What types of NPs are in higher demand?

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Hello!

I'm currently a med-surg RN, looking to start NP school in fall of 2015.

Since I enjoy patient interaction, I would definitely be going toward the direction of patient care rather than admin or research. I also want to do some sort of specialty rather than broad and general stuff like family practice. Recently I've followed a wound care NP around for a day and I loved it! I've also always been interested in women's health (and always test really high in women's health in standardized tests).

However, I'm also concerned with the ease of finding jobs after graduation (I had some previous odd degrees that couldn't get me decent jobs and rather not go through that again). Really prefer not go through NP school just to find out my chosen specialty is competitive as heck. So... if ya'll can give me an idea of what type of NP is most needed, but are also some sort of specialty? Thanks in advance!

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Specializes in CTICU.

It depends entirely on your market. Some areas use PAs more, some use NPs more. Some use ACNPs almost exclusively in adult hospital-based specialty areas, some use FNPs. I think critical care is a growing area with ACNPs, especially where I am located, as you can staff the ICU with ACNPs and just have one or two intensivist physicians around to assist/collaborate with certain procedures etc. I know in my area of post surgical specialty, I can't hire enough ACNPs.

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Specializes in Adult Internal Medicine.

I don't think anyone would argue the most marketable NP speciality right now is FNP.

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I agree that FNP is in HUGE demand...at my school there don't seem to be nearly enough graduates to fill all of the constant job postings!

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

The FNP employment market is flooded in the area where I live and salaries are deflating. However, the PMHNPs are receiving job offers several months prior to graduation.

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FNP with ER experience and ACNP with critical care skills.

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Specializes in Geriatrics/family medicine.
I don't think anyone would argue the most marketable NP speciality right now is FNP.

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awesome because that is what I intend to do
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Specializes in Geriatrics/family medicine.

I say get that msn in the area you feel passionate about if you are willing to keep an open mind and do more certifications then you will find your way. FNP is most marketable but if you are not interested, it won't make you happy. If you are going to invest time and money for a graduate education might as well be what you are passionate about

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Specializes in CTICU.
I don't think anyone would argue the most marketable NP speciality right now is FNP.

I would totally argue it - as mentioned, it depends on your market.

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Specializes in psychiatric nursing.

My area of the country has more openings for PMHNPs than FNPs.

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PMHNP is currently very much in demand and will increase in the coming years, however your practice will be limited to this area. Everyone is taking FNPs so I think the market will be saturated in a few years, but if you plan to have an independent practice, this is your best route.

I think best scenario- get your FNP and then get a post Masters PMHNP which is what I'm planning to do :)

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Specializes in Emergency.

I live in a rural area, I don't know of a single PMHNP, other than those that post on this board. However, we have lots of FNPs & ACNPs working in primary care. We also have a few FNPs working full time and more part time in the ER, several working in various specialties, etc. I know a doc who has an urgent care, and they can't find enough FNPs to staff the place.

So from my unscientific background, FNPs/ACNPs seem to be in most demand. From discussions, I believe the primary cares that employ both NPs and Pediatricians would hire PNPs in a heartbeat, they just haven't had an opportunity to do so. I don't know why the only mental health agency in town doesn't/hasn't hired PMHNPs, probably just haven't been introduced to the idea yet.

I agree with others who have said, find the practice population that appeals to you most and get your degree in that. It might take a bit more for you to find your first job, but you will be much happier in it and the jobs after that are all reputation and word of mouth anyways.

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