Another FNP vs ANP Question

Specialties NP

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Hi,

Do most physician specialty practices (ortho, urology etc.) see patients of all ages or only adults (in which case ANP is fine), with kids going to pediatric specialists and such.....or do most specialty docs see people of all ages and therefore prefer the FNP?

My gut is leading me toward the ANP credential b/c the education is more focused and I don't see myself working with peds much...BUT I live in a city with a tight job market and don't want to limit my opportunites.

Thanks for your help!

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Specializes in Pediatrics.

If the job market is tight, I would recommend doing the FNP route, UNLESS there is a need for internal med NP's since they almost only see adults. If you live in a very large city, there is a possibility that the peds will go somewhere else, but you can't bank on it. Some MD's may focus on the fact that you can't see peds and see it as a problem if they see peds in their practice. I am a PNP and have at times had problems explaining to PEDIATRICIANS why and how my education is different than that of an FNP. An FNP is a good, sound base, and you can take some extra classes and certify as an ANP as well. I know FNP's can take the PNP cert boards after so many years of working as an FNP. Perhaps the same is true for ANP?

Anyway, if you absolutely HATE kids, do the ANP and you CAN'T see them, so you won't have to deal. I absolutely HATE adult care and so I became a PNP on purpose. I don't have to worry about any doc trying to con me into seeing an adult, because legally I can't. But as a result, the job market where I live is limited and it took longer getting settled into a job than my FNP grad school friends.

Good luck with making a decision!

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

Good points! I did an adult health CNS and find that I am a little limited with my adult-only skills.

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Specializes in Education, FP, LNC, Forensics, ED, OB.

Personal experience: I was OB-GYN NP and found the specialty too restrictive. Added the FNP for better opportunities in the job market.

Good luck.

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What is the difference in training between an ANP and an FNP? Is an ANP program just like an FNP program except without peds training?

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Yes, that's right with ANP you don't get any peds training and can't legally work with anyone under age 13. Supposedly, ANP offers more acute care exposure and is better suited for folks interested in geriatrics, a specialty not offered at my school.

Thank you for responses- I'm thinking now I'll switch to FNP and try to tailor my clinical experiences to working with adult populations and see how it goes. Wish me luck!

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Still deciding what to go back to school for. Other than the fact that the FNP program includes peds and maternity topics, are there any other major differences between what an FNP does and what an ANP does? Also, I was told that a FNP ends up working at a clinic/primary care and ANPs work more in the hospital...is this how it works?

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Sounds like we are in the same boat! I am applying to an ANP/GNP (Adult/Geronotological program) but think I can get a job in a specialty office in my area in addition to the hospital. With the Family NP, I could work anywhere BUT I have not peds experience and don't know that I want to work with kids anyway. My solution for myself I believe is to do the Adult/Gerontological NP - get a job and some experience - and then decide if I want to work with kids or not - If I do, I can always go back for the post master's certificate and do the infant/pediatric/women's portion of the program. This has also been a difficult decision for me to make. Although most of the jobs in my area are posted for Family NP's, I know there are Adult NP positions to be sought after as well....maybe just not as many. Good luck to you!

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