Cnrsego

My FNP program is 2.5 yrs and I was just told by my co-worker that it is a two yr commitment. I was talking to some students today and a ACNP and they advised to stay in telemetry for FNP which I understand...I just can't let my classmates intimidate me with their critical care stuff.

Hmm...that's true. I can see how it would be good to see those end stages of chronic disease. Actually, you see that in telemetry as well. It seems like those who have done ICU have more cardiac knowledge too though. I noticed a couple of them are focused on specializing in that direction. Anyway, thanks for your input. Definitely puts some ease in deciding what direction to go.

I am a current FNP Student who has been working part time as a telemetry and med-surg float while focusing full time on my FNP program. It has been working out well so far. Prior to NP school, I had a couple years experience in telemetry and a year in pre-op. A couple months before my FNP program, I was offered a PCU position full time, but I turned it down because I wasn't sure about it since I was just beginning the program. Now I am kinda regretting it because in my program, almost all my classmates and my professors love to talk about their ICU/Critical care experience. Hearing it sometimes makes me feel like I am "beneath" them because I just don't have that experience. I never had a desire for critical care as I had negative experience when I was a student; however, this opportunity to work ICU and be trained at my hospital has been offered. It is full time with a two year contract. Plus, seeing old co-workers who transferred, they say they love ICU because it is less stressful than the floors. However, I am afraid full time will be more difficult to manage with my clinicals. (I plan to keep working at bedside until I graduate and work as a FNP). My question is, will not having "critical care" experience hurt me as a FNP? Should I work ICU and leave my part time floor nursing job just for the experience? Will critical care be more beneficial for a primary care FNP than working telemetry? Any advice from a NP is greatly appreciated.