Palliative NP

[KGE]

Hello,

I'm interested in Palliative NP. Did you do FNP or Adult Gerontology first? 
How do you like palliative and what's it like to work in a hospital setting ? 
Any recommended online programs ? 

[Corey Narry, MSN, RN, NP]

Our in-Pt Palliative Care NP's are not acute care trained. That is not to say an ACNP can not do Palliative Care because I am friends with an ACNP who did Adult Critical Care NP for many years and is now happy doing Palliative Care.

This is kind of a niche role and requires a level of maturity in terms of having the ability to handle difficult conversations such as goals of care and leading family meetings. If this is your interest, be aware that you will be pigeon-holing yourself to a narrower pool of jobs compared to those NP's who come out with an open mind and wider view of career options.

There are specific NP programs that offer a post-master's in this field and there also some fellowships after your NP Program. I am not aware of a fully online option.

https://med.stanford.edu/palliative-care/education/advance-practice-practitioners--nps--cns--pas-.html

https://nursing.vanderbilt.edu/news/new-palliative-care-offering/

[Julia Liou, RN]

Hi KGE,

If you need some advice on good Adult Gerontology NP Programs, feel free to read our AllNurses Article on 12 Best Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (AGNP) Programs in 2024 - Nursing Degree Programs (allnurses.com)

Best of luck!