Wanting to leave the hospital & work in primary care. Will I be penalized once a FNP?

LaeDeesNP · Apr 23, 2010

I'm not an FNP (I'm a WHNP) but I figured I'd weigh in anyways... :-)

I think the simple answer to your question is: no. The more complicated answer is: it would depend on the jobs you apply to once you graduate and are ready to work as an FNP. If your ultimate goal is to do primary care, I really don't think it will hurt you to leave the bedside for primary care in school. My degree is largely geared towards out-patient care and I left the bedside three years before going back to school. I worked in primary care prior to going back to graduate school. And, I have a WHNP job lined up.

Primary care experience, even in the RN capacity, may benefit you in your future job search.

Different jobs will prefer or require certain experience, but they can be all over the map. My opinion: you'll be fine if you move into primary care. You can always research NP jobs you'd like to have and see if it's mentioned in the posting. Or, "cold call" practices with FNPs on staff and talk to them about the requirements for their position.

These ideas are just off the cuff. I hope some of it was helpful. :-)

caitiecait · Apr 24, 2010

Thank you that does help! I think I will start looking at places and asking different FNPs questions on how they got started. Also can I ask you; you are a WHNP, would I be able to work in womens health as a FNP? I know in FNP school womens health is one of the areas we go over. i find womens health interestingbut since I find other things interesting too I wouldnt want to focus my degree on womens health. So is it possible to get a job in womens health being a FNP :)

LaeDeesNP · Apr 24, 2010

Yes, it's definitely possible to get a job in women's health as an FNP. In fact, some people would encourage you to go the FNP route instead of WHNP to broaden your horizons. I don't know where I stand on that topic yet, but I can tell you that I decided on WHNP (instead of adult or family) for one major personal reason and many professional reasons. I've always wanted to do women's health and the focused degree gives you a more in depth look at the issues relating to WH. BUT, an FNP program will touch on WH.

Getting back to your original question, it'll again depend on the employer and their need/preferences whether they'll take an FNP over a WHNP or CNM for a women's health job. I can say this with certainty: I know FNPs who work in WH so it's certainly an option. I think family is a great choice for you if you know you want to keep your options open as you're interested in many different avenues. During your clinical rotations, voice your interests to your program coordinator and see if spending more time in WH (or with asthma or allergy specialists) is possible. You are your best advocate. :-)

caitiecait · Apr 30, 2010

I am thinking that if I can not find a job in allergies and asthma as a RN, I am going to go look into Mother Baby! I am considering shadowing! I hope it all works out!:redpinkhe

caitiecait · Jun 27, 2010

I just wanted to follow up and say that I accepted a full time rn position at my dream job in allergies and asthma!!!!!!!!! Right now I am on cloud 9 and couldn't be happier! :) and getr this ill actually make more money than at my back breaking poop cleaning icu job lol. What I love about this office is that they are very pro np including all the doctors and continuing your wducation! I plan on going back next year or so. I also want to get certified as an asthma educator! I love all the educatioal growth opportunities and I'm just so happy! Just wanted to share! :nurse:

Trauma Columnist · Jun 27, 2010

Congratulations! I'm glad you got your dream job.