March 06, 2025
02:15
Latrina is the Founder & CEO of Latrina Walden Exam Solutions (LWES). Her background is in creating a
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Table of Contents
Adult Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (ACNP) is considered one of the hardest nurse practitioner specialties due to the high level of patient acuity and the need for quick, precise decision-making in high-pressure environments. Despite its difficulty, Adult Acute NPs are among the highest-paid specialties, with an average annual salary of $133,584. They are also one of the most in demand NP specialty due to a growing aging population.
For those interested in high-stakes and critical care roles, here are the 11 hardest nurse practitioner specialties:
- Adult Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (ACNP)
- Emergency Nurse Practitioner (ENP)
- Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (NNP)
- Critical Care Nurse Practitioner
- Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)
- Armed Forces Nurse Practitioner (AFNP)
- Correctional Nurse Practitioner (CNP)
- Substance Abuse Nurse Practitioner
- Oncology Nurse Practitioner (ONP)
- Cardiovascular Nurse Practitioner
- Trauma Nurse Practitioner
For those seeking a better work-life balance, specialties such as Family Nurse Practitioner or Pediatric Nurse Practitioner may offer a more manageable schedule, allowing for a better balance between professional and personal life.
To further prepare for these roles and gain a deeper understanding of each specialty, consider exploring our NP exam prep courses.