8 Reasons To Become An FNP (Plus Common Questions)

If you’re interested in becoming a family nurse practitioner (FNP), it’s important to understand what this role entails and the various benefits of the job. While many medical careers offer advantages, the role of an FNP may offer unique perks. Knowing the reasons to become an FNP can help you make a strategic career decision. In this article, we define the role of an FNP, discuss their duties, list reasons to become an FNP and answer frequently asked questions about this career path.

What is an FNP?

An FNP is a registered nurse with specialized family practice training. While they have more advanced training compared to registered nurses, they’re required to become registered nurses first. FNPs typically work with children and adults, helping them improve or maintain their health. They also focus on preventative care.

What does an FNP do?

FNPs work with a variety of different patients, which leads to a wide scope of practice. Here are some of their common duties:

• Maintain patient records

• Conduct physical exams

• Order, perform and supervise diagnostic tests

• Prescribe medications, including controlled substances

• Track family health histories

• Monitor a patient’s health and wellness

• Make a diagnosis

• Coordinate patient care

• Create patient treatment plans

• Treat primary care illnesses and conditions

8 reasons to become an FNP

Before pursuing a career, it’s important to consider whether it’s worthwhile. Knowing the reasons to become an FNP, for example, can help you determine whether you truly want to follow this medical career path. Here are some reasons to become an FNP:

1. High earning potential

Like most medical careers, FNPs often earn a high salary in the workforce. FNPs make a national average salary of $125,984 per year. Your salary in this profession often varies based on your level of expertise, your employer and your geographic location.

Along with a high salary, you may also receive employee benefits like relocation assistance, health insurance, paid time off, license reimbursement and loan forgiveness. Keep in mind that your employee benefits in this position vary based on your employer.

2. Positive job outlook

While the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) doesn’t report employment growth for FNPs, it has data for general nurse practitioners. According to the BLS, nurse practitioners, nurse anesthetists and nurse midwives can expect an employment growth of 45% from 2020 to 2030. This rate comes much faster than the average for all other jobs in the workforce. The BLS also expects about 29,400 job openings each year during this same decade and for this same group of nurses. Many of these job openings come from people leaving the workforce or making a career change.

3. Learn while working

Since you can find some FNP programs online, you have the option to work as a registered nurse practitioner while studying to become an FNP. This means you can continue earning a paycheck without taking a break to complete your FNP education. While this may mean busier days, it also means income stability.

4. Greater responsibilities

While FNPs and registered nurses have similar duties, FNPs perform more advanced tasks. For example, an FNP can make a medical diagnosis, create treatment plans for patients and even supervise health care teams. Overall, they can provide more in-depth care and generally have more healthcare management opportunities.

5. Prescription privileges

Many states grant nurse practitioners similar privileges as physicians regarding prescriptions. In some states, FNPs can prescribe when they’re in collaboration with a physician. Typically, most nurse practitioners have some type of prescription authority, including those for controlled substances.

6. Patient communication

Many nurses enjoy working with patients regularly. When nurses advance to more management roles, they often lose communication with patients. As an FNP, you can continue to connect with patients, along with physicians and your other colleagues.

7. Leadership opportunities

FNPs often have more leadership opportunities compared to other types of nurses. FNPs can also find employment in fields like research, patient education and academia. For example, they may create patient education programs or help with medical research.

8. Greater community reach

As an FNP, you can work with a variety of patients and offer a wide variety of patient care due to your varied duties. Since FNPs often offer primary care, they can reach a wider net of patients. This means they have a greater impact on their community overall.

Frequently asked questions about FNPs

Here are some common questions about FNPs:

What are the common skills for an FNP?

Here are the common skills for an FNP:

• Communication: Strong communication skills help an FNP interact with their patients and colleagues. For example, they use their communication skills to explain medical information to their patients in a way they can understand.

• Leadership**:** FNPs use their leadership abilities to take charge in certain workplace situations. They also use this skill to delegate tasks and lead a team of providers.

• Analytical skills: FNPs use this skill to review their patients’ specific needs and adjust their treatment plans accordingly.

What are the common requirements to become an FNP?

To become an FNP, you’re required to hold a master’s degree in nursing. You’re also required to have a valid registered nursing license from the state where you practice and a passing score on a national certification exam. You can choose your certification from a variety of professional associations depending on your specialty.

Where do FNPs work and what are their schedules like?

FNPs often work in the following locations:

• Physician offices

• Ambulatory clinics

• Medical and surgical hospitals

• Outpatient care centers

Typically, FNPs work full-time schedules. When they work in a physician’s office, they often hold normal business hours. When working in a hospital or another healthcare facility, they may work a variety of shifts, including nights and weekends. Some may even work during the holidays or work on call. The variety of shifts in these facilities ensures patients receive round-the-clock care.

I hope you find this article helpful.