Nov 12, 2019

To clarify, there is no such distinction as 'NP vs. FNP.' That's like asking, 'Should I be a doctor or a pediatrician?' Nurse Practitioners are the overarching role, and FNPs are a type of NP. Therefore, an FNP is an NP. NPs in every specialty category (adult acute care, family, etc.) are all considered 'NPs.'

I only want to specify because at first glance your question is very confusing. You mention in the middle that you're interested in acute care; therefore, the real question is 'Acute Care NP vs. FNP,' not 'NP vs. FNP.' As an FYI, adult acute care NPs are sometimes abbreviated as AGACNPs (Adult/Gero Acute Care NPs).

As for acute care NP vs. FNP roles, the biggest distinction IMO is that acute care can work in hospital settings, whereas FNPs (and primary care adult NPs) technically aren't supposed to under the Consensus Model, although it does happen. FNPs do more outpatient, primary care, clinic type work for patients with stable conditions, whereas acute care NPs have patients with acute illness (obviously). In addition, FNPs can see patients of all ages (peds and adults), whereas adult acute care and adult primary care NPs can only see adults. While researching your options, you could also consider adult primary care NP programs as a third alternative.

You may get more helpful answers in the Nurse Practitioner forum on the specialties page. However, like I said, make sure to clarify that you're asking about acute care NP programs...

omotee, BSN · Nov 12, 2019

Thanks so much..Points noted

ruby_jane, BSN, RN · Nov 12, 2019

Do you want to work in a hospital or do you want to work outpatient? That's the big difference. In your job market, can you get work in a hospital without an acute care NP? Conversely, where would you be able to work with the FNP? Finally, I don't know where you're at but to be a pediatric NP you need a specialty in peds, not just the FNP - although FNPs can see children over a certain age, the children's hospitals here won't employ a FNP (only PNPs).

Finally, when last I looked at UTA, they require you to find your own preceptorship. As in, they may provide you a list of available doctors in the community but you've gotta hustle. That was about 18 months ago, I was so horrified that I quit looking at NP school at that point.

Good luck!

omotee, BSN · Nov 12, 2019

Yes you are right about looking for preceptorship at UTA ,I talked to someone from Texas women’s university today and was told they have a list that one can be matched with ,my problem is that I don’t know how credible the school is.Chmaberlain would have been my first choice but they require being in Chicago at 2 different times during schooling for some stuffs.

Trauma Columnist · Nov 12, 2019

Moved to advanced practice forum

FullGlass, BSN, MSN, NP · Nov 13, 2019

21 hours ago, omotee said:
Yes you are right about looking for preceptorship at UTA ,I talked to someone from Texas women’s university today and was told they have a list that one can be matched with ,my problem is that I don’t know how credible the school is.Chmaberlain would have been my first choice but they require being in Chicago at 2 different times during schooling for some stuffs.

Honestly, if you are going to be an acute care NP then you need to have some in person training for skills and procedures. Being expected to go to the campus only twice over the course of the studies is hardly unreasonable. How do you expect to learn physical exam skills? How about procedures like suturing? You can't learn that stuff online. I wouldn't go to a program that had no on-site time or some sort of arrangement for in-person training.

db2xs · Nov 14, 2019

Being on campus only two times during your entire program? That doesn't sound like a lot, especially if you want to be doing acute care.

omotee, BSN · Nov 14, 2019

18 minutes ago, db2xs said:
Being on campus only two times during your entire program? That doesn't sound like a lot, especially if you want to be doing acute care.

Am not saying it’s a lot,I meant it would have been my choice if not for distance.

runnyeggs · Dec 15, 2019

On 11/13/2019 at 9:01 PM, omotee said:
Am not saying it’s a lot,I meant it would have been my choice if not for distance.

Why back down so easily? It is a lot if you are flying far. Airlines and hotels arent cheap. Why not just fly once to test the student on practicums?

omotee, BSN · Dec 15, 2019

Well I have decided to go with UT Arlington,will be starting in January

FullGlass, BSN, MSN, NP · Dec 15, 2019

8 hours ago, runnyeggs said:
Why back down so easily? It is a lot if you are flying far. Airlines and hotels arent cheap. Why not just fly once to test the student on practicums?

Flying can be very cheap. Airline are always offering deals and making reservations in advance can save a lot of money. The same with hotels. The TV is flooded with ads for sites like Expedia and Travelocity, not to mention AirBNB.