Question about FNP vs NNP

[justme1972]

I'm a first-semester nursing student, so obviously I have plenty of time to make these decisions, but since NNP programs are so hard to find, and would take much longer (b/c of the 2-year NICU work requirement prior to applying), I've also been tossing around the idea of an FNP.

It seems like FNP's work in private practice and NNP's primarily work in hospitals...am I correct on this?

I did see some salary-related job postings on the net...one was a Director of a NICU, NNP required, and had a salary of about $95K...that gives me an idea of what something like that would pay.

However, it seems like FNP's in private practice don't seem to make much less than the General Practice Physicians...the problem is, Adult Nursing doesn't have any appeal to me, as a career, babies is where my heart is....but sometimes I look at my driver's license, realize I'll be almost 45 when my journey is over (if I go the NNP route) plus a move for my family...but an FNP program, here, you can start as soon as your BSN is complete.

I just wonder if I'm the only one struggling with things like that.

[dilleweed]

I am glad you asked this question! I was going to ask something similar. Right now I have the option of going into a BSN-only program, or BSN to MSN in which I could be a FNP. Otherwise I could wait and work for a while, then get into a DNP program - I really wanted to do PNP (pediatric) but if an FNP can be hired in a pediatric practice, then I'd be happy to do that too (and stay here in Memphis and get the degree!)

I'll be watching this thread with you.

[ILoveIceCream]

I'm a first-semester nursing student, so obviously I have plenty of time to make these decisions, but since NNP programs are so hard to find, and would take much longer (b/c of the 2-year NICU work requirement prior to applying), I've also been tossing around the idea of an FNP.

It seems like FNP's work in private practice and NNP's primarily work in hospitals...am I correct on this?

I did see some salary-related job postings on the net...one was a Director of a NICU, NNP required, and had a salary of about $95K...that gives me an idea of what something like that would pay.

However, it seems like FNP's in private practice don't seem to make much less than the General Practice Physicians...the problem is, Adult Nursing doesn't have any appeal to me, as a career, babies is where my heart is....but sometimes I look at my driver's license, realize I'll be almost 45 when my journey is over (if I go the NNP route) plus a move for my family...but an FNP program, here, you can start as soon as your BSN is complete.

I just wonder if I'm the only one struggling with things like that.

Hi! I think it's great you're already planning for grad school. If you love peds and you want to go right into an NP program after you graduate, you might want to consider the Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP) route. PNPs are trained to provide primary care to children (infants through adolescents) in the out-patient setting, although many work in the hospital too. You wouldn't need the two years of work experience--you could go right into a PNP program. If caring for acutely ill neonates is your thing, though, go for the NNP. Good luck!

[SteveNNP, MSN, NP]

Hi, I'm a current NNP student, and I have to say I agree with the typical grad school requirement of 2 years Level III experience. As with any NP degree, a lot of your practice can depend on your experience, assessment skills, and overall "gut feeling" developed while working as an RN. While some may disagree, starting out your nursing career as an NP without any relevant WORK experience is a disservice to yourself and your patients. I've worked with NPs that went straight through without working, and every one of them was terrible. It's just 2 years.... If NNP is what you really want (what it sounds like) then just do it! Take the 2 years to build an experience base, pay down some bills, buy yourself some nice things, and be on the ball with applications, essays and the GRE when the time comes to apply to grad school. A traditional BSN-MSN or RN-MSN program usually allows you to work at least some hours. Best of luck!