Family Nurse Practitioners (FNP) do many of the same tasks as Registered Nurses (RNs) but also have several additional responsibilities. Although this is the most basic function of an FNP, they can also conduct medical diagnostics, establish patient-centered health plans, keep track of long-term health concerns, and manage healthcare teams. When it comes to healthcare management, FNPs are significant; they play a more prominent role because of their extensive training and experience. Visit academicpartnerships.uta.edu/programs/master-of-science-in-nursing-family-nurse-practitioner.aspx to learn more about family nurse practitioner degrees.
Following are the reasons to consider becoming a family nurse practitioner;
Prescription Authorization
Prescribing power is delegated more freely to family nurse practitioners (FNPs). RNs have a great deal of autonomy, but FNPs have the final responsibility for patient outcomes. In some jurisdictions, nurse practitioners can function autonomously without a physician’s oversight. Some nurses prefer a regimen that is the same every day of the week. A job as an FNP may be perfect if you fall into the latter category.
Job Stability
As a result of an aging population and the implementation of the Affordable Care Act, there has been a significant increase in the demand for health care services, particularly primary care and FNP’s. As a result, positions for nurse practitioners are readily available in most areas. There is more security (both financial and professional) and room for advancement for FNP.
Learn While Earning
Family nurse practitioner programs can be taken online at some universities. Registered nurse practitioners can continue working while pursuing their family nurse practitioners (FNP) certification. This eliminates the need for a registered nurse to take time off from work to attend graduate school.
Keep in Touch with Patients
A large number of registered nurses like and thrive on the closeness they have with their patients. Many nurses, as they rise through the ranks, lose touch with their patients as a result. FNPs, on the other hand, continue to maintain tight ties with patients and doctors.
Positions of Responsibility
As a family nurse practitioner, you may expect increased leadership possibilities. The demand for skilled professionals like FNPs has grown in patient education, research, academia, and policy advocacy.
Patient Education
Family nurse practitioners can play a role in developing patient education programs and in medical research and policy. Academic responsibilities such as program managers and mentors need qualified family nurse practitioners.
More Satisfaction
Assuming more responsibility for patient care, a family nurse practitioner can deal with a broader range of patients. Most nurse practitioners (NPs) are qualified in primary care, and 72.6 percent of all NPs provide primary care, according to the American Association of Nurse Practitioners. As a result, the majority of FNPs will be able to have a more substantial influence on the health care systems in their communities. As many FNPs have prescribing power, they can provide healthcare services that are cost-effective and accessible to a broader range of patients.
It’s a noble profession that improves people’s lives for reasons other than those listed above.