But what is an FNP in the medical field? And should RNs pursue this path?
In this blog, we'll explore the questions frequently asked about the job and how you can make a lasting impact in patient care.
What Does a Family Nurse Practitioner Do?
According to the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, FNPs serve as the first contact and continuing caregiver for patients of all ages, similar to a primary care physician.
Their responsibilities include:
- Conducting patient examinations
- Ordering tests and analyzing results
- Diagnosing and treating acute and chronic illnesses, conditions and injuries
- Prescribing medication
- Managing care plans
- Providing general wellness counseling for patients and family members
Leslie Buchanan, a biology professor at Portage Learning, worked as an oncology RN for 16 years at UPMC Shadyside before becoming an FNP.
She says while returning to school felt daunting at first, the decision to continue her education brought immense rewards.
"It's the best job out there," Professor Buchanan believes. "I love the connection with the patients. I love the thought process that goes into trying to figure out what's wrong, and then, what to do about it. I love the direct impact that it makes on people."
Steps to Becoming an FNP
It takes between six and eight years of training to become an FNP. To begin practicing, you must:
-
Earn a bachelor's degree in nursing:
Those with a degree in another field may be eligible for an accelerated BSN, which can typically be finished in two years, after the student completes the needed science courses.
Portage Learning specializes in common prerequisites required for these programs, such as Anatomy & Physiology and Biology. The online, self-directed format offers an affordable, flexible path. -
Pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) and receive an RN license:
This exam tests your knowledge and critical thinking skills related to nursing. - Enroll in a Master of Science in nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) graduate program:
To gain valuable experience, many nurses work for a few years before continuing their education. Once you start a graduate program, select family medicine as your patient focus.
-
Obtain your advanced practice nursing license:
Upon completing your graduate program, you will need to pass a national board certification exam specific to your scope of practice. You can then apply for licensure in your state.
It emphasizes taking a holistic approach to an individual's treatment, considering their physical health and the mental, emotional, and social factors that can impact them.
Physicians and PAs typically focus on just remedying a patient's disease or condition.
How FNPs Differ from Other Nurses and Physicians
The letters that follow a nurse's name on their ID badge can be confusing – even for those in the profession. The American Nurses Credentialing Center recommends the following order:
- Highest earned degree
- Licensure
- State designations or requirements
- National certifications
- Awards and honors
- Other recognitions
The different healthcare roles further complicate the "alphabet soup" of clinical credentials. Here's how FNPs compare to other titles:
- Registered nurse: RNs provide direct care but cannot diagnose patients or design treatment plans. FNPs complete graduate level-training and make more money, too.
- Nurse practitioner: NPs select a scope during school, which corresponds to a particular patient population and/or concern, such as family medicine. FNPs make up nearly 70 percent of NPs since their education focuses on the lifespan, giving more flexibility to choose where they practice. Professor Buchanan, for example, works with adult oncology patients. If she picked another specialty, such as psychiatry or geriatrics, she would be able to treat only people who need mental health help or older adults.
- Physician Assistants: PAs perform duties similar to an FNP. However, they go through training that's more similar to medical school rather than start with a nursing education. PAs may also assist with surgeries and always practice under the supervision of a licensed physician.
- Physician: Physicians undergo more schooling, earning a Doctor of Medicine, and complete a residency. Additionally, they practice independently and perform more advanced procedures, such as surgery. FNPs can work on their own in some states but not all.
Career Outlook for FNPs
The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 32,700 NP jobs will be added per year through 2034. It's the third-fastest growing occupation, outpacing other healthcare careers.
FNPs most often work in private practice or family health clinics. Other settings where they put their skills to use include:
- School and college campuses
- Correctional facilities
- And public health departments
On average, they make $127,976 per year.
The Final Thought: Why You Should Become an FNP
FNPs go far beyond a supporting role in healthcare.They offer solutions to providing accessible, high-quality and affordable treatment as individual needs rise and physician shortages persist, particularly in rural and low-income communities.
Beyond the exam table, a career as an FNP offers:
- Increased job prospects and stability
- Better earning potential
- Leadership opportunities
- Fixed schedules
Professor Buchanan had never envisioned a path that could lead to becoming an FNP, but she realized she could make a bigger difference while visiting patients alongside a doctor. "I remember having this aha moment where I was like, 'I love doing the plan of care, but I think I want to be determining the plan of care.' "
Professor Buchanan believes unexpected opportunities result in the most growth — and she encourages people to embrace the professional detours they encounter.
"It's a very humbling experience to make a career change, but I think that it's also brave," she emphasizes. "We're capable of so much more than we believe."
(Ready to become an FNP? Achieve your goals by taking prerequisites with Portage Learning. Our online, self-directed courses offer the flexibility you need and transfer to over 2,800 institutions.)
Still looking for answers?
Check out the FAQs about this article below.
FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions
What is an FNP?
A family nurse practitioner serves as the first contact and continuing caregiver for patients of all ages, similar to a primary care physician. Some of their responsibilities include prescribing medication, conducting patient exams, and managing care plans.What are the steps to becoming an FNP?
There are four main steps to becoming an FNP. These steps are:- Earn a bachelor's degree in nursing.
- Pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) and receive an RN license.
- Enroll in a Master of Science in nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) graduate program.
- Obtain your advanced practice nursing license.
