Which NP specialty to choose?

ThePrincessBride, MSN, RN, NP · Feb 9, 2022

I chose FNP...it is broader, you can work in ER, urgent cares, retail clinics....Adult Gero bars you from those options.

To be honest, the only specialties that I think should be considered in NP practice are: FNP, Psych NP, NNP and Acute care (peds or adults). I would avoid primary care PNP, adult-gero primary and WHNP because FNP encompasses all three of those categories.

SopranoKris, MSN, RN, NP · Feb 16, 2022

On 2/7/2022 at 2:04 PM, shestandsMSNRN said:

I have just graduated with my Master's and I always planned to go straight into applying for FNP programs. Then I read a book by Nachole Johnson about NP School & Beyond. It got me questioning my choice. Now I am undecided between FNP and Adult-Gero. UGH!

What helped you choose which specialty path you chose?

It is really dependent on the patient population you want to serve when you're an NP. Those with more limited scope (e.g. Adult-Gero, WHNP, etc.) are very niche specialties. If that is solely your focus and all you wish to do, then by all means, go for it. No use wasting your time learning peds or other stuff that isn't relevant to your chosen specialty. Having said that, just keep in mind that you can't really change your mind later and switch specialties, unless you want to fork over a lot of money in tuition/student loans to get another specialty.

What is your current RN specialty? Is this the population you want to work with? Do you just like the "idea" of a certain specialty but have never experienced it first hand? You might want to pick up some shifts on a unit that has your specialty to make sure its what you really want. Or at least job shadow, if you can't pick up shifts in that specialty.

Check the job listings in your area to see what seems to be the prevailing certification they're seeking.

Good luck with your decision ?