Please help me chose my NP specialty! An aspiring NP's dilemma . . .

[Ramiegrl]

Hello, I am writing this hoping for some advice. This is my situation: I applied to the entry level NP programs at Yale, UCSF, and Columbia for Acute Care as I've had over a year of voluteer experience in an ER and sub-acute setting and have loved it. I got into Columbia and my interviewer at Yale essentially told me (although not officially yet) that I've been accepted there as well. I did not, however, get into (or even asked to interview) at UCSF so my only chance of staying in the bay area (something I would VERY much like to do - family, boyfriend, ect.) is get into and accept Samuel Merritt entry level FNP program. This presents two dilemmas: the first, Samuel Merritt, while a very good school, is no Yale, and second: FNP is not Acute Care. Having had no experience in FNP, however, I don't know that I wouldn't love it as much as Acute Care or that I wouldn't be able to tailor my skills and job placement to more acute care settings. My question is this (assuming, of course, i get into Samuel Merritt - not certain by any means): do I go to Samuel Merritt, stay in my much beloved Bay Area, and get trained as an FNP or pack up and make the huge (dreaded) move to the East Coast for Acute Care? ? ?

Many, many thanks

[traumaRUs, MSN, APRN]

What type of acute care do you want to do? If ER, an FNP gives you the full spectrum of ages. However, in some states, FNPs can't see acute care patients. If you want to do ER and place yourself in the best place to do it, then you would need the acute cared adult NP as well as the acute care pediatric track or a dual degree.

[MurseMikeD]

It's a tall order to choose an NP specialty with no actual nursing experience. Many of us find ourselves in very different areas of nursing after school than those we entered school with an interest in. I'd go Sam Merritt, ELMSN (the first part before you get to FNP) and you'll figure out what you want doing clinical rotations. From there, if you still want acute care, get the NP elsewhere. You'll already be a licensed RN.

[Gator FNP]

Go with what you love! I do not feel you will be happy with family practice. It can be repetitive, but that is how you become good.

I feel graduating from one of the other schools would be very impressive on a cv.

Good luck!