PNP vs FNP

[travelbug416]

Hi everyone,

I am currently enrolled in an FNP program but recently have begun debating if I want to do PNP. From my shadowing experience and what I'm hearing from the FNP's and FNP students ahead of me is that FNP's don't see children a whole lot--in suburban and urban areas, these kids go to pediatric offices primarily. So now I'm torn because I am very interested in development and I don't like the thought of seeing only adults (but do I like the thought of seeing only kids?)

Pros for FNP: More patient variety (in age and medical condition). Develop relationship over years with multiple family members. Learn more about general health than I would with peds.

Cons for FNP: adults are stubborn and stuck in their ways. More debilitating and degenrating conditions which can make the day to day more difficult. More complicated medical and medication history. Potential for drug seekers. Most likely won't see kids too often.

Pros for Peds: More fun, happier work environment usually, might get to do more child development, develop relationships with kids and their parents, have to see kid every year, kids aren't ever gross even when they are, more chance of having a positive influence, kids are the future.

Cons for Peds: Less variety with patients and conditions, more well visits, potential to get bored with redundancy. Relationship with kids and family ends with the kid grows up. Stubborn teens or parents. Will never get to work with adults unless it's the parent.

I've considered I can just choose one and go back later for a post-master's certificate but Those are expensive and do I really want to do that? Please help!

What is your experience in these fields? Do you have any advice? How would you make this decision?

[la_chica_suerte85, BSN, RN]

I vote for PNP because that's where I'm headed. Even though I'm a million miles away from being where you're at (I'm only but a humble RN student), I see the need for PNPs and I really love working with kids and their parents (in terms of education). Also, I've seen a lot of really weird stuff with pediatrics and I think kids are kind of nifty like that. If you're just looking to work in an office setting, I think that, after a while, it could get redundant but hey, I love seeing healthy kids as opposed to might-be-dying ones.

After my stint in public health as a volunteer health coach, I can see the need for education and health promotion really needs to start as early as possible. My personal hope is to set up health coaching for parents with kids who have special needs (i.e. the young mom who just found out her daughter has very long chain fatty acid dehydrogenase deficiency and she needs help learning about her diet or g-tube etc.). I think starting out dealing with healthy families and promoting the health of the ones who need it less is a good place to start before venturing into areas of more advanced needs. ...that's just where I'm coming from....good luck! Personally, I think you should stay towards the FNP if you want more patient versatility.

[nurseprnRN, BSN, RN]

Cons for Peds: Less variety with patients and conditions, more well visits, potential to get bored with redundancy. Relationship with kids and family ends with the kid grows up. Stubborn teens or parents. Will never get to work with adults unless it's the parent.

And sometimes kids die. Easier to take in an adult, not so much with a kiddo.

Don't forget the times you will be the first to document abuse and neglect, either.