Mental Health NP vs Emergecny NP (FNP/ACNP)

[psycho-matic]

I am debating on choosing which one of these paths to take. I plan on enrolling in a nurse practitioner program for the fall. I cannot see myself working in a regular clinic 5 days a week. I love acute care and like being able to get my work done in 3 shifts a week. I am concerned about the job market for acute care NP's, however. I also LOVE mental health. I know that psych NP's have more autonomy. I've heard they can make more money and "write your own ticket" according to someone. Is this true? What's the job market like for NP's right now? Are there good opportunities for locums tennens if I wanted to travel? Thanks

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[AnnoyedByFreud]

Job market is highly variable and depends on where you want to practice. I have heard really, really good things about opportunities for psych NPs, though. I'm currently applying to psych NP programs right now and as far as I know, there are plenty of jobs out there.

 

[deleted6669]

IF you want to do psych go np.
if you want to do em/acute care go pa as pa's receive significantly more training in this area and are the advanced practice clinician of choice in emergency medicine. we own that market and ACEP (the american college of emergency physicians) is firmly in our corner.

 

[zenman]

I came out of psych NP school and worked locums for 6 figures. I just started a permanent job in a hospital doing inpatient, outpatient, and inhouse consults. I got so many job offers I finally had to tell people to leave me alone. With the world screwed up I don't think you'll regret psych. 🙂

 

[psycho-matic]

My family commitments would prevent my going to PA school full time for at least the next few years. Also, I feel I probably am not as competitive for PA programs based on my GPA. I like the fact that I can go to NP school part time.

 

[deleted6669]

My family commitments would prevent my going to PA school full time for at least the next few years. Also, I feel I probably am not as competitive for PA programs based on my GPA. I like the fact that I can go to NP school part time.

there are a few(like 7-8) part time pa programs out there. they take 3 yrs. the nl yr 1 is split into 2 yrs then the nl yr 2 is a full time yr 3.