Which PNP Specialty?

[Decemberblues]

How does one determine which PNP specialty they want to pursue? options I have looked at so far is otolaryngology and general practice...what other interesting areas are there? is specializing a better career choice than general practice?

[Lunah, MSN, RN]

Moved to the post-grad forum (vs. the GN forum) to encourage responses.

[Annaiya, NP]

I think it tends to be based on your past RN experience, what area you enjoy the most and where you can get a job.

[UVA Grad Nursing]

There are two primary PNP degree options (each with their own certification). One option is PNP-AC (Acute Care) and the other is PNP-PC (Primary Care). Most universities prepare for the primary care certification; I believe that are less than a dozen schools in the country offer preparation for the PNP acute care certification at this time.

So I would first encourage you to think what sort of setting do you want to be in. Another thing to consider is what the limitations on practice might be in your state's Nurse Practice Act. Several of the states have already instituted regulations prohibiting those with FNP certifications to work in specialty settings (clinic or inpatient unit). More states are considering this change to ensure that primary care trained NPs are in primary care roles, and that specialty trained ACNPs are in specialty roles.

For example, if you know that you adore pediatrics hem/onc, then I would recommend that you seek a PNP-AC program that will allow you to specialize in hem/onc. This would give you the additional preparation for this role, and you would be 'ahead of the curve' for states that are limiting placements for those with primary care certifications. Similarly if you are invigorated by the challenges that come with a general practice, then definitely pursue a PNP-primary care program.

[noski]

ehmm, good stuff, i will be watching this post