rauscht

Thanks guys, I really appreciate your input. It's weird, after talking to my school's MSN administration (deans, admissions, HR, etc.) I thought that FNPs couldn't work in a hospital. It seems like all the "higher ups" are trying to segregate the specialties and create more of a separation among FNP/ACNP. But then when I talk to actual NPs, NP students, or NP preceptors, I find out that there are so many opportunities where FNPs work in in-patient settings. I'm sure down the road it will be different, but for now it definitely seems like FNP is the most flexible option! Think I'm going for FNP :) Thanks!

I, like many others in the forum, have been recently struggling with which NP program to pursue - FNP or ACNP. I've read so many threads and talked with so many people (RNs, NPs, nurse recruiters, professors, deans) and this is the summary that I've compiled. Does anyone have any thing to add?? Please let me know! FNP Pros: Care for patients of all ages Flexible career options (Primary care, ambulatory care, urgent care (?)) Increased need for FNP/PCNP in future of US healthcare Increased need in underserved populations Increased opportunity to work abroad Will learn more about US healthcare system Increased opportunity to develop meaningful relationships with patients Often working with healthy patients Opportunity to open own practice Cons: Ineligible to work as NP in hospital setting Sacrifice in-depth knowledge in one population for more basic knowledge across lifespan Often working with healthy patients Mellow work atmosphere Most likely working 5 days/wk, less $ than ACNP ACNP Pros: In-depth knowledge in adult population Can work anywhere in hospital (ED, ICU, Floor) Can follow pt throughout hospital stay (trauma NP) More fun work atmosphere Most likely working 3-4 days/wk, more $ than FNP Cons: Education limited to adults Career options limited to hospital setting Limited ability to develop relationships with patient (?) Decreased need in underserved populations Decreased opportunity to work aboard