Psych NP or Family NP

JellyDonut · Dec 20, 2016

You could always shadow both and see which one suits you best. Whatever you decide make sure they have a good spellcheck program :)

wayemika · Dec 20, 2016

We all know which programs we like but are trying to be practical and pick something that will be marketable in our area.

oceanblue52 · Dec 20, 2016

It's impossible to say whether one will be better than another, I had heard the opposite in that FNPs are in greater supply than demand so this probably depends on where you live. Look up job postings to get a better feeling. Also, FNP and Psych are REALLY different from each other, have you had work experience in both? I say choose a career where your strengths lie as that will serve you better than trying to analyze the job market 3-5 years in the future.

Jules A, MSN · Dec 20, 2016

I believe all NP tracts are becoming saturated so my advice which actually hasn't changed in light of that is to pursue the area you have RN experience, a talent for and enjoy.

BirkieGirl · Dec 21, 2016

I agree with all the above. All markets are starting to flood a bit, likely due to the for-profit schools that turn out hundreds of graduates. Also, it seems like 20 years ago when I was a new RN with my BSN, one could really climb into great jobs with incredible pay, and most nurses wanted to just be a nurse! Now, at the facility I'm at, ALL nurses need at least a BSN minimum, so there is little room for advancement without advancing the degree. So a lot of nurses are headed to a FNP program just to secure a great paying position that is the natural step up from RN. Pursue what you love, BUT make sure that there is a decent market in your area, or you are prepared to move.

wayemika · Dec 21, 2016

I agree with all the above. All markets are starting to flood a bit, likely due to the for-profit schools that turn out hundreds of graduates. Also, it seems like 20 years ago when I was a new RN with my BSN, one could really climb into great jobs with incredible pay, and most nurses wanted to just be a nurse! Now, at the facility I'm at, ALL nurses need at least a BSN minimum, so there is little room for advancement without advancing the degree. So a lot of nurses are headed to a FNP program just to secure a great paying position that is the natural step up from RN. Pursue what you love, BUT make sure that there is a decent market in your area, or you are prepared to move.

Thank you for the reply. This is what we are all trying to make sure we take into account. I'm Florida Pennsylvania and California the market is looking more saturated in all aspects. I was thinking of maybe just going for my MSN to PhD so I could be a college professor at a community college or university as I like teaching but I know those jobs can be harder to come by these days and don't pay so well. I have strongly been leaning towards a PhD and doing a post masters in Psych NP but it's looking more and more like the market is flooded.

BirkieGirl · Dec 22, 2016

a DNP will also prepare you to teach, and does not involve as much research as the PhD. There are online DNP-Education programs as well.

wayemika · Dec 22, 2016

This is true. Something I have considered. Some of the universities I have looked at though want a PhD

Rocknurse, MSN, APRN, NP · Dec 22, 2016

I think the only tract that's not over-saturated is the acute NP one. There are less acute programs and my acute program is the smallest out of all the tracts at my school. I think it's because it's harder to get into as it usually requires some ICU experience. There are more acute NP jobs being posted that can be filled in my area, as most hospitals now won't accept anything other than acute NPs.

wayemika · Dec 22, 2016

That's interesting to know. It seems like these things go in cycles. I remember when the acute care track was saturated and you're right now it seems like many places really need them again.