 So, you have carefully weighed the pros and cons of returning to school to get your NP and have decided to move forward! But now you’re debating between becoming a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) or an Adult Geriatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP). I recently wrote an article asking the question, PMHNP or FNP? Which Should I Become? If that is part of your thinking, read that post as well.
Let’s examine the other question I see often asked on the nursing forums! FNP vs AGACNP. Something that really concerns me is that I frequently see students switching from one program to another, sadly, most often because they couldn’t find a particular kind of preceptor. (!) When I see this kind of thing, I REALLY hope that significant thought went into the decision because we are talking about your profession, not just what to eat for dinner or the color you want to paint your walls! So, it’s good to explore this further! Let’s talk about the differences of each. Acute Care NPs generally work with their patients for the short term, while FNPs generally follow their patients for months or years. Both have pros and cons, and different personalities fit different roles. Whether you choose to become an AGACNP or an FNP, you’ll become “a provider.” You’ll be making the medical decisions. So try to imagine yourself in both of these roles. FNP Work Settings and Specialties FNPs typically work in outpatient settings, such as primary care, internal medicine, geriatric medicine, and urgent care. However, they sometimes pursue additional training and venture into specialty areas like cardiology, sleep medicine, endocrinology, integrative medicine, or neurology. Some FNPs work in emergency rooms, frequently after obtaining additional Emergency Nurse Practitioner (ENP) certification. There are many different things FNPs can do, but those are some of the most common settings. ACNP Work Settings and Specialties Acute Care Nurse Practitioners (ACNPs) primarily work in inpatient settings where they manage patients with acute, complex, and often life-threatening conditions. Common work environments include intensive care units (ICUs), emergency departments, trauma units, and surgical units. ACNPs are trained to perform advanced assessments, diagnose acute medical conditions, and initiate treatments in high-pressure situations. Many ACNPs also specialize in areas like cardiology, pulmonology, oncology, or critical care, often working closely with multidisciplinary teams to provide comprehensive patient care. Due to their expertise in acute care, they are key players in managing patients during hospital stays and in transition from hospital to home or rehabilitation settings. Answering these questions that may help you decide: FNP: 1. Do I enjoy working with patients of all age groups? FNPs work with people of all ages, from children to the elderly. 2. Am I interested in primary care and wellness services? FNPs emphasize preventive care and health maintenance, often in outpatient and specialty settings. 3. Do I prefer a more predictable schedule and a variety of patient interactions? FNPs often work in diverse healthcare settings, offering flexibility in practice. Outpatient FNPs most often work “regular” daytime hours, M-F. Or, in Urgent Care, add weekends and evenings. AGACNP: 1. Am I comfortable working with adult and geriatric populations? AGACNPs primarily focus on adult and elderly patients in both hospitals and specialty outpatient clinics. 2. Do I thrive in fast-paced, high-pressure environments? AGACNPs manage critical conditions in acute care settings, which can be intense and demanding. 3. Am I interested in acute care and managing complex medical cases? AGACNPs handle acute illnesses and critical situations. Making an Informed Decision What Next? 1. Self-Assessment: Reflect on your interests, strengths, and career aspirations. Consider your preferred patient population and work environment. 2. Talk to NPs: Connect with experienced FNPs and AGACNPs to gain insights into their roles, daily responsibilities, and job satisfaction in various settings. 3. Clinical Rotations: Seek elective clinical experiences that align with your interests to gain exposure to different practice settings. 4. Job Market Research: Investigate the demand for both FNPs and AGACNPs in your desired location, considering factors like job availability and salary expectations in various specialties. 5. Professional Organizations: Join relevant professional organizations, such as the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) or the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN), for resources and networking opportunities. Consider Your Future Work-Life Balance Think about what kind of work-life balance suits you best. As an FNP, you might have more predictable hours, especially in outpatient settings like primary care or specialty clinics. This can mean a steady routine, with the chance to have evenings, weekends, and holidays off, which is great if you have family commitments or prefer a consistent schedule. However, many FNPs complain about taking their charting home and a never-ending inbox. If you choose to become an AGACNP, you’ll be in environments that provide 24/7 care, like hospitals or critical care units. This often involves nights, weekends, and long shifts, but many find it worth it to have extended periods off due to block scheduling. If you thrive in fast-paced settings and love a challenge, the variety and intensity of acute care might be a good fit for you. Choosing between FNP and AGACNP is an important decision! Your choice should reflect your particular strengths, the type of healthcare professional you aspire to be, and the job market. Choosing a Program If you have made the decision on which direction to go, now you need to think about which program you will attend. Be sure to read our article Choosing the Right Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Program. The information in the article also pertains to other programs as well, so even if you decide on another program, read on! Good luck out there, and choose wisely! The PreceptorLink® Difference At PreceptorLink®, with nearly a decade of experience in preceptor matching, we go beyond simply connecting you with preceptors. We believe in QUALITY. For our NP profession to continue to have positive outcomes, we must ensure quality education. Our goal is to match quality students with quality preceptors to develop quality clinicians. Our founder, Lynn McComas, DNP, ANP-C, has leveraged her extensive experience and contacts as an NP to create our business, educate our team, and design our tech-enabled match-making App. We want to not only connect students with qualified preceptors but also equip them to make the most of this crucial learning phase. We also quant to provide education to help support preceptors. If you need a preceptor, want to become a preceptor, or have a burning question about the nurse practitioner profession, we’re here to help! Lynn and The PreceptorLink® team are experts in the area of precepting and the NP profession. Check out our App, review our How It Works page, or reach out to us at 888-418-6620. www.PreceptorLink.com
0 Comments
 As a longtime NP, I’ve been through a lot of interviews, and I’ve also done a lot of interviews. Whether you are a new grad NP looking for a job or a seasoned NP, interviewing for a Nurse Practitioner (NP) job can feel overwhelming! But you’ve got this! My motto is always, “Prep For Success,” so let’s review 12 questions you might want to ask the interviewer. Bring along a copy of your resume if you are interviewing in person. If you are interviewing virtually, have it in front of you to refer to if needed. Dress professionally and err on the conservative side. Be authentic when you are interviewing. Don’t try to be someone you’re not, or both you and your employer will likely be unhappy with the hire in the end. But, obviously, put your best foot forward. After the interviewer has asked you questions, it's good to ask a few things about the practice and role to ensure it's the right fit for you and ensure your expectations are realistic. Clearly, you’ll want to vary these to fit the practice setting. Acute care is going to be much different than primary care. Here are some questions you might want to ask: 1. How many patients would I be expected to see per day, and how long are the visit types? Understanding the patient load and visit duration helps you gauge the pace and expectations of the job. 2. Who, if anyone, will be there as a resource for me if needed? Knowing if there’s a support system in place is crucial for your professional growth and daily operations. 3. Is there any kind of orientation, and if so, how long will it be? An orientation period can be pivotal for getting acclimated to the new environment and processes. 4. Will I have allotted charting time and admin time? Clarifying this can help you understand how the practice values your time and manages your workload. 5. What type of EHR do you use, and what is the training for this system? Familiarity with the Electronic Health Record (EHR) system and its training protocol is essential for a smooth transition. 6. Will I have my own medical assistant or back office assistant? Sometimes, these roles are shared with other providers, so it’s good to know what to expect. 7. What is the reason for the hire? Did someone leave? Asking this politely can give you insights into the workplace environment and potential challenges. 8. Are there any issues or concerns about the practice that I should know? If you can ask this and read between the lines, it might reveal important information about the practice. 9. What do you expect my schedule to be, and is there any flexibility? Understanding the schedule and if there is any flexibility with it can help you balance work and personal life. 10. How many providers do you currently have, and how many NPs? This question helps you understand the team dynamics and the practice’s structure. 11. Have you ever had an NP, if that’s unclear from the prior question? Knowing their experience with NPs can give you insights into their expectations and support for your role. 12. Would you allow me to shadow someone for a day to ensure it’s a good fit on both sides? Shadowing can provide invaluable insights into the practice and help you decide if it’s the right place for you. It’s an opportunity to see the day-to-day operations and get a feel for the team and environment. While legalities can sometimes prevent this, it never hurts to ask. This is not an exhaustive list, but it's a great starting point. For more tips, I highly recommend “Advice With Erin.” She provides excellent videos on what to do and what not to do in an interview. These 12 questions can help you determine if the practice is a good fit for you and vice versa. It’s important to find a match on both sides. Good luck! You’ve got this! About the Author: Lynn McComas, DNP, ANP-C, is an experienced nurse practitioner and an expert on the topic of precepting. Determined to make a difference in “the Preceptor Problem,” Lynn went on to obtain her Doctorate in Nursing Practice (DNP) at the esteemed Duke University, where she focused on finding solutions to the preceptor shortage. She is the owner and founder of PreceptorLink®. The company’s goal is to simplify and streamline the process of preceptor matching while maintaining quality and professionalism throughout. www.PreceptorLink.com  As the NP owner of Preceptor Link, I see a lot of resumes- both students and providers, so I wanted to provide some practical advice on crafting a resume that stands out. Whether you're an NP student trying to find a preceptor, a new grad NP trying to find a job, or an experienced nurse practitioner looking for a job change, your resume is your first chance to make a great impression. You want it to reflect your professionalism, experience, and strengths. (Here are links to some free email templates if you want to try those.)
A Note on Using AI to Help You Write a Resume I’m personally not afraid of AI. So, try it, and see if it helps you. AI can be a valuable tool in crafting your resume by providing personalized suggestions, correcting grammar and spelling errors, and optimizing your content for clarity and impact. AI-driven platforms can analyze your work history and suggest the most relevant skills and experiences to highlight, ensuring your resume is tailored to the specific job you're applying for. Additionally, AI can help format your resume in a clean, professional manner, making it more likely to catch the attention of preceptors, recruiters, or hiring managers. Whether it’s ChatGPT, Gemini, or one of the other LLMs, consider giving it a shot. It can be really helpful. But make sure the final resume accurately represents YOU! Keep It Neat, Clean, and Professional First impressions matter. A well-organized, concise, and professional resume is essential. Make sure it’s free from typos and grammatical errors—having a second set of eyes to review it can be invaluable. You can use Grammarly (great for students!) or other AI to review it. If you need extra help, consider using a professional resume service. Name and Contact Information Your name and title should be prominently displayed at the top of your resume. However, don’t include your home address. No one needs that unless you’re filling out a formal job application. Instead, include your city and state, email address, phone number, and consider adding a link to your LinkedIn profile if it's up to date and makes sense for this role. (Follow PreceptorLink®’s LinkedIn profile through that link!) Crafting a Strong Summary Most people agree that including a “Professional Summary” is good, and most also agree “Objectives” are dated and not advised. This brief summary is at the beginning of your resume, and it should highlight your strongest characteristics, key strengths, and relevant job experience. This section is your elevator pitch—use it to quickly convey what makes you a standout candidate. How do you differentiate yourself and why they should want YOU over other candidates. Yes, let’s face it. This is a competition. Education vs. Clinical Experience: What Comes First? Deciding whether to list your education or clinical experience first depends on your situation. If you graduated from a highly reputed school, you might want to showcase that up front. On the other hand, if you have significant clinical experience that demonstrates your competencies and skills, lead with that. But, obviously, include both. (You’d be surprised how often I see Education missing from resumes!) NP Students and New Grads: Highlight Your Clinicals For NP students and new grads, briefly list your clinical rotations. This is where you can showcase the variety and breadth of your hands-on experience. Be concise but specific—mention the specialties you worked in and any notable achievements. This will help potential employers or preceptors understand your clinical background at a glance. Experienced NPs: Omit Clinicals If you're an experienced NP, there's no need to list your clinical rotations unless you think it gives you some special “in.” Your professional work experience should take center stage. Focus on your roles, accomplishments, and the skills you've developed in practice. Keep it succinct and descriptive. One or two sentences or a few bullets. Leave High School Off Your Resume and Your Unrelated Jobs High school education is not necessary and can clutter your resume or make you look really young- not always helpful when people want experience. Also, leave off unrelated jobs that don’t highlight you. Your focus should be on your nursing and healthcare education. There are exceptions to this, so use your judgment. (“Took time off to focus on raising my children.” You decide. I personally appreciate that) Keep It Concise Remember, your resume should be no longer than two pages, even if you’ve been in practice for many years. Make it strong and succinct, and highlight your skills and strengths. Employers and preceptors are busy and prefer to scan through resumes quickly. Avoid unnecessary details and nursing-specific jargon—stick to what’s relevant to the role you’re seeking. Describing Your Experience When detailing your work experience, keep it succinct. You don’t need to explain every aspect of your previous nursing roles—focus on the key responsibilities and accomplishments that are pertinent to the job you’re applying for. For example, instead of listing every task you performed, highlight your work with specific patient populations or your role in managing complex cases. References At the end of your resume, simply state, “References available upon request.” There’s no need to list them unless specifically asked unless those listed will open an opportunity for you. Final Thoughts Your resume is a critical tool in your professional toolkit. It should be a clear reflection of your experience, skills, and professional journey. By following these tips, you'll be well on your way to creating a resume that opens doors. You’ve got this! Best of luck in your career journey, and keep on learning! About the Author: Lynn McComas, DNP, ANP-C, is an experienced nurse practitioner and an expert on the topic of precepting. Determined to make a difference in “the Preceptor Problem,” Lynn went on to obtain her Doctorate in Nursing Practice (DNP) at the esteemed Duke University, where she focused on finding solutions to the preceptor shortage. She is the owner and founder of PreceptorLink®. The company’s goal is to simplify and streamline the process of preceptor matching while maintaining quality and professionalism throughout. www.PreceptorLink.com Here are some projects you might do! We sometimes get asked to find a preceptor for Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) students enrolled in a Leadership and Administration program. We need nurses in leadership, so this may be a great role for you if you have leadership skills and talents! Nurses can use their unique expertise and insights in various leadership positions. So let’s help you get started on completing your program!
What are some leadership roles for nurses? Nurses with a Leadership and Administration degree can take on various roles such as Nurse Executive or Chief Nursing Officer (CNO), where they oversee nursing departments and ensure high care standards; Nursing Director or Manager, managing staff and budgets to maintain patient care quality; and Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL), focusing on improving patient outcomes. They can also serve as Healthcare Administrators, managing operations and ensuring compliance; Policy Analysts or Consultants, shaping healthcare policies; Academics or Nurse Educators, developing curricula and mentoring future nurses; and Quality Improvement Coordinators, enhancing healthcare quality and patient safety. Nurses can even end up in unique C-suite roles. By stepping into these leadership roles, nurses can significantly impact healthcare systems, improve patient outcomes, and advance the nursing profession through their expertise and dedication. Projects that Administration and Leadership nursing students might do: Based on our experience at PreceptorLink®, most nurses in Leadership programs (as well as Education programs) are required to participate in a project that is designed to develop their leadership skills, administrative abilities, and understanding of healthcare systems. Be sure that you know exactly what your school requirement is so you can clearly explain what the preceptor’s responsibilities would be and what your responsibilities would be as a student. Vague answers about the responsibilities read from the manual are unlikely to get you a yes from a preceptor! Your project will typically be completed under the guidance of a preceptor, who is an experienced nurse leader or administrator. So let’s think about what projects you might do. First and foremost, you want to find something that helps the site! You will be able to “sell” a potential preceptor better on the idea if you can think of something that will help them and/or their site! Here are some common types of projects MSN students might undertake: 1. Quality Improvement Projects - Objective: To identify areas for improvement within a healthcare setting and implement strategies to enhance patient care quality. - Activities: - Conducting root cause analyses to understand issues. - Developing and implementing action plans. - Evaluating outcomes and making recommendations for future improvements. 2. Leadership Development Initiatives - Objective: To enhance personal leadership skills and mentor others within the organization. - Activities: - Developing leadership training programs for staff. - Leading team meetings or projects. - Reflecting on personal leadership styles and growth. 3. Policy Development and Implementation - Objective: To create or revise policies that improve healthcare delivery and ensure compliance with regulations. - Activities: - Researching existing policies and best practices. - Drafting new policy documents. - Presenting policy proposals to stakeholders and implementing changes. 4. Financial Management Projects - Objective: To gain insights into the financial aspects of healthcare management. - Activities: - Analyzing budget reports and financial statements. - Identifying cost-saving opportunities. - Developing strategies for resource allocation and financial planning. 5. Strategic Planning - Objective: To contribute to the strategic direction and goals of the healthcare organization. - Activities: - Participating in strategic planning sessions. - Analyzing market trends and organizational data. - Assisting in the development of long-term strategic plans. 6. Human Resource Management - Objective: To address staffing needs and improve employee satisfaction and retention. - Activities: - Conducting staffing assessments and workforce planning. - Developing recruitment and retention strategies. - Implementing staff development and performance evaluation programs. 7. Patient Safety and Risk Management - Objective: To enhance patient safety and minimize risks within the healthcare setting. - Activities: - Conducting risk assessments and safety audits. - Developing risk management plans. - Implementing safety protocols and monitoring compliance. 8. Community Health Projects - Objective: To improve health outcomes within the community and address public health issues. - Activities: - Designing and implementing community outreach programs. - Collaborating with public health organizations and stakeholders. - Evaluating the impact of community health initiatives. 9. Technology and Informatics Projects - Objective: To leverage technology to improve healthcare delivery and operations. - Activities: - Implementing electronic health record (EHR) systems. - Analyzing data to improve decision-making and patient outcomes. - Developing telehealth and digital health solutions. 10. Interdisciplinary Collaboration - Objective: To foster collaboration among different healthcare professionals and departments. - Activities: - Leading interdisciplinary team projects. - Facilitating communication and collaboration between departments. - Developing programs to improve teamwork and collaboration. The project's goal is to help the MSN student apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings and prepare them for leadership roles in healthcare organizations. So, think through what project you might want to do that will both help your preceptor’s site, maintain your interest, and be doable in the rotation timeline. Good luck with your program. You’ve got this! Let us know if you need our help finding someone or if you want to become a Leadership preceptor. Students (and the profession) need you! Be sure to Like, Follow & Subscribe for future NP, APRN, and Preceptor related content! |
About Lynn:As a longtime NP with a desire to help and make positive changes to her beloved profession, Lynn often writes opinion pieces about the NP profession. Archives
September 2024
Categories
All
"Why NPs train on the backs of physicians"
from KevinMD |
RSS Feed
|
Jeremiah 29:11
PreceptorLink, Inc.®️ All rights reserved. Website Design by WCW Designs
|