Pediatric Nurse Practitioners, advice please!

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Specializes in Pediatrics.

Hello everyone,

I just recently graduated from my FNP program and just today passed the ANCC!! My RN resume consists mainly of pediatric primary care, and I truly desire to work in this population. I am fortunate enough to live near CHOP and Nemours, however, they all would like PNPs. Do you think it is a wise investment to obtain a post-master's certificate in pediatric primary care, or do you think I should continue to look for a position with my FNP?

I truly appreciate your advice! Thank you!

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Specializes in DHSc, PA-C.

Well, if you want to work for the places mentioned and they want PNPs, then yes. Maybe you can get hired if you agree on completing a PNP certification within XX months or one year.

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Specializes in Family Medicine, Medical Intensive Care.

If you only want to do pediatric primary care, then I would stick with your FNP credentials for now. I'm not 100% sure about FNP's working in pediatric specialty care but have seen specialty practices hire FNP's. If I ever plan on moving into a pediatric specialty, then I'll return to school for PNP-PC or PNP-AC.

- FNP in pediatric primary care :)

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Specializes in ER, Pediatric Transplant, PICU.

In my area (Atlanta), its very similar which is why I went the PNP route - I knew I wanted to work for CHOA and thats what they want.

However, they will under certain circumstances hire an FNP with a significant amount of pediatric background, but its rare to be honest.

If Pediatric Primary care is specifically what you want, I think its totally fine to stick with FNP, but look for primary care locations not affiliated with CHOP and I think you'll have more success. Even if they are affiliated with an adult driven hospital system, they are more likely to not have the "PNP only" policy.

Good luck!

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I would say its not necessary. As a FNP, I've never had trouble getting solely pediatric outpatient clinic jobs. You just need a good pediatrician to teach you the ropes. I work in Internal Medicine now though but my favorite docs are pediatricians.

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