Why Acute Care NP?

For me, applying to an Acute Care NP program was a natural fit. I've been an ICU nurse for five years, two of which were spent in a trauma ICU and now I work in a surgical ICU. I've learned a lot in both units. The trauma unit was unpredictable because you never knew what kind of patient was going to roll through the door next. It could be a 20 yr old with a head injury from a car accident or a gunshot wound to the face (probably the most gruesome thing I've seen in my career). Now, the SICU is a place where I've honed my hemodynamic skills. Because the unit is approximately 80% post op coronary artery bypass graft and valve patients with a laundry list of comorbidities, the bedside nurse is always in his/her toes because at any second, things can change dramatically. You know....like when you receive a "fresh heart" (lingo for a patient who has just come out of surgery) and everything looks great until you see about liter of bright red blood fill the chest tube container and his blood pressure bottoms out. That is always fun. Okay, now back to the original question, why ACNP?
The answer is simple, because I like the ICU. Call me crazy but I like being able to look at a monitor and know what's going on with a patient. Oh, and an intubated patient never hurt anything either. I also think that the management of the ICU patient is dynamic and interesting. I've worked with several ACNP's and have found them to be very knowledgeable. I want that same kind of knowledge. Plain and simple. I have high hopes for myself in this career path. I really feel like the sky is the limit. For example, I can work in a clinical setting, as an educator, as a researcher or even for a private sector, if I feel so inclined.
I know I haven't even started
the ACNP program but I'm excited and optimistic about the possibilities.