13 Reasons to Become a Family Nurse Practitioner

For those with a nursing degree, becoming a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) could be the next step in your career. Those with experience and knowledge in the nursing field have the expertise needed to apply for and study for this program, meaning a better paycheck and more responsibility. Those considering this role must have a can-do attitude and want to learn. Being an FNP has many benefits, if you are considering this career for yourself, here are just thirteen reasons why you should become an FNP.

You Can Become a Doctor Whilst Still Keeping Your Holistic Side

You chose to be a nurse for a reason, right? Whilst doctors diagnose and treat, nurses work there in the background with the patients, getting to know them as a whole person rather than just a condition. Nurses are there for the good and the bad and they can provide both physical and emotional support for the patient. They are there to keep the best interests of the patient at the forefront of any decisions. Still want to be able to do this? As an FNP, you will improve your knowledge of medical conditions and have the understanding and ability to act more like a doctor whilst still in a nursing role. This means you get the best of both worlds, being able to treat whilst still maintaining a holistic approach to care.

It Is a High Demand Role

There is a nursing shortage in the US and not just for staff nurses. Every healthcare professional is feeling the strain, FNP’s included. An FNP can help bridge the gap between nurse and doctor and helps to provide continuing care for the family. Not everyone wants to take another degree once they have completed their nursing degree, so this job is certainly in high demand. Those who take this degree and do well are going to be able to fall into a job with ease, so choosing to study now whilst the job is in high demand is best.

There are Many Places to Work

An FNP can work in many different clinical settings, so if you are looking for something different to what you are used to, you can find it here. FNP’s can work in large community hospitals or they can work in remote or small communities if they prefer. This can be a great job to move with, as there are options out there everywhere. If you are looking for a varied career with lots of options, an FNP can give you this and much more.

You Will Earn More

If you are looking to climb the career ladder and earn more money for yourself and your family, choosing to study for a further nursing degree can do this for you. FNP’s can earn a lot more than a registered nurse. The amount that you do get paid can vary depending on the state you live in and whether you choose a small private firm or a large hospital. Either way, you can look at earning significantly more than in your current role and this is without any added overtime you may want to work.

You May Get Your Education Paid For

As the nursing shortage continues, many healthcare facilities are looking at paying the bill for people to train to be nurses and FNPs. This is because they are in desperate need for more qualified staff to be able to care for patients appropriately and continue to run their business. Before you go applying, check with your management whether you can get any kind of help with the cost of the course if you stay with them once qualified.

You Get to Work with Others

If you are finding you want a change in careers without steering away from people, then a degree as an FNP is perfect. This means you still get to interact with people from all different walks of life and you will be able to provide ongoing care to families. For those nurses who like to build up relationships with their patients, being an FNP can mean taking on caseloads for families that you could see frequently. You will also still be in some form of healthcare setting interacting with other nurses and healthcare professionals too.

You Will Make a Difference

If you want to make a real difference, taking the time out of your life and work to study for another degree means you will be able to help diagnose and treat your own patients. With the skills you have already gained whilst being a nurse, you will be able to provide a person-centered approach to care and make a real difference in their lives. Whilst it can be daunting furthering your career and having more responsibility, it is also more rewarding.

You See People of All Different Ages

If you cannot choose where to go with your nursing career, an FNP brings the best of both worlds. Whilst some nurses choose to work with adults, others prefer children. If you enjoy working with those in all different age groups, an FNP can see a two-year-old or an 82-year-old on the same day. This can make your role a little more exciting if you thrive on diversity.

It Can Be Less Physically Demanding

For those who are struggling with the physical demands that a nursing career can bring, stepping up to an FNP may be good for you. There comes a time when working on the ward can take its toll, especially if you have a disability or illness yourself. Being a nurse is a rewarding but very tough role and often it can take a toll on our bodies both physically and mentally. If you still want to stay in this fantastic career but need a break from the wards, choosing this degree could open many more options for you, which means you won’t be running around for 13-hour shifts anymore.

You Can Study Online

One of the best things about this degree option is the fact that you can study for your FNP degree solely online. For those who want to work alongside studying, this is a great way to still advance in your career without losing out on work. If you have a busy family life and are worried about university commitments, studying online provides you with the chance to work around you and still earn a degree. This can also save you money too. For more information on studying for your FNP degree online check out onlinenursing.baylor.edu/programs/dnp-fnp.

You Can Help Create More Healthcare Facilities

As stated earlier, there is a nursing shortage. This is due to many contributing factors, one being the lack of healthcare facilities available. We cannot fill our current healthcare facilities, never mind build new ones. As the population continues to increase, we need more nurses to advance their knowledge so we can fill more healthcare roles. If more nurses chose to advance their careers and become an FNP, more healthcare facilities could be created and filled with trained staff.

You Will Be a Respected Professional

Nursing careers are professional careers, which are well-respected by others. If you want to continue your professional development and gain a postgraduate degree, choosing to become an FNP is the way to do so. An FNP is quite like a doctor and a nurse combined, meaning you will gain the respect of many and become a leading figure in your current healthcare facility.

The Job Can Have Better Working Hours

For those with children who are struggling with the long shifts and anti-social hours, an FNP may work in a doctor’s office, meaning better hours. If you want to work around school and spend more time with your children, this degree could be the way to do so. Whilst being a nurse on a ward brings with it 13-hour shifts, those with an FNP degree can choose to work different shifts or part-time. Discussing this with management before you begin your new role as an FNP means that they understand your family situation and understand the need to work around you. With FNP posts being in such high demand, many healthcare facilities will look at working around you to fill the position. Whilst a career is important, so is family and you should always keep this balance equal. Whilst studying may mean that you are busy for a few years, once this is over you get to spend more time with your family and earn more.

Choosing to study a degree as an FNP means a higher paid role with the possibility of better working hours and more responsibility. If you want to climb the career ladder and take your medical knowledge to the next level, this degree can help you do so. With shortages throughout the healthcare system, we need more nurses to train to bridge the gap between nurse and doctor and provide ongoing care for families across the US.