Which Should I Choose FNP vs Acute Care/Gerontology NP?

[AlmostANurse321]

I'm applying to NP programs. I have a choice between going FNP or going Acute Care/Gerontology. I'm not sure which one to choose and don't want to limit my practice. I do want to stay in either acute care or long term care. Any suggestions?

[traumaRUs, MSN, APRN]

Moved to student NP. Look up consensus model and LACE and figure out where your state is - for me, this is often the deciding factor. Also talk with faculty and other students in your area to see where these NPs are being utilized. Best wishes

[Mhsrnbsn]

Let me tell you a dirty little secret... If you do FNP you can treat patients from the womb to the tomb. It's FAMILY so you would be able to manage pediatrics, adult, geriatrics. Hospitals do employ FNPs that were not trained by an acute care school. FNP leaves more doors for opportunity if you ask me. The only areas you won't get an easy hire on would be OB without a strong OB background. So I mean... If you want my two pennies that's it

[SopranoKris, MSN, RN, NP]

It depends on where you want to work and what their hiring practices are. I work in the ICU and I've seen NPs that are dual certifiied FNP/ACNP. I've seen just ACNP and I've also seen a few that are only FNPs but were ICU nurses before getting the FNP. As one doctor told me "I just want to know that you have a background in critical care and that you passed your boards. I don't care about the letters after your name".

So, ask around and see which hospitals prefer FNPs or ACNPs, dual certification, etc. Good luck :)