Modality Options

Nursing is incredibly diverse. For me it was almost overwhelming when I realized how many choices a bachelors degree in nursing opens up for you. Advanced practice isn't any different in this respect. However, in choosing a modality it is important to realize that the wide expanse of options begins to taper as you move forward with further education. This is particularly true with clinical degrees. Each degree with it's specialization area has an associated scope of practice. The ANCC certifies several different levels such as Nursing Specialties, Clinical Nurse Specialists, and Nurse Practitioners.
The following nurse practitioner modalities are recognized by the ANCC:

• Acute Care NP
• Adult NP
• Adult Psychiatric and Mental Health NP
• Diabetes Advanced
• Family NP
• Family Psych and Mental Health NP
• Gerontological NP
• Pediatric NP
• School NP

The American Association of Nurse Anesthetists (AANA) has their own board certification for

• Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist

The American College of Nurse Midwives has their own board certification for

• Certified Nurse Midwife

Each of these lend themselves to a particular patient set that can be further specialized. Many Family NPs find that they particularly prefer pediatrics, some pediatric NPs go into oncology. However, it is important to understand the scope of practice of your chosen modality. As a general rule for example it would be poor form to be prescribing for a pediatric patient if your license says you are a Gerontologic NP. It is also important to remember that NP doesn't automatically mean prescriptive practice. This varies by modality and by state. In Utah for example a Family NP has prescriptive license, as does a Psych Mental Health NP, but not nurse anesthetists.