switching from ER to family practice

[phieud]

I'm about to enter a NP program and specialize in adult acute care and I was wondering how much additional schooling I would need if I wanted to eventually leave the ER and go into a family practice

[mcknis]

I am looking also at going into an NP program, but going from ED to family practice is a big change. IN the ED we get to see a little sick, a little not sick, critical care, trauma, GI, etc., everything. Not saying the family practice setting doesn't see their fair share, but the pace is different with less back breaking times. As far as learning new things, I would say immunization information would be a key piece, but other than that...probably not much else. I have shadowed a few times in offices but have no other direct knowledge than that. Much like being in an ED without starting IVs, inserting caths/NGs/OGs/etc. Good luck in your ventures!