Switching specialties as a Nurse Practitioner

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Hi all,

I recently posted another thread about my decision between two graduate nursing programs. The prices between the two are very different. What I didn't add, is this: The more expensive school has both options of Family NP and Pediatric NP. The less expensive one only has FNP. I'm tempted to go to the more expensive school because at least there is a Peds option there, if that is the route I decide to go. However, if I go to the less expensive school and choose FNP, but then later in my career decide I want to be a PNP, how difficult is it to switch? Do I just have to take a few courses to earn a certificate, or is it a more lengthy process? Does it cost a lot? And lastly and most importantly, will employers be turned off by my certificate and want me to have an actual MSN degree in PNP, not just FNP?

Thanks!

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Specializes in ER/Tele, Med-Surg, Faculty, Urgent Care.

Do you understand that FNP scope includes pediatrics?

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Specializes in MCH,NICU,NNsy,Educ,Village Nursing.

FNP does indeed include pediatrics, but not as many hours as a PNP would (at least my FNP program didn't). I like the broader scope of a FNP than a "specialty" NP role. As to a post master's certification? Hasn't been a problem for me at all. Best wishes!

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Thanks for your replies. Yes, I understand that FNP includes pediatrics. I meant pediatrics as a specialty. As in become a PNP that ONLY sees children. I'm sorry I wasn't more clear

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Specializes in ER/Tele, Med-Surg, Faculty, Urgent Care.

Well you can work only in meds with the FNP and it would not be necessary to get PNP cert, unless you want to spent the time & money.

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Interesting, I wasn't aware that you could work only with Peds if you weren't specialized in that are. Thanks!

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FNP can work in most pediatric positions, but if you know peds is what you want to do you'll be more competitive in applications for pediatrics-only settings and better trained to work with kids. The post-masters cert to switch specialties is generally 3 full-time semesters.

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Specializes in ER/Tele, Med-Surg, Faculty, Urgent Care.
Well you can work only in meds with the FNP and it would not be necessary to get PNP cert, unless you want to spent the time & money.

Well full of typos since I posted with iPhone/autocorrect. It should say:

Well you can work in Peds with the FNP and it would not be necessary to get PNP cert. etc.

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Specializes in ER/Tele, Med-Surg, Faculty, Urgent Care.
Interesting, I wasn't aware that you could work only with Peds if you weren't specialized in that are. Thanks!

That's why FNP/Family Practice is called "cradle to grave". FNP is broad scope, you can work in Peds, Women's Health, Gero etc. In fact a few years ago, FNPs could take the Gero cert exam since FNP scope covers adults/gero.

I know FNPs working in: Derm, Cardiology, ER/Hospitalists, Occupational Health. I currently work in Allergy/Asthma & Immunology; I do H&Ps for inpatient psych for ages 8 & up; & I also work in 2 Urgent Care clinics.

In my FNP class we had a WHNP (Women's Health NP) Gero NP returning for the FNP cert due to job market/limited scope. You can work in Peds only with FNP but you could also get the PNP cert. If you are dual certified you have to maintain both certs though.

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Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

Obviously, lots of folks have very strong support for FNPs.

But - I have noticed an increasing number of 'top up' post-graduate programs for NPs who want to become qualified in an additional specialty. Mostly for FNPs who want to work in an acute care setting (so need quals for Adult/Geriatric Acute Care). So - I would imagine that postgraduate NP training for Pedi is available somewhere also.

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