PNP thinking FNP is better? What should I Do?

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Specializes in Pediatics.

Hello everyone! I'm currently in my first semester of NP school but I'm having second thoughts about doing the pediatric NP instead of FNP. My nursing background is 2 years of working at a children's hospital in California. I feel comfortable working with children and have no particular interest in adult care. However, after getting into the program, I feel that the FNPs have more flexibility and options. They can apply to any NP position (peds or adult care), they can work in Urgent cares and ERs not specific to peds, and of course they seem to get payed more. My program educates PNPs and FNPs with first semester core classes taken together so I can switch now if I want to. But I don't want to regret leaving my passion for pediatric care either.

Basically, I love peds but need some reassurance. If there are PNPs on here, can you tell me about your experience being a PNP vs FNP?

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did you have any insight or come to a decision about how you were feeling back then? Ive been accepted to FNP and PNP and am in the same boat now. :)

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Specializes in ER, Pediatric Transplant, PICU.

I commented on Minniemickey's post, also, but essentially I will say that I think most pediatric specific places are going more towards hiring PNPs and not FNPs. It does give you SOME flexibility, but if you dont have any interest in adults (like me, the idea of FNP clinicals made me feel like ew), go with your passion and you can't go wrong. Its an investment in the rest of your career to go with your passion and not just what you think you "should" do. I would suggest looking into what jobs you think you would actually want and see what they are hiring for. Children's healthcare of Atlanta is now only hiring PNPs - no FNPs at all, and are actually really apprehensive about PAs as well. Just saying - look in your area and see what they are hiring and go from there

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If the thought of working with adults ...makes you go "EW" ... I think you have your answer. :) I like seeing the occasional kid....but in primary care for the most part the medical aspect of it is kind of boring. I do like getting to love all over babies on occasion.....but I like the variety of FNP so much more.

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this sounds like me I made a similar post. my only difference is I have no pediatric background working as a nurse. Good luck with everything

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