PNP vs.NNP...

[bayouchick02]

I am wondering.....i am considering going to earn my PNP but I only have nicu experience. My question, if anyone could help is: would that make things more difficult for me when i become a PNP due to my limited experience or does it really matter? A few schools have told me that they accept NICU experience into the PNP program. Just dont know which way to go b/c while I wouldnt mind being an NNP, I want to be able to do different things as well and I think the PNP route may work. Any suggestions??

[dilleweed]

I would think that since most schools don't require any RN experience to enter a PNP program, you should do whatever you are most interested in and still feel comfortable with. If you want something besides NICU, what about taking some PRN work in the ED or PICU while you wait to be accepted to a PNP program?

[SteveNNP, MSN, NP]

What dilleweed said. I crosstrained to PICU to help determine if I wanted to do NNP, or broaden my scope to the PNP. I decided that NNP is what I wanted, although you have a lot more venues to practice in as a PNP. Few PNPs work in NICUs, although NO NNPs work in peds.

[PackMule]

I had only NICU experience before going to PNP school and did not find it made any difference at all. In fact, the close relationship you have with the parents of a very sick baby in the NICU is great training ground for the essential interpersonal relationship skills that are important in a general or specialty peds setting when dealing with parents. Expanding your horizons beyond the "great placenta" is very liberating. Peds speciality clinics (especially Neurology, Pulmonology, Developmental Peds and probably others) are a great way to run into some of those tiny babies you took care of as they grown up to be children. Good Luck to you!