Scott01

Thank you very much. Aside from the issue of who will accept which degree, I have heard from some academics that there are regulations in the works that would strictly restrict NP scope of practice to the area in the NP trained (i.e., FNP would not be permitted to practice in a critical care setting). Have you heard anything about this? Thanks again.

Consider that there are universities with credible names that have online programs (not to suggest that Phoenix or Kaplan are not credible - I just don't know). For example, Drexel University in Philadelphia has online programs and Georgetown is starting an online program in the spring of 2012. Both of these universities are expensive. But there are others out there as well.

If the charge was "dismissed" as you stated, that would mean there was no conviction. If there was no conviction, then you have no criminal record. Unless you were charged as an adult, the arrest should not have been found by the nursing board. Juvenile records are supposed to be sealed. On the other hand, some states define "adult" for criminal purposes as over 15 or 16, etc. If your case was not "dismissed" and you were convicted, you might want to consult an attorney about possibly getting the conviction expunged since you have been a model citizen. The ability to do this will depend on the law in your state and the offense. Obviously, it will be easier to get somewhere with this if the offense was a misdemeanor rather than a felony.

I am a BSN student and am applying to NP programs. My goal is to work in an ED, critical care unit or as a hospitalist as an NP. I have heard conflicting opinions about whether I should pursue the FNP or the Adult Acute NP. I have been told that I am more likely to be hired with the FNP (especially in the ED) if a lot of my clinical training is in the ED because it is includes peds. Others have told me that there will soon be regulations that restrict NP practice to the areas in which they were trained (i.e., FNPs will be restricted to primary care sites, etc.). Can anyone out there give me some practical advice? Thank you.