Why not get FNP & ACNP at same time???

[CrazyPremed]

This is probably a stupid question, but...

It seems difficult for me to make up my mind. Do I want to work in an FP setting or be an NP hospitalist. Why doesn't one just study both in school (ie get the FNP degree and ACNP cert, or vice versa)? Is this possible/worth it?

What do you think?

CrazyPremed

[glea1022]

At the university I'm attending, you can only get FNP if you do ACNP, but you can do ACNP by itself. You couldn't do just FNP even if you wanted to.

[CrazyPremed, MSN, RN, NP]

I know that this is an old post, but I wanted to see if anyone had anything to add.

I'm working on a tele floor, and the experience is opening my eyes. I'm still feeling like an FNP masters program with an ACNP certificate is probably the way to go to provide the most options for an NP. If I truly want generalist multi-level training, I might end up going PA.

Decisions, decisions.

Any more advice?

Crazypremed

[yellow finch, BSN, RN]

Hey, Crazypremed... I'm glad you bumped this thread up despite its age. :)

I'm in the same boat as you (sort of). I started my FNP program and will be graduating in a year. It's been a terrific experience since I'm learning about all areas of being a provider from birth to death. Not only will it open up the doors for being a primary care provider, it is giving me an education far beyond any specialty degree can.

Upon graduating and passing the boards, I'm considering earning my ACNP certificate. This is because I'd like to round through the hospital especially the ICUs where currently only the MDs go. My primary interest is in the ICUs because that's where I work and can show my future employers that I am capable of rounding on this patient population. As an FNP I doubt they would be as interested in setting me free in there. Maybe I'm wrong. If nothing else, I'll learn something new which can only improve my ability to service my future clients.

Do a lot of research between the differences of the PA and NP. There's a great thread on this board about it. As I see it, the PAs in my area work in all areas of specialty, are first assist in the OR, round on the floors, and are all around assistants to the MDs. I chose NP for the (presumed?) autonomy and because I really like being an RN which spills over to my graduate program. My experience at the bedside has given me a great deal of perspective into patient care and recognizing acute changes in chronically ill patients. I will be able to specialize in many areas of practice while still providing primary care services across the ages.

Best of luck to you in all your choices. There's so much to look at and consider.

Keep us posted!