RN / NP ambivalence and a little regret

[np830]

Looking for some advice on a topic that doesn't seem to be mentioned much-

I worked as an inpt RN (intermediate care) for 4 years before starting as an NP, certified as adult primary care. Have been outpt oncology NP for most of this. One thing that I increasingly regret is never having had critical care experience. It never made sense to transfer to an icu once I was deep into a full time NP program, but now that I look back, I just should have done it.

I guess it could be that i want a break from my current position , or i need a new challenge, or I just miss the acuity. I think it's all 3.

I'm not qualified to work inpatient as an NP with the ANP certification, so that's out. Have realized since graduation that i have no desire to work primary care.

If I were to get an ACNP post-grad certificate, wouldn't it help to have ICU experience? (I seriously don't know how some schools take direct entry students and turn them into ACNPs...)

Have any other NPs experienced this ambivalence a few years into their career? It's unsettling.

And does anyone know if people can even get hired into an ICU after having not worked as an RN for 7 years? I know this is not a usual thing people do.

[Dodongo, APRN, NP]

If you are trained as an ACNP you are qualified to work inpatient/ICU. You do not need to go back to get ICU experience as an RN if you are already an NP. You are a provider. Continue being a provider unless you are unhappy as an NP in general - not just with your practice setting. You'll be losing income by going back to being an RN, not to mention any NP experience is valuable. RN experience =/= NP experience.

ICU RN experience is certainly helpful (especially if you are an FNP and hope to land an inpatient job) but having ACNP certification trumps experience as an ICU RN. Ideally you would have already had the ICU RN experience first, but don't take a step backwards now.

My advice: go get your ACNP post-master's certificate (make sure it has an ICU focus/rotation) and get a job in the ICU. But for goodness sakes do not go back to being an RN. I might sound a bit dramatic here but I can't imagine going back to work as a RN as a practicing NP.

[np830]

Haha, yes, i understand many not seeing how one could go back to the bedside. I think I really am looking towards the post-masters AG-ACNP certificate...

I wish that particular masters track would have been around when I was in grad school the first time í ½í¸£

[Bumex, DNP, NP]

I've said it before and I'll say it again- there should be AGPC/AGAC combos to begin with, and more FNP/AGAC than the handful out there. I have found it common that people have jobs that cover both (myself included) and would've loved to have that option while I was in school.

[traumaRUs, MSN, APRN]

Yes with Consensus Model the FNP may not be the way to go if you want to work inpatient

[Jules A, MSN]

Yes with Consensus Model the FNP may not be the way to go if you want to work inpatient

Is this still in the works?

I appreciated that my FNP program was clear about this on day one of orientation. That so many believe they are able to do anything is concerning especially with the large number attempting to try their hand in psych.

[traumaRUs, MSN, APRN]

I know in IL we are just starting to see it come about. My new position at a large hospital system no longer hires FNPs for any inpt position.

[np830]

I know in IL we are just starting to see it come about. My new position at a large hospital system no longer hires FNPs for any inpt position.

Yes, it's definitely something I'm seeing more of in the Mid-Atlantic. I'm also seeing more and more PAs being hired in Boston for what ACNPs could be doing, albeit at lower cost for what Boston pays their NPs.

[FiremedicMike, BSN, RN, EMT-P]

Can anyone comment on whether or not an FNP with a post graduate ACNP certificate can work inpatient?

[Dodongo, APRN, NP]

Can anyone comment on whether or not an FNP with a post graduate ACNP certificate can work inpatient?

Of course! That's the point. Similarly an ACNP with a post masters FNP certificate can practice in primary care.