PNP vs FNP

[allycat77, BSN, RN]

I have been thinking long and hard about going to NP school but am unsure of which path to follow. My background: RN for 4 or so years, have worked in PEDS, PEDS urgent care, mom/baby, and for the last year in nicu. I would love to ideally either work in a well-baby nursery or primary care. I love working with moms and babies first, then PEDS. I am not opposed to working with adults, but obviously most of my experience has been with a different population. Should I pursue a PNP or FNP. I am wondering what type of job options this would include. There are a couple very good programs in state that I would like to apply to. TIA!

[FullGlass, BSN, MSN, NP]

You have to decide what you really want to do. FNP is the broadest and will give you the most options. If you only want to work with kids, then do the PNP. Another consideration is getting a job. If you must live in a certain area, then please research job opportunities in that area to determine the best choice.

[allycat77, BSN, RN]

3 minutes ago, FullGlass said:

You have to decide what you really want to do. FNP is the broadest and will give you the most options. If you only want to work with kids, then do the PNP. Another consideration is getting a job. If you must live in a certain area, then please research job opportunities in that area to determine the best choice.

Thank you for replying. I am really weighing job outlook vs what I think I would prefer to do.

[Dodongo, APRN, NP]

If I were you, I would do the PNP. But there is a huge children's hospital in my area that favors PNPs - when they are available. They're a hot commodity. And the outpatient network associated with this system is huge so there is no lack of jobs for PNPs.

[allycat77, BSN, RN]

Just now, Dodongo said:

If I were you, I would do the PNP. But there is a huge children's hospital in my area that favors PNPs - when they are available. They're a hot commodity. And the outpatient network associated with this system is huge so there is no lack of jobs for PNPs.

Yeah there are 2 other children’s hospitals in the area (Raleigh/Durham, NC), and of course they are teaching hospitals/universities that offer a PNP. One is truly cost-prohibitive though. Can I ask where PNPs are in demand?

[NICUmiiki, DNP, NP]

In my area, Peds jobs go to PNPs first. It makes sense. FNPs only get a partial semester and a handful of clinical hours in peds.