As healthcare services continue to grow in demand, family
nurse practitioners (FNPs) tend to be the ones who are on the front line when
providing patient care. In many healthcare environments, nurse practitioners
(NPs), serve as primary care providers who are responsible for many of the same
duties and activities as general practice physicians.
If you have a passion for learning and enjoy making a
difference, you may want to consider becoming a family nurse practitioner.
Getting the opportunity to grow and experience something new are just two of
the main reasons why many people decide to go back into education and expand
their skillset. To give you more of an insight, here are a few reasons why you
should obtain your MSN-FNP degree.
More Autonomy
As a family nurse practitioner, you will have the role of
being the primary care provider for patients. While registered nurses may have
plenty of autonomy, it’s up to family nurse practitioners to make their own
diagnoses, meaning they’re ultimately responsible for patient outcomes. What’s
more, in some states across the country, NPs can work on their own, without the
need of physician supervision. While there are some nurses who prefer a set
schedule and routine, others want to be challenged and have more responsibility.
If the latter sounds like you, pursuing a career as an FNP may be the best
option.
Pursue Specialty Fields
If you’re not keen on family practice, that’s okay! Family
nurse practitioners care for patients from all walks of life, with greater
flexibility in selecting a specialty. Whether it’s geriatrics, pediatrics, or
urgent care, there are many fields that you can go down which suit your likes
and interests. Going back into education and pursuing a family nurse
practitioner degree will give you plenty of new opportunities.
In Demand Skills
The demand for nurse practitioners has reached an all time
high. When you take into account that employment for NPs is expected to rise by
36% by 2026, as well as over 56,000 new jobs being made, earning your family
nurse practitioner degree will give you access to brand new opportunities, as
well as provide you with job security.
Study Online
If you hold down a full-time job, trying to find the time to
cram in education can be a challenge. Thankfully, you have the option to study
online for your FNP degree, providing you with the flexibility you need. There
are tons of other benefits that online learning can bring, which include:
- Study from the comfort of your own home
- 24/7 access to resources and learning materials
- Avoid the daily commute
- Work at your own pace
- Lower total cost
If you have work, family, and social commitments, education
may be the last thing on your mind, however, having the opportunity to study
online will mean you can create a schedule that works best for you.
Increase Management Responsibilities
If you like a challenge and think you have the skillset
needed to give out orders, working as a family nurse practitioner may be the
perfect occupation for you. There are various roles and responsibilities that
you will need to possess in order to succeed as an FNP. Some of the most
crucial skills you will need include:
- Delegation skills
- Strong management skills
- Time management skills
- Leadership skills
Throughout your MSN-FNP program, you will begin to gain a
broader knowledge on what you need to take the lead, meaning that when you
apply for FNP roles, you will feel more confident in taking charge and facing
challenges and obstacles.
Expand Your Practice
Family nurse practitioners are extremely versatile, meaning
they are able to practice in all sorts of healthcare settings. Not only can you
work in a clinic or hospital, FNPs can find employment in colleges and schools,
as well as NP offices, and public health departments. If you don’t like the
idea of working in a hospital, obtaining an FNP degree will give you more
flexibility in where you would like to work.
Boost Earning Potential
One of the main reasons why students decide to study for an
FNP degree is because of the earning potential. For those wanting to take their
nursing career to the next level, you can expect to earn an annual salary of
over $105,000. Understandably, the more knowledge and skills you possess, the higher
paid jobs you can seek out as an FNP.
Better Serve Your Patients
As a family nurse practitioner, you play a vital role in
ensuring your patients are well looked after in the community. Not only will
you be responsible for seeing, diagnosing, and treating your patients, family
nurse practitioners are expected to promote public health by giving patients
information and guidance on general wellness, nutrition,
as well as disease
prevention. Once you’ve become equipped with the right skills and tools,
you will feel confident in helping patients.
Feel Accomplished
For those who have a passion and drive to help those in
need, becoming a family nurse practitioner is a no brainer. After a long and
busy day, you can return home knowing that you have made a positive difference
to your patients' lives, as well as ensuring they received the best care
available. A little can go a long way, so going above and beyond your call of
duty and providing your attention, care, and support can make a big impact on a
patient for the better.
Finding a Course
Now that you have a better idea of why you should study for
an MSN-FNP degree, the last step is to find a nurse
practitioner school in Connecticut or wherever you are based so that you
can learn more about what the course entails. There are key steps that you
should follow before signing yourself up to the course, which are:
- Visit their website to learn about what the course entails
- Download the brochure for all program details and course curriculum
- Enter your details to request more information
Note that the program can be studied online, rather than in
a face to face classroom, so you can fit studying around your current role.
Studying to become a family nurse practitioner can bring you
all sorts of benefits. Whether it’s boosting your earning potential, or gaining
a whole new set of skills, these are just a couple of reasons why you should
pursue an MSN-FNP degree.
0 Comments