Becoming a family nurse practitioner (FNP) has several benefits, and you can earn a degree from home through MSN FNP online programs. An FNP caters to patients from all age groups, which is why they are also very high in demand. The best part is that the role is also quite flexible, and there are various growth opportunities. If you’re wondering about what kind of nurse practitioner you want to be, your answer lies in carefully weighing professional goals like demand, salary, and job growth.
Demand and Salary
As a nurse practitioner, you will have numerous job opportunities waiting for you. When you search for nurse practitioner jobs, you will notice that an FNP qualification is what most jobs demand due to the huge population focus.
FNPs are versatile, as they can work anywhere from a hospital to a clinic or any healthcare department. Patient population diversity means not only does the job pay well, but there will never be a time when you are out of work.
Nurse practitioners (NPs) have an excellent salary, and family nurse practitioners have it even better. The BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) reports that a nurse practitioner’s average yearly salary is $111,840.
This can vary and increase based on experience, clinic type, and job location. Any added specializations can also help an FNP make a lot more. A great number of opportunities also means an FNP can easily opt for the job they find most suitable. They can also hope for career and salary advancements as they gain experience.
Specializations
Since family nurse practitioners are trained for a broad spectrum of jobs, they can care for patients from all age groups and with all kinds of ailments. Once an FNP degree is earned, students can opt for further specializations. They can obtain certificates by completing programs or working at a specialty clinic to add job experience to their portfolio.
It is a good idea to consider specializations beforehand so you can get clinical placements while studying. This way, you will be fully prepared once you earn your degree and can start working right away. Make sure to do your research before applying so you know what specialty you want to opt for and will be able to pursue as a career.
- FNPs have a vast knowledge of pathophysiology, so they are fit for several roles
- Job experience and added exposure make them even more skilled, which helps build an impressive resume
Population Focus
FNP degree holders can benefit greatly due to population focus. This means you will always have a flexible and broad base of patients you can cater to. As an FNP, you can care for people of all ages and genders. You can specialize and become a pediatrician, obstetrician, or a gynecologist. Proper clinical training can help you further narrow down to a specific field.
Job searches will be smoother as the right qualifications make you a perfect fit for various posts. Several opportunities mean you will get to choose where you want to work instead of it being the opposite way around.
Medical Procedures
Clinicians often perform minimally invasive procedures to diagnose illnesses or obtain a certain outcome. Examples include IUD insertions, skin biopsy, and suturing. Based on the type of certification, schools, and clinical placement, an NP is trained accordingly. However, in most cases, an FNP learns a vast array of procedures to cater to the population’s focus.
If you are wondering how knowing procedures is an FNP advantage, you will be glad to know that this is a great way to land better jobs. You are less likely to need assistants and helpers that can perform the procedures for you. Patients feel more comfortable with an FNP that treats them directly. Job satisfaction is achieved, and the possibilities of a rewarding career are made endless when you have a list of procedures you can flaunt on your resume.
Career Options
An advanced NP is gradually becoming a widely accepted role in many countries. Regions that do not yet see it as an option can still recognize NPs or midwives that can care for adults with an array of ailments. An FNP must therefore be legally registered if they wish to work in another country.
If you wish to work for the International Committee of the Red Cross or similar organizations like Doctors Without Borders, then you are in for luck. With proper documents, you can easily start catering to people of all ages and ailments globally.
Additionally, if you wish to offer medical aid to foreign services, government branches, prison systems, or even the military, an FNP degree can aid this. Certification proves you can care for all age groups and all medical conditions, which is why these departments often look forward to recruiting an experienced FNP.
Learning Flexibility and Scope
Since the FNP program is so popular and the demand is so high, nearly every renowned medical school offers a suitable program. You can visit one that is near to you or pick out another school that is likely to help save you money on curriculum fees.
If going to a school is not for you, you can also complete a degree online from the comfort of your home. You study when you want and how you want. Moreover, you can even work alongside them to cover schooling expenses.
- Population focus and broad clinical training help FNPs achieve a broad scope of practice
- An FNP can assess, diagnose, treat, follow up, and prescribe medicines to patients from all age groups with varying diseases
- An FNP can prescribe and perform diagnostic tests, order imaging, perform laboratory work and even conduct physical assessments
- Since FNPs care for patients individually, a deep connection is formed. This makes one-time patients turn into permanent clients
- With a specialization, FNPs can also diagnose, follow up and treat patients with specific conditions
Autonomy
If you are interested in working alone and being your boss, then an FNP degree is surely for you. An FNP can make clinical decisions independently without the need for staff. However, you can always reach out to colleagues if you need guidance. The autonomy level depends on the state practice regulations based on the region you work in. However, restrictive states do ask for FNPs to work independently.
Endnote
Not only are there several opportunities to advance your career by becoming an FNP, but you can also diversify and earn a competitive salary. Caring for an array of patients provides satisfaction, while population focus makes it easier to land a suitable job role in an industry of your choice.
