Are you an RN looking for a way to do more for your patients? Or are you looking for a career choice with unique prospects and earning potential? Either way, consider becoming a Family nurse practitioner (FNP).
A family nurse practitioner provides comprehensive care to people of all ages, including infants and older adults. This career is growing rapidly, enabling nurses to tap into several professional opportunities. It offers a promising career outlook and allows nurses to work in their desired healthcare settings.
There are several benefits associated with becoming an FNP. If you are wondering whether or not this nursing specialty is your calling, read through the following reasons to find your answer. Here are some reasons why you should consider becoming an FNP.
Work full-time while learning
Nurses work on a tight schedule, making it difficult for them to continue their studies as regular students. However, you can upgrade your nursing role by obtaining an FNP degree online. An online MSN FNP program ensures you can complete course work alongside work by creating a flexible schedule. This program features full-on online coursework providing flexibility for nurses to fit their studies around their clinical schedules and achieve a work-study-life balance.
Moreover, through guaranteed clinical placements, this program aims to help working nurses meet the healthcare needs of people with a diverse range of diseases.
Increased autonomy and responsibilities
FNPs enjoy more autonomy as compared to registered nurses and physicians. Many responsibilities of RNs and FNPs overlap, like monitoring patient health, maintaining charts, etc. The role of an FNP goes beyond this, with added responsibilities of diagnosing medical conditions, prescribing medications, developing treatment plans, and supervising medical teams.
Moreover, FNPs are allowed to work in various healthcare settings like hospitals, private clinics, emergency care, and schools. Many states even permit FNPs to work independently without the supervision of a doctor to overcome staffing shortages and provide seamless care for better patient outcomes.
More earning potential and career stability
The jump in the salary of a registered nurse to a family nurse practitioner is noteworthy. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, registered nurses earn around $77,600 annually. In contrast, FNPs earn an average salary of $98,430 yearly, making it one of the most lucrative careers for nurses to pursue.
The earning potential of FNPs varies depending on the work setting and the state in which they work. If you want some perks and bonuses on your salary, you may consider working as an FNP in some remote areas. Many remote healthcare facilities combine some lucrative benefits with hard-to-fill positions to attract competent healthcare professionals to work in distant locations.
Career prospects
Other than earning potential, the career prospects are more intriguing than the job of FNPs. The demand for primary healthcare providers is rising as the retirement rate of physicians is much higher than the number of professionals to replace them. Moreover, baby boomers will likely outnumber the healthcare professionals required to meet their healthcare needs. These reasons have marked a surge in nurses entering this field.
Unlike other occupations, the growth rate for FNPs between 2020 and 2030 is expected to be higher than the average. Thus, as an FNP, you won’t be at a loss for job opportunities during this time.
Opportunities to lead
Besides autonomy and leadership, family nurse practitioners can also expect to land diverse jobs. FNPs can also work in research, patient education, policy advocacy, and academics. If you are detail-oriented, you may advance your field by working as a medical researcher. If you are more into nursing education, you may consider working as a program administrator or an instructor in nursing school.
FNPs can also work with policymakers to advocate the interests of patients and nurses. Their knowledge and experience help them make amends to healthcare policies. Another working option for FNPs is to assist in developing and administering patient education programs for better patient outcomes.
Greater fulfillment
While working with a diverse population of patients, FNPs provide cost-effective treatment and care with an emphasis on preventative care. FNPs possesses clinical knowledge and skills that impact individuals, groups, and communities. Especially through patient advocacy, FNPs ensure that the patients take control of their health and embark on the road to recovery.
FNPs experience higher fulfillment and job satisfaction by working in various jobs. If you are someone who wants to leave work every day with such fulfillment and happiness, this job might be the best fit for you.
HP Thoughts: Becoming a family nurse practitioner is demanding physically and mentally. Prepare yourself by knowing some advice to help you cope with your work — Tips For A Prolific Career In Nursing.
Conclusion
FMPs work as primary care providers for families and patients of all ages, genders, and demographics. These professionals can work in different healthcare settings and diagnose and treat various medical conditions. If you want to go beyond the typical nurse role and have more autonomy in your career choices, consider becoming an FNP. Some notable benefits include flexible work, leadership opportunities, higher salaries, and job security. You can set foot on this path by obtaining an online FNP degree.
