Where is Family NP heading?

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As a new RN grad, I have concidered PA (Mainly for the Trauma/ER lifestyle, I love trauma haha), but I feel that FNP is moving in a direction that we can't even see yet. With the family practice shortage, I think FNP is going to blow us away in the next 5 years. But...as I said before I am a brand new RN with wishful thinking :D.

My question is, what direction do you see FNP moving in the near future? I do not see many FNP's at Level 1 Trauma centers (mostly PA's), but I was just curious where you feel the profession will be heading in the next 5-10 years as far as salary, autonomy and job placement? Hoping for some great input.

I do not know if any of you are practicing in Missouri, but this is the state I would most likely be in, so any input from Missouri FNP's would be appreciated.

As for now, I'm going to enjoy my ICU RN life and just wait and see what happens.

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Specializes in ER/OR.

Well, I don't have a crystal ball so I couldn't say with any certainty. It does look like eventually the DNP will be the entry-level for the profession. However, I don't think it will make it for the 2015 deadline like it has been touted -- but eventually yes, as most pharmacy and physical therapy programs have done. Where I live FNPs are utiilized in the ER, but if you are certain you want that, ACNP would probably be better. Or, you could do the FNP and get a post-master ACNP certificate. FNP is a good choice for those who are not sure what they want, or want the widest range of practice and job opportunities, IMHO.

I do agree that with less and less MDs and DOs wanting to match into FP programs, NPs and PAs will only get more and more power and autonomy in family medicine. And, with the DNP I think that NPs will become more and more the gatekeepers and the frontlines of family medicine, especially as the baby boomers age. 23 states already have completely autonomous NPs, and I can only see that growing. At any rate, I think the profession is only growing and will continue to expand exponentially with the current status of healthcare trends. :twocents:

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Well, I don't have a crystal ball so I couldn't say with any certainty. It does look like eventually the DNP will be the entry-level for the profession. However, I don't think it will make it for the 2015 deadline like it has been touted -- but eventually yes, as most pharmacy and physical therapy programs have done. Where I live FNPs are utiilized in the ER, but if you are certain you want that, ACNP would probably be better. Or, you could do the FNP and get a post-master ACNP certificate. FNP is a good choice for those who are not sure what they want, or want the widest range of practice and job opportunities, IMHO.

I do agree that with less and less MDs and DOs wanting to match into FP programs, NPs and PAs will only get more and more power and autonomy in family medicine. And, with the DNP I think that NPs will become more and more the gatekeepers and the frontlines of family medicine, especially as the baby boomers age. 23 states already have completely autonomous NPs, and I can only see that growing. At any rate, I think the profession is only growing and will continue to expand exponentially with the current status of healthcare trends. :twocents:

Residency programs are already in existence for NP/PA in trauma

Hopefully more will be forming. I know of at least one level I center that has 2 NP's on its trauma team.

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Specializes in critical care.

Maybe it is wishful thinking on my part too...but I think if the US sees some sort of national health care program after the election, there will be an even bigger need for FNP.

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Residency programs are already in existence for NP/PA in trauma

Hopefully more will be forming. I know of at least one level I center that has 2 NP's on its trauma team.

Are those 2 NPs in trauma FNPs?

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Are those 2 NPs in trauma FNPs?

It think I know what you are asking?? One I know was fresh out of school but had worked in the ER as a nurse. The other one I don't know.

I know when I interviewed what my credentials were not from a trauma program. I do know I was interviewed by a RN/Paramedic and the trauma doctor in charge of the program....

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Vandy has an Emergency NP which gives you dual ACNP/FNP in 5 semesters or p/t 3y....

"For RNs who have had at least two years of clinical experience (ADN, BSN or post-master’s )– preferably in the Emergency Department"

http://www.nursing.vanderbilt.edu/msn/enp.html

also acute care Peds NP

http://www.nursing.vanderbilt.edu/msn/pednp.html

hth!

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