Anyone interested in a career as an FNP might also be interested in obtaining a Master’s degree for an FNP online. Enrolling in an online program can be the first step toward a more fulfilling and exciting nursing career. As a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), you can have a greater impact on the lives and health of your patients. And, as the nursing shortage in the United States continues, there are a lot of opportunities currently available for FNPs.
What’s it like to be an FNP?
If you are intrigued but are also wondering what to expect as an FNP, keep reading. Because you are already a nurse, pursuing a Master of Science in Nursing means that you will be increasing your education level and your career possibilities. This is a career path that is open to Registered Nurses and takes about two years to complete. This is a career that is expected to grow in demand by about 45% in the next 10 years. It also offers an average salary in excess of $100,000/year, depending on the area of the country where you work. The type of facility that you decide to work in can also affect salary levels.
Working as an FNP requires a strong moral compass as there are many ethically-driven decisions that you will have to make. You will be an integral part of an all-encompassing medical team that works together to meet patients’ needs. This means that communication skills are very important, as well as the ability to work as part of a team. You will also need to be able to communicate with your patients. For many FNPs, their interaction with their patients is quite intense. As the patient’s Primary Caregiver, you will have the responsibility to diagnose them and create care plans.
There are a number of different locations where FNPs work. There are positions available at hospitals, private practice offices, centers for internal medicine, and emergency care clinics. The locations where you opt to work will have a large impact on what your daily workday looks like. For example, at a hospital, you may work in the ER providing patients with urgent care before either discharging or admitting them. In a clinic setting, you may work with diagnostic tests and assist with more involved procedures and possibly even surgery. It is more common for FNPs to work in an outpatient setting rather than provide care in an inpatient capacity.
If an FNP opts for inpatient care, they can expect to work three 12-hour shifts per week. There is less scheduling flexibility in outpatient settings, and FNPs will typically be scheduled to work during the practice’s regular office hours. This can translate into long hours five or six days a week. You will also be expected to know how to diagnose and treat patients across a very wide range of illnesses and ailments. One of the best aspects of the job is the influence that you will have on your patients’ overall health and lifestyle.
Preventive care can be a large part of the work of an FNP as they typically handle all routine office visits. This allows you to instill healthy habits in your patients and help them lead full and healthy lives. If you are interested in furthering your career and becoming an FNP, it’s time to take a closer look at FNP online programs.
A career as an FNP can be both emotionally fulfilling and intellectually challenging. It provides practitioners with the opportunity to have a lasting, positive effect on their patients’ lives while making a very decent living themselves.