Which specialty track?

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I'm currently looking to enroll in an ADN-BSN-MSN program. At this time I work in a busy ED as a staff nurse and would love to continue in the ED as an APP. I don't want to start a discussion on the different schools/online vs traditional schools here.

My question is, Which track is recommended for the ED setting?

FNP?

Adult-Gerontological?

ACNP? (Does this still exist?)

other options I'm not aware of?

At this point in my career I'm not interested in ICU/inpatient settings. Possibly later, but not now. The idea of working in a family practice or urgent care at a later time interests me.

Thanks in advance

Keith

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Specializes in ER, Pediatric Transplant, PICU.

I'm going the peds route, so maybe I can't be as much help, however from what I have came across so far, theres a few things to think about.

Most ER folks I know go the FNP route. I would tell you to consider adult acute care only because I have heard it prepares you more for what you will deal with in the ED - looking at imaging, suturing, diagnosing and prescribing medications for more acute illnesses. You would likely find your clinicals hours more enjoyable. I'm not saying that the FNP program doesn't teach that stuff - because they do - but you get more of a chance to apply it in clinicals if you go acute care.

I also dont know how many peds patients your hospital sees and how much acute care restricts you from seeing those patients. But something else to think about.

Somebody can probably give you a much more clear answer, but in case they dont, theres just a few things to think about. Good luck!

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Specializes in OR Nursing, Critical Care, Med-surg.

I believe FNP is the most qualified track due to the fact that you are working with all ages from babies to the geriatric population. If it weren't for the inclusion of pediatrics, I'd say Acute Care NP (I don't believe acute care NP includes peds within the curriculum - you can research it if you'd like, I don't want to tell you any wrong info). However, there are a few NP-ER tracks lingering around out there, just have to look for them.

I chose FNP as I have no desire to work in an inpatient setting. I work in surgery right now and I am looking forward to having no call with a set schedule when I'm done with FNP school. Good Luck!

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Specializes in Assistant Professor, Nephrology, Internal Medicine.

Look into the emergency NP programs at Loyola Chicago and university of south Alabama. It's combined FNP and acnp with a focus in emergency medicine

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Specializes in NP, ICU, ED, Pre-op.

It is also important to understand the region you work in. Some areas use NP in the ER strictly on the "quick care" side. Think urgent care. Cough, colds, suture, basic ortho, triage level 4s and 5s. Other places use NPs to "run" the ER.....It just depends on the hospital and region you work in. FNP allows you to take care of peds patients, Acute care is separated into adult or peds so this can hamper you depending on the hospital you work in. You currently work ED now....look at how they utilize the NPs that work there with you....ask them what track they did and why.....USE YOUR RESOURCES!!!!!

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