Whether you’ve spent years in your profession and are looking for a change of pace, or you’re just starting out in nursing and wondering what to specialize in, becoming a GP can be very rewarding. Future FNPs can look forward to various job opportunities, a good salary, and can even diversify and practice independently. Here is a short guide on how you can expand your career and become a GP.
Family Nurse Practitioners
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Family Nurse Practitioners (FNPs) perform a broader range of functions than registered nurses. They are health care providers who perform similar functions as doctors. Family Nurse Practitioners examine patients, diagnose diseases and conditions, prescribe medications, order diagnostic tests, and offer treatment to patients. They are typically the first point of contact in healthcare settings and are often the primary care provider for patients. FNPs work with physicians to provide optimal medical care.
Work environment
Registered family nurses can work in a large number of healthcare settings. As a FNP, it can be found in hospital settings, private practices, outpatient settings, health departments, community centers, doctor’s offices, and schools. Family nurses can also become primary care providers for insurance companies. FNPs can work with specialized units to care for patients with specific illnesses, conditions, and injuries. As primary care providers, PNFs can find themselves treating the same patients for several years. This allows long-term relationships to develop over time, which can be incredibly rewarding.
Ratings
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There are a few steps you must take to become an FNP. As a working nurse, you must earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) before becoming a Licensed Registered Nurse. A registered nurse with a BSN can then earn an accredited master of science in nursing (MSN) or a doctor of nursing practice (DNP) program that specializes in family primary care.
Accreditation
There are many programs to choose from on the market. However, some are provided by more trusted institutions than others. When looking for an MSN program, look for an accreditation from the National League for Nursing Accreditation Commission, the Commission on College Education in Nursing, or the Commission on Accreditation of Nursing Education.
Learn online
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Full-time nurses may be reluctant to suspend their careers to go back to school. This is especially true if you have a family and are trying to juggle work and family life at the same time. However, getting the necessary qualifications can help you advance your career tremendously, and you don’t even have to sacrifice your current job or lifestyle. Choosing an online MSN program will allow you to earn your degree without physically going to college. Learning online allows you to balance your regular work schedule with family life commitments and earn a degree at the same time.
Get a master’s degree
As a working nurse, you can earn a Master of Science in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner Program (MSN-FNP) from Carson-Newman. This program is accredited by the Commission on College Education in Nursing and is taught entirely online by active and experienced professionals. The MSN-FNP takes 32 months to complete and will enhance your nursing skills. This program will prepare you for the National Family Nurse Practitioner Certification Exam, and you can take the courses while you work, which means your career won’t be interrupted.
Family Nurse Practitioner Certification
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A state nurse practitioner license must be obtained to practice as a family nurse practitioner. Once you’ve earned an MSN or DNP, you can go ahead and earn additional certification. Licensing guidelines vary by state in which you practice, so it is important to research how you can legally practice as a primary care nurse.
Join a professional organization
A great way to learn more about becoming a family nurse practitioner and other health care roles is to join a professional nursing organization. Becoming a member will offer you a variety of benefits, such as member-only job opportunities and the opportunity to develop your skills by participating in special programs. These specialized organizations will give you greater exposure to the world of nursing and allow you to network with nursing professionals. Networking is important in most industries and you should take every opportunity to speak with professionals in your field. In addition to professional organizations, you should speak with experienced nurses within your own organization. If you find a nurse practitioner that you really connect with, then why not ask them to guide you? A mentor can give you valuable advice on everyday work situations and answer any questions you may have about nursing.
Higher earning potential
Source: blackstone.edu
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, nursing professionals earn a median salary of $ 117,670 a year. On the other hand, a registered nurse can expect to earn a lesser amount of around $ 75,330 per year. Not to mention, from 2019 to 2029, the job outlook for nurse practitioners is projected to grow 45 percent. Compared to other occupations, this is much faster than average. This huge projection is due in part to the high demand for health services from an aging population and the importance of preventive care.
Practice independently
As mentioned above, nurse practitioners have more authority than registered nurses and can perform similar tasks as physicians. In fact, in some states, nurses can freely prescribe medication and practice independently without the supervision of a physician. Nurse Practitioners can improve access and make health care available to more people in the United States with full authority on the practice. In addition to the ability to practice independently, family nurses have the opportunity to work full or part time, depending on their personal work circumstances. This may include within medical clinics, in hospitals, or why work in private practice. Additionally, FNPs can also diversify as academic writers and educators.
Opportunities abroad
Family Nurse Practitioners have the opportunity to work abroad and improve healthcare in diverse communities. With extensive knowledge and a broad skill set, FNPs have much to offer healthcare settings abroad. FNPs can offer healthcare as primary health care providers and work in many settings, from small clinics to large hospitals.
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