Which DNP program do I pursue?

[dtk23]

Hi Everyone,

Just looking for a little insight into which DNP program to pick. I am between Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), Adult-Gero Acute Care NP (AGACNP), and Adult-Gero Primary Care NP (AGPCNP).

A couple things to mention:

One: My ultimate goal is to work in a specialty clinic as an NP as I would love to be extremely good in one area compared to just being mediocre in every area.

Second: I prefer to work with adults

I understand that I included FNP even though that includes kids and women's health, but I have been hearing that it might make it easier to get hired afterwards. I'm assuming that I can then eventually just specialize and only deal with adults.

What are everyone's thoughts on what the best route for me would be?

[SC_RNDude]

FNP..

[cleback]

Have you considered PA? If you don't know what area/specialty you might like, PA would probably serve you well as they take a generalist approach and can go basically anywhere.

APNP is a bit confusing since they try to divide tracks based on patient acuity and many specialty services I know have both inpatient and outpatient rotations. FNP may have a bit more flexibility due to seeing the lifespan but most FNPs I work with in non-primary areas are in the ER or UC. Sorry I can't be more helpful.

[pro-student]

Don't do FNP if you don't want to be an FNP. Sure a few more jobs might be open to you but they will be jobs that require the lifespan scope. There is this erroneous idea out there that FNP somehow is more marketable but its is only more marketable for jobs that expect you to see pts of all ages. Additionally, most specialty practices are different for adults vs children. FYI, adult specialties include caring for women who make up roughly 50% of the adult population (and often seek healthcare services more often than men). It may not apply to your future specialty area but expect to learn how to provide at least the fundamentals of women's healthcare services (paps, pelvic and breast exams, contraceptives possibly antepartum/postpartum care).

As for acute vs primary care AGNP, it depends on what specialties you're interested in and the setting(s) you'd like to practice in. This might include only inpt coverage, only outpt clinics, or a mix or in and outpt. Both are often hired into specialty practices. Primary care NPs are really only prepared to see outpts and more and more locations are restricting privileges for those without acute care certification/license. Also bear in mind that you can add another specialty fairly easily after you are licensed. If I had to choose, all other things being equal, I would probably suggest the acute care just because you would be prepared if a specialty practice wants you to see inpts. ACNPs can also see pts in clinic as well so you might be giving yourself the most latitude with respect to finding a position in a specialty.