Question regarding Emergency Room Practice

[EMEddie]

Hello Everyone-

I am in the process of applying to several FNP programs. I am interested in working primary care, but also would like to have the ability to work ER. How difficult is to work ER as an FNP? I know that at my hospitals, we have a couple FNPs and most are PAs (The EM group is CEP America)

I understand I can do ACNP, but it seems FNP will give me more options.

What has been your experience?

Have a great day!

[chouxpastry]

hi eddie! to my knowledge, it depends on the institution. most (if not all) ER positions i've seen are open to both family and acute care trained NPs. the benefit of being family trained is the pediatric and ob/gyn component of your education allows you to see the wide array of pts who walk through the door (compared to acute care NPs who are usually trained in either peds or adult medicine). on the other hand, a primary care based speciality will not adequately prepare you for much of the acute disease mgmt of ER medicine. nonetheless, your clinical experience and self-study should attenuate this gap! during your clinical rotations, i would try and get plugged into an ER (or urgent care if unable). best of luck! :)