Adult-Gerontological Acute Care NP vs Adult-Gerontological Primary Care NP

Dodongo, APRN, NP · Jul 4, 2017

It's all to do with what you're trained to do.

Can the AGACNP work in an outpatient specialty clinic - yes. Are they trained to do that - not really.

Can the AGPNP work in an inpatient environment - yes (so can FNP). Are they trained to do that - not really.

AGNP · Jul 5, 2017

I agree with the previous post. Some schools in rural areas don't have acute care programs though, so they use the FNP and AGNP grads for hospitalist and critical care. For surgery, if you want to do first assist you may need to get an extra certification after graduation.

If you live in a area where there is acute care available and you want to do acute care then I would recommend that, as it would get your prepared for the job after graduation. As far as outpatient goes, anyone can work in an outpatient clinic if the place is willing to train.

countrygirl1234 · Jul 5, 2017

Thanks! Ideally, I would like to do first assist! However, I could also see myself working in an outpatient speciality. I've had the hardest time deciding which program!

Dodongo, APRN, NP · Jul 6, 2017

I want to work as a first assist as well - I start the RNFA program this fall! And I am 1/3 of the way through an AGACNP. I never want to work primary care or peds so it wasn't a hard decision for me. Plus my area sends all pediatric surgical cases to the local children's hospital so I also don't have to worry about that aspect.

You've gotta figure out the best choice for your career and your geographic location. As far as training goes, I prefer ACNP over FNP. But that's just me.

Bumashes, MSN, APRN, NP · Jul 16, 2017

Dodongo, best answer to that question. LOL! Everyone works everywhere but no one is ever truly qualified to work where they work. Yep. I am an AGNP and work as a hospitalist in south MS. Meh.