speciality post graduation

[mbuchanan2107]

I am trying to figure out more about NPs as I do not really work with many. When you finish your NP education how do you get into a specialty? I have this interventional radiology NP that works with a few of the IR docs, but what type of NP do you go into? Is it best to get just a family NP as it is a broad range, or will you get stuck just working in a clinic? I really want to go back to get my masters, I'm just so confused on my path. I have a background in tele/PCU and currently work in an outpatient setting in a hospital that does alot of heart caths, ablations, etc. I really like working with those types of patients just not sure if I should pursue a family NP, another type of NP, or get my CNS in cardiology? I know that I am a good nurse, but going for my NP makes me a little nervous as the NPs take more of a role of writing orders. I guess I'm nervous for the increased responsibility for a person's life. ahhh help!

[traumaRUs, MSN, APRN]

Hi and welcome. It sounds like you have a good tele/cardiac background. If this is what you are going for, you might ask around and find out what kind of APNs are working where you want to work. You might also find out what FNPs can do in your state. In some states, FNPs are beginning to find it harder to get into the hospital. Good luck...there will be some more APNs along to further answer the question. G

[jer_sd]

I am a NP in radiology, here is my view of that specilty. To date there is poor postgraduate specilizations available for NPs since we have few structured residencies or fellowships.

For IR much of what you will do is chronic disease management and support acute changes in thepatient as well. FNP would be benificial since we do treat peds, however ANP would be more appropriate for the daily routine for vasculare and onc IR but if you work with fibroids, hystrosono, ect the lack of gyn andob can be limiting.. ACNP might work but i am not that familiar with there training and in the clinic I am very much a primary chronic care provider with limited focused acute care which is an extension of the primary care needs. If Yup want to scrub in you might also need RNFA training as well one facility requires this of me the other does not.

Post graduate you will need to master many skills including xray/ultrasound guided procedures, interpretation of imaging studies, radiation saftey, chemotheray related to embolizations, ect... There is a definately need for organized learning in this field for APNs.

I have worked a decade in IR, with 4 years as a NP it is a great subspecilty but not for everyone and it does not fit well into current NP educational patterns.

[emtneel]

I am a FNP and my first job as a new grad was at a Peds hospital doing pre-op assessments for anesthesia.

It is interesting and you do have to use your brain a lot!

But also different field than i went to school for.

A lot of places told me they want ACNP if you want to work in the ER for example.

But if you can find a podunk town that can't find anybody you can probably do ER without that!