Want to pursue NP but not sure what specialty

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Specializes in ICU, Triage, Home Health, primary care FNP.

I like the academic and critical thinking part of nursing, but I feel that I don't use it as much working as a floor and even an icu nurse. I also would like some autonomy. So....I am seriously considering of getting an NP. I just don't know what specialty/field. I know I would like to work in a community type setting, geriatrics, or special needs, but I haven't really had much exposure with this population. Does my desire to be an NP enough of a reason for me to pursue getting my MSN or should i get more exposure first before I even apply? How about you NPs out there? When you first applied for an MSN, did you know you wanted the NP track? Did you have an idea of what population you want to work with? Thanks in advance.:idea:

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

When I decided to pursue the APN route (I'm an adult health CNS), I knew I wanted to work with adults. However, I'll be blunt here - the job market dictates what specialty you're going into.

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Specializes in ICU, Triage, Home Health, primary care FNP.

Thanks for being honest, TraumaRus. After I went to an info session, I actually left with a revelation...the job market will dictate my specialty, just like you said. So...is Adult, Geriatrics, or Occupational health a good field to get into? At least I can say I do have an interest in that population.Thanks!

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

If I had to do it again, I would choose the FNP route because that would provide me with the best experiences and opportunities for employment. In my area (central IL), FNPs frequently work in hospitals. At the moment there aren't a lot of ACNPs in my area.

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Specializes in L&D, QI, Public Health.

How do you determine the job market for a particular specialty? Does the job market tend to be regional or is there an overall sense of which NPs are marketable than others?

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

For me, since I knew I didn't want to relocate, I hooked up with my state's advanced practice organization and networked with them. Also, as you get into clinicals you will have a better sense of what is needed in your area.

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