Becoming a nurse practitioner is a respected and rewarding occupation. Initially, registered nurses may find things getting out of their control and may regard the whole task as very difficult. With time, through small victories and big mishaps, they learn the essence of this occupation. The nurses are trained, and their confidence blooms. Gradually, they learn to care for others and strive to make a difference.
When these registered nurses want to do more and gain autonomy in their careers, they choose to become Family Nurse Practitioners.
According to the statistics, as many as 21 states in the USA have approved ‘full practice’ for nurses. Full practice means the nurses are allowed to assess, diagnose and prescribe medications to patients without having to consult a doctor. Studies show that a family nurse practitioner can provide 80-90% of primary care provided by physicians. This means that FNPs have increased independence. They can set their own work routine and choose to operate as independent health practitioners. Check this site for online FNP programs.
This article discusses some benefits of becoming a Family Nurse Practitioner and why a registered nurse should go for this career path.
1. Stability of career and promising future
The family nurse practitioner is perhaps one of the most fast-growing careers with regards to the demand and shows no signs of slowing down in the near future. According to the statistics, by 2026, more than 20000 job positions will be created for FNPs. This means that this career shows 36% of job growth.
The demand for FNP is on the rise owing to the aging population and shortage of health care providers. It is forecasted that by 2020 there will be a shortage of more than 20000 primary health care providers while the visits to the health care providers will rise by 15-20 million visits annually. In such a devastating scenario, FNPs can fill in the shortage of primary health care providers as they are 90% prepared and trained to take up the role of primary health care providers.
2. Financial benefits and stability
According to Forbes, Family Nurse Practitioner is one of the most well-paid jobs for women, whereas Monster.com claims it to be one of the best-paid jobs for women. According to the surveys, an FNP earns a lot better than a registered nurse with aa difference of as much as $30000 annually.
A report shows the annual earnings of an FNP are nearly $100000 per year while that of a registered nurse is somewhere between $68000-70000.
In addition to the basic pay, hard-to-fill positions are usually combined with lucrative benefits and bonus packages.
4. Professional responsibility
A family nurse practitioner gets to become close to a doctor without actually being a doctor. This means an FNP enjoys the privileges and responsibilities of two careers, a doctor and a nurse. A family nurse practitioner gets to work at a number of settings, including hospitals, clinics, urgent care units, schools, and private care clinics. Since the FNPs are skilled to look after the patients right from the onset of illness through recovery, they can assess, order tests, diagnose, and even decide to admit patients in hospitals. This is an amalgamation of the best of both the worlds; the nurse and the doctor.
5. Increased flexibility
A family nurse practitioner is in high demand which is constantly on the rise. This makes an FNP free to make choices about whatever suits them the best. They can set their own work schedules and decide which location they want to work from. The high demand and short supply increase the value of such careers.
FNP can also from any location of their choice. Since the demand is high everywhere, an FNP is sure to get a job in any region of the world it wants. This means that relocating for any reason will never be an issue for FNPs. They will get a good job at every end. This also means that the FNPs have the liberty of choosing the work settings too. If the idea of working at large hospitals seems daunting, there is a choice to join a private care unit which comes with lesser responsibilities and fewer work hours.
6. Impactful career
A family nurse practitioner is probably a very impactful job. An FNP can serve mankind and make great changes. The field is so diverse there is no way an FNP can ever feel bored or wish of making a career switch. This field comes with a huge scope for the future. An FNP gets to work closely with people and can bring positive changes to their lives. no other job can be more rewarding of satisfying.
Pursuing a career in FNP is not very demanding. Online courses are available and sensing the rise in demand, a lot of medical and health providers are offering free training.
Last word
If you are a registered nurse and are striving to advance your career while serving mankind, becoming a family nurse practitioner is the best choice for you.
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Interesting related article: “Tips for women who want to be leaders in healthcare.”