Sitting for certification exam... second degree?

[EmmaSwan47]

Hello, I am currently in the middle of an adult program and realizing that more likely than not, I really did not choose the right program. My goals, and the goals of the program are very very different right now which is leading to alot of stress. I should have chosen an acute care program which is what I want to do when I am done... but I am stuck now I guess. When I started this program, I was told I could make my clinicals fit my needs... now I find out....they lied! LOL!

So anyways, if I survive and graduate... I know I can do the inpatient job I am looking at when I am done with my Adult NP degree... but what would I have to do to sit for the acute care NP exam? Go back to school and do another program? Could I sit for the exam based on clinical hours and experience? Or am I just being dumb?

Thanks,

Emma

[karmyk]

I think it depends on where you are and what's available.

I know UCSF allows Adult NP's to take certain classes in order to allow them to take the certification exam to become Acute NP's, but the catch is that your Acute NP certification is only valid in California.

There are probably other ways to do it, but that's the closest that I can think of at the moment (and given my extremely limited knowledge in NP certification).

[traumaRUs, MSN, APRN]

I am kinda in the same boat...I am finishing (May 2006) an adult health CNS because that is what I could get into and now realize that I should have chosen an Acute Care NP! Yikes! I was told that I would have to do another post-MSN certificate in order to sit the exam. Am unsure I want to do this at this time. Have you contacted ANCC?? Please let me know what they tell you.