Should I pursue an FNP or ACNP degree if I want to work in the ER

kyboyrn · Feb 12, 2011

Well, I think it depends on where you are going to be working. I do know one NP who did the ACNP program, and he had a hard time getting hired at many ERs because he wasn't allowed to see children. Therefore, he had to go back and get family certification as well. Still, the ACNP program did teach him a lot of things that were very useful in the ER setting he might not have necessarily learned in the FNP program. Personally, I was hired to work in an ER. It helps if your FNP program will let you do some rotations in the ER setting, and many will. I actually didn't get to do a rotation in the ER, but I worked at this particular ER as a nurse for 5 years, and they felt like I was worth the extra training. Still, as an FNP, I can see all ages, and that is very important in the ER setting. It would be nice if there were programs that were tailored to the ER setting but included care for all age groups. I have heard many NPs that went the ACNP route have trouble getting a job in ERs because of the inability to see children. I think for that reason, the FNP route may be the way to go, but try to get some rotations in the ER as much as possible if that's where you want to work. I tried, and my school was gonna let me, but the contract go messed up somewhere along the way. Many programs have contracts with local ERs though, because many students like to get the opportunity to make rounds through the ER, if nothing else but to get the opportunity to do things like I&Ds and sutures. Good luck with your education. Maybe you could talk to some physicians or NPs in your area in the ERs and see what they recommend for the locations that you are considering trying to work one day.

Kyboyrn MSN, NP-C

sandnnw, BSN, MSN, EMT-B, APRN · Feb 12, 2011

Same here, as I do work in an ED.

I'm an ANP, kinda special situation as I do work in a VA, so we see 18-up. I agree with KyboyRN. I'd go the FNP route and ask to perform your rotations in the ED. I too worked as a staff RN in my ED for 5 years and the director hired me, knowing my work, over more qualified folks. One feather in my cap was that I was also working in an Urgent/Walk-In Care part-time as well. Said a lot for my determination.

The ED is a different animal compared to Internal/Family Medicine offices. I would strongly suggest you getting into an ED as a staff nurse to get the feel of the ED as well. That extra foot in the door, *experience* and well, honestly, the political contacts are worth just as much as the NP credential.

Best of luck!

linearthinker, DNP, RN · Feb 12, 2011

Ww were not permitted to rotate into the ED. We were required to do primary care in my FNP program, no exceptions. I was a little disappointed by that. In any evnet, in my area EDs are staffed by FNPs if they use midlevels.

Trauma Columnist · Feb 13, 2011

I worked 10 years level one trauma center as an RN and they had an ER residency program so didn't hire mid-levels.

However, in my area, the ACNP combined with PNP or ACPNP are what gets you hired.