What is a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)?
Family nurse practitioners (FNP) are registered nurses who have received an advanced degree in nursing with an emphasis on family medicine. Much like other nurse practitioners, FNPs can serve as both primary and specialty care providers and have the opportunity to assess and diagnose patients, treat and educate patients on both immediate and long-term care, and prescribe medications.
For registered nurses who enjoy serving patients of all ages with a variety of health and lifestyle needs, pursuing a certification as a family nurse practitioner is a great way to advance your career and grow your skills and authority as a healthcare provider.
The Role of the Family Nurse Practitioner
Family nurse practitioners provide a wide range of services, from treatment to counseling. Due to their specialized training, FNPs have the opportunity to work with patients in every age group. They provide care for children, teens, adults and even older adults, essentially treating any member of the family.
FNPs have the authority to perform many of the same duties as a physician, working well alongside other family healthcare providers. Many FNPs will work at private physician offices, hospitals, clinics, or work in home health, providing patient care in the home. In some states, FNPs can even practice independently.
The main duties of family nurse practitioner include:
- Conducting exams, screenings, and wellness checkups
- Prescribing medications
- Providing counseling and education for overall health and wellness
- Treating acute and chronic diseases
- Understanding and offering preventative care
Nursing professionals specialize in preventative care and whole body wellness, an aspect of healthcare that is increasing in significance as more and more patients seek a more holistic approach to their health. Because of their role as primary care providers for all ages, family nurse practitioners are especially well-placed to not only treat and diagnose patients but also to educate them on how to live a full and healthy life at every stage.
One of the advantages of pursuing an advanced nursing degree, however, is the ability to also use your education to work in administration and teaching careers. Depending on your advanced degree, you could be qualified to impact policy or work as a hospital or clinic administrator, overseeing other staff and facility organization and programs. FNPs can also be qualified to teach nursing programs at the university level, training the next class of registered nurses.
Salary and Career Growth
Becoming a family nurse practitioner takes time and commitment, but the journey is worth the reward. With continual changes in the medical field and insurance industry, the need for advanced practice nurses is growing every year. In fact, patients are increasingly seeking primary care from nurse practitioners due to their ability to listen with compassion and treat holistically. As family physicians and clinics open up more and more opportunities for FNPs, the job outlook will continue to be positive.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there is expected to be 36% job growth for nurse practitioners between 2016 and 2026, making this role the sixth fastest growing occupation in the United States. Over the next few years, several thousand advanced practice nursing jobs will be available, indicating that now is a great time to begin or advance your nursing career by becoming a family nurse practitioner.
When considering an advanced degree in nursing, it is also important to note earning potential once you are a certified nurse. While your choice to pursue nursing likely stems from your passions and skill set, it is still useful to understand median salary and potential earnings in both the nation and in your region. The median annual wage for nurse practitioners is $107,030. This amount varies based on where you live and the facilities in which you choose to work. The median wage differs from state to state and even from hospital to hospital.
While many FNPs work within the offices of physicians, the median wage potential can be higher at specialty hospitals or outpatient care centers.
Becoming a Family Nurse Practitioner
Like other nurse practitioners, nurse anesthetists, and nurse midwives, prospective FNPs are required to possess either a Master’s of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree. There are several paths to pursuing an MSN or DNP, but both begin with becoming a registered nurse and receiving a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (BSN). For those who have previously earned a bachelor’s degree in something other than nursing, there are programs available that help you fast-track your BSN in order to focus on earning your master’s degree. This option is also great for RNs who didn’t previously earn a BSN but became nurses through associate degree programs or other certifications.
Most MSN degrees can be earned in 24 months or two years, or slightly longer if you are first earning your BSN. An MSN degree requires both coursework and clinical training, particularly in the specialty that you choose to study. Family nurse practitioners will choose a nurse practitioner program that offers a specialty in family medicine.
As you research different schools and nursing programs, take note of the specialties offered to ensure they will provide the necessary training for your career path. MSN programs also offer subspecialties for FNPs, including pediatrics, perinatal, cardiac, critical care and many more.
Coursework for an MSN degree varies based on the specialty; however, most programs will require the same advanced topics of study, including:
- Healthcare Ethics
- Advanced Pharmacology
- Clinical Practicum
- Leadership and Policy
Family nurse practitioner programs will also focus on the following coursework, with additional courses that focus on your subspecialty:
- Family and lifespan nursing care
- Family counseling
- Socio-cultural issues
- Research methods
- Family planning
- Nutrition and health promotion
There are many MSN programs available online and with flexible class schedules to allow students to work while also pursuing their degree. Keep in mind, however, that while online programs offer great flexibility and advanced training, certain schools may not have the same networking capabilities in your area and at your local hospitals as they do in their region.
Both online and traditional programs require clinical hours that are completed at local hospitals or medical facilities specifically approved by your program. A traditional program may have greater availability of local clinical opportunities than an online program. Before choosing a school, be sure to ask what clinicals are available at your local hospitals and what connections are in place to help you find the best career placement upon graduation.
Choosing the right program for you comes down to several factors, including cost, location, time, and family medicine specialty. It is helpful to consider how much a program will cost, how long it will take you to complete, and where it is located in comparison to your current job or home. It is also helpful to understand the program’s specialties and subspecialties to ensure you will be able to graduate with the skill set necessary to receive an FNP certification.
The final step in choosing an MSN or DNP program is determining if the program is properly accredited. Schools should be accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). By pursuing a degree from an accredited school, you can be assured your education is meeting a national standard and that you will be properly trained to pass your certification exam to become an FNP.
Once you receive your graduate or postgraduate degree with a specialty in family medicine, most states will require you to pass a certification exam, much like NCLEX-RN exam. Every state is different, so it is important to consult your state’s Board of Nursing to determine which national certification is required to practice as an FNP.
There are several national credentialing bodies that serve to provide certification in different areas of nursing. Two of the most common certifications are through The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) and The American Association of Nurse Practitioners Certification Program (AANCPCP).
There are several requirements for sitting for certification exams, including completion of your MSN degree (or being within 6 months of completion), having at least 500 hours of clinical hours supervised by a faculty member, and being a licensed RN. Both your MSN or DNP program and your state Board of Nursing will help you understand the credentialing process and which certification is required for you.
Is Becoming an FNP Right for Me?
Nursing is a career that requires great interpersonal relationship skills, communication, compassion, and an ability to problem-solve as you go about your day. These and other qualities make for healthcare providers that can offer both a listening ear and practical medical advice.
If you have already started to pursue a career in nursing and you are passionate about working with patients of all ages, becoming a family nurse practitioner could be a natural next step. FNPs have the advantage of practicing healthcare with similar authority and knowledge as family physicians. However, unlike physicians, FNPs are able to offer their patients more time, education, and a holistic approach to their health.
If you are excited about the advantages of an advanced degree in nursing, now is the perfect time to further your career and your opportunity to work with families and patients in every stage of life.