Marymount University
07/25/2024 | News release | Archived content
Unlocking Your Potential: Why Become an FNP
Unlocking Your Potential: Why Become an FNP?
Posted on July 25, 2024 (August 1, 2024) byJaime Gaona
You love the idea of pursuing an impactful career that allows you to support and empower patients as you provide sensitive clinical care. There are many rewarding paths worth considering. That said, if you want to work closely with patients while enjoying autonomy and commanding respect, you could have the makings of a wonderful family nurse practitioner (FNP).
As a type of advanced practice registered nurse (APRN), an FNP serves a unique function in the modern healthcare landscape. They provide compassionate, family-focused services with a strong emphasis on prevention and patient education. This position can be difficult to understand. To the outsider, the FNP role and scope of practice may seem to overlap with other nurse practitioner roles or even with family medicine.
If you find this career pathway compelling, be prepared as it takes comprehensive training and an excellent bedside manner to thrive as an FNP. Simply remaining within the FNP role and scope of practice could also be tricky, as this varies between states. To help you decide if this role is right for you, we will explore the family nurse practitioner scope of practice below, along with the unique advantages associated with this important career pathway.
Education and Licensing Requirements for FNPs
The path to becoming an FNP can be challenging and confusing as multiple degrees, licensures, and certifications are involved. However, these hurdles are important as they confirm that all FNPs have received the comprehensive, yet in-depth training needed to properly address a wide range of patient concerns.
Academic Pathways to Become an FNP
There is no one specific path to becoming an FNP, although there are a few key steps that every aspiring FNP must complete along the way. Often, academic pathways are selected according to personal preferences and timing.
This extensive training process can begin with obtaining an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Next up is passing the NCLEX-RN exam and gaining experience in the field. From there, aspiring FNPs must complete graduate-level programs, typically the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN).
Clinical Training and Certification Examinations
In addition to earning the degrees mentioned above, aspiring FNPs must find opportunities to apply their clinical skills in the field, often while working at physician offices or in other healthcare settings. Through extensive patient interactions, they gain a stronger grasp of what it means to pursue evidence-based practice. They also see firsthand how their demeanor can impact patients, their families, and the clinical environment.
National certification exams verify that future FNPs have the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in their chosen career path. These are typically facilitated by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board (AANPCB). Both exams cover a broad range of concepts, with a strong emphasis on clinical management, assessment, and diagnosis.
State Licensing Requirements for FNPs
After getting certified, the next step on the path to becoming an FNP involves state licensure. While this will already have been obtained at the RN level, additional licensing is required for advanced practice registered nurses. Each state has distinct rules, regulations, and processes for how APRNs can get licensed. There are also specific, state-based guidelines regarding the FNP role and scope of practice, which may influence licensing requirements.
Advantages of Becoming an FNP
The role of the family nurse practitioner can be highly rewarding, as Dr. Stephanie Au, DNP, FNP-c tells Vivian. "The profession provides a unique opportunity to offer a positive impact on a daily basis." Dr. Au describes further herself as someone who "loves to learn, push [herself] out of [her] comfort zone, and enjoys the option of flexibility."
Like Dr. Au, many FNPs are quick to highlight these key benefits when explaining why they love their work:
Increased Autonomy and Practice Independence
Like all nurse practitioners, FNPs enjoy more autonomy than registered nurses (RNs). Their wide scope of practice allows them to assess patients, order and interpret diagnostic tests, and prescribe medications. They are also encouraged to counsel patients and their families on health promotion and disease prevention.
Yes, they work closely with other healthcare professionals (especially physicians, RNs, and other NPs) and they may need to refer patients to specialists. But ultimately, FNPs have a strong say in how their patients are cared for, and this respect and independence makes them feel empowered.
In many states, FNPs are even qualified to run independent clinics. Authorized practice environments range from full practice to restricted practice. However, with full practice becoming the norm in dozens of states, it is now possible for a wider range of FNPs to enjoy a broad scope of practice and considerable autonomy.
Opportunities for Leadership and Decision-Making
Many roles allow NPs to make a difference as industry leaders, but FNPs particularly get the chance to shape their work, and their relationships with patients, as they see fit. These leadership opportunities largely relate to the widespread ability of FNPs to open and run their own practices, often without direct physician supervision.
FNPs who establish independent practices rely heavily on their leadership skills. They develop a strategic vision for their work and guide other healthcare professionals in pursuing that vision.
Not all will be drawn to these types of roles, but many find working as an FNP even more satisfying when they can take the lead. Those in reduced and restricted practice states are still encouraged to develop leadership skills, as they may be tasked with supervising and supporting RNs.
Diverse Practice Settings: Clinics, Hospitals, Urgent Care, Telehealth
FNPs often work in healthcare clinics, and as discussed previously, may even run their own independent practices. This is not the only setting in which FNPs thrive, however. Their sensitive, yet proactive approach is important in all corners of the healthcare industry, so they can be found in nearly any facility imaginable. Some even offer healthcare services online!
The previously mentioned Dr. Au explains that versatility represents one of the biggest perks of working as an NP. She states, "I can work directly with patients of all different specialties, either in inpatient or outpatient settings." While such versatility exists across the health care sector, FNPs enjoy a unique element of versatility because their patients require care in such a wide range of settings.
Flexibility in Work Schedule and Work-Life Balance
While many nurses and NPs struggle to achieve work-life balance, this is well within reach for the average FNP. Those with independent practices get to set their own hours, but many others work traditional 9-to-5 shifts. Such schedules are especially appealing to busy nurses who want to dedicate more time to their own families or other personal pursuits. Other perks may include generous vacation and parental leave policies.
Competitive Salary and Job Security in High-Demand Healthcare Field
Like many APRNs, FNPs are in high demand. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reveals an impressive outlook of 38 percent for APRNs. This also includes nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, and nurse practitioners. This exceptionally high demand means that employers are willing to pay top dollar to acquire the best and brightest FNPs. Hence, the excellent average wages of $128,490 for nurse practitioners, as highlighted by the BLS.
Personal and Professional Fulfillment as an FNP
Job prospects matter, but for many FNPs, the main value of this role lies in its unique ability to provide personal and professional fulfillment. FNPs love connecting with their patients and enjoy a deep sense of satisfaction when their efforts help patients improve their health and well-being.
Impact of FNPs on Healthcare
FNPs have a powerful impact not only on individual patients, but also, on the healthcare system as a whole. By drawing attention to preventative care and health promotion, they empower patients, families, and communities to adopt healthy habits that can have far-reaching effects over time.
With support from FNPs, individual patients can see a lifetime of impressive physical health outcomes, not to mention, a more positive perception of the healthcare sector. FNPs can even influence public health as they address disparities or advocate for policy changes.
Enhancing Access to Quality Healthcare in Underserved Areas
The social determinants of health (SDOH) play a crucial role in determining whether patients enjoy positive health outcomes throughout their lifespan. Unfortunately, many face significant economic barriers and other hardships, which may keep them from receiving consistent, quality care.
FNPs can bridge the gap by assisting patients who might otherwise struggle to get the care they need. For example, many find work with Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), community-based health centers that provide preventative services for vulnerable or underserved populations.
Collaborative Practice Models With Physicians and Other Healthcare Professionals
While many FNPs achieve a high level of autonomy and even practice independently, collaboration remains vital to this profession. As such, FNPs implement collaborative practice models, which involve extensive interactions with a variety of skilled healthcare professionals. This structured system offers a team-based approach that leverages unique strengths and expertise across a range of disciplines.
Research published in BMC Geriatrics advocates for collaborative practice, revealing that when NP/physician collaborative models of care are implemented, patients enjoy a higher standard of care. Other benefits include "decreased hospitalization rates and the creation of an improved working environment for direct care providers."
Building Long-Term Relationships With Patients and Families
FNPs prioritize patient-centered care and place a strong emphasis on health promotion. They develop genuine trust and rapport with their patients. This means truly getting to know their patients and their families. These connections make FNPs feel deeply fulfilled. Each patient has unique stories and perspectives to share, and this makes every day special for caring and compassionate FNPs.
Making a Difference in Preventative Care and Health Promotion
FNPs understand that preventative care and health promotion can drive impressive long-term outcomes among individual patients and within their communities at large. As such, FNPs are committed to providing proactive, preventative care, leading the charge with screenings, vaccinations, and patient education.
FNPs want their patients to take ownership of their health, and they will go the extra mile to provide the knowledge and support their patients need. The U.S. Preventative Service Task Force expands on this concept, explaining that "a core competency for NPs working in primary care is knowledge about and provision of appropriate preventive services for their patients."
Contributing to Positive Health Outcomes and Patient Satisfaction
FNPs strongly believe that positive relationships with patients can make a world of difference. Their goal is to make patients feel safe, supported, comfortable, and empowered. This can lead to amazing outcomes. When patients feel that their providers truly have their best interests at heart, they are more likely to follow FNP recommendations. The result? Strong patient satisfaction and positive health outcomes.
Prepare for a Meaningful FNP Career
Do you want to make a difference as a family nurse practitioner? If you hope to educate and empower your patients, you will need to develop a strong clinical and leadership skill set. You should find well-rounded preparation as you complete Marymount's distinguished MSN-FNP program.
Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), our online FNP program provides a deep dive into pathophysiology, pharmacology, and other concepts of interest to aspiring NPs who hope to work in primary care. Take the next step and reach out to learn more about this program and your path to working as a family nurse practitioner.
Sources
https://www.aanp.org/news-feed/are-you-considering-a-career-as-a-family-nurse-practitioner
https://www.vivian.com/community/inspiration/why-i-love-being-a-nurse-practitioner/
https://storage.aanp.org/www/documents/no-index/research/2020-NP-Sample-Survey-Report.pdf
https://www.aanp.org/advocacy/state/state-practice-environment