What's life like as a ACNP?

[PAMQ]

I'm still an undergraduate student getting a BSN, but I would LOVE to be a nurse practitioner... especially an ACNP! Acute care appeals to me because it doesn't seem to mundane. I feel like, as the title mentions, there's a lot of on-the-spot thinking with acute care. I was wondering if anyone was an ACNP himself/herself and could tell me what grad school was like and what you do on the job... see patients in the E.R., diagnose and provide treatment, etc. Also, if anyone could give me an insight on the education level... I honestly feel like I'm not the brightest student out there, and I don't think if I have "what it takes" to be an NP, because to be honest, you do need to have the brains haha. But, I'm definitely motivated and have an interest in the field, so hopefully that will suffice and encourage me when it comes to studying that speciality.

Also, what's the BSN-DNP program? I know it's not in all states, but that program appeals to me... although I wouldn't get as much experience, i wouldn't have to worry about taking a break from school and working and then resuming again to get a masters and then repeating the process for the doctorate in nursing practice.

Thanks!

[Corey Narry, MSN, RN, NP]

I was wondering if anyone was an ACNP himself/herself and could tell me what grad school was like ...Also, if anyone could give me an insight on the education level

varies by program...generally ACNP programs at the MSN level provide the typical nursing theory, health care economics, research and statistics at the beginning. The mandatory APN courses of Advanced Patho, Advanced Pharm, and Advanced Physical Exam are offered in varying amounts of credit hours depending on the program. The last year is typically clinical courses that cover the care of acute and critical problems in the adult using a body system approach. Clinical rotations are usually individualized based on student goals but many programs include mandatory Internal Medicine and ICU rotations.

and what you do on the job... see patients in the E.R., diagnose and provide treatment, etc.

ACNP's work in a variety of clinical specialties and settings from Hospitalist, Cardiology, ICU, and many surgical specialties. The role is targeted for in-patient management but some ACNP's work in combined out-patient and in-patient roles.

I honestly feel like I'm not the brightest student out there, and I don't think if I have "what it takes" to be an NP, because to be honest, you do need to have the brains haha. But, I'm definitely motivated and have an interest in the field, so hopefully that will suffice and encourage me when it comes to studying that speciality.

You'll have to speak to program directors so you'll know what your chances are in getting in based on your stats. Many ACNP programs require prior RN experience in the acute care setting. Even Direct entry ACNP programs require a "time-off" after the BSN component for the student to gain acute care experience.

Also, what's the BSN-DNP program?

BSN to DNP programs add courses in leadership, healthcare economics, and a capstone project which can take the form of a research project in addition to the MSN-level courses required for ACNP.