Careers: 6 Reasons to Become a Family Nurse Practitioner

Family nurse practitioners (FNPs) have a befitting reputation for being capable of handling anything that comes their way. This is because of their wide, holistic nursing approach base and the advanced treatment and diagnostic skills that come with extra medical training, equipping them with the skill set to handle, at least in the beginning, any problem that comes to them.

As an FNP, you have the skills to deal with patients of any age and in any primary care position. You’ll examine patients, make diagnoses, establish treatment plans, and communicate with providers and patients. Being an FNP can be rewarding. Here are six reasons to become a family nurse practitioner.
Increase professional flexibility and responsibility

Family nurse practitioners can work in various settings, including urgent care centers, hospitals, private practices, community healthcare centers, schools, and clinics. They have the skills to handle patients from the start of the disease through recovery. As an FNP, you can examine, diagnose, order medical examinations, and admit patients whenever necessary.

Offering flawless care results in more positive clinical results for patients and an excellent bottom line for most medical facilities. Consider looking into the various in-person and online DNP FNP programs to find one that suits you and your needs.

To gain better career stability

Healthcare employment is expected to grow 13% from 2021 to 2031, faster than all occupations’ average. This increase is projected to lead to around two million new positions over the decade.

With such a significant demand, hospitals and healthcare organizations are keen on retaining the most qualified family nurse practitioners, providing financial and professional stability and career growth opportunities.

Flexible working hours

Based on the environment to decide to work in, working as a family nurse practitioner allows you to select the shift lengths you want to choose. For instance, in ERs that run 24 hours, the shifts may range from eight to 12 hours. They can be late at night, during the day, or in the evenings. You can secure flexible employment within and outside the standard practice settings.

Working in telehealth, health insurance companies, student health, a traditional setting with non-traditional scheduling, being a consultant, and seeking PRN employment can help ensure you have flexible working hours.

Better earning potential

While family nurse practitioners and registered nurses enjoy good salaries and benefits, FNPs earn more because their roles call for a higher education level, extra certifications, and clinical hours, and they mostly work in private practices. According to BLS, a registered nurse earns a median salary of $70,000 per annum.

Nurse practitioners get a median pay of $110,930 per year. The difference in earnings can be linked to the scope of practice, extended roles, and education or degree level.

Career longevity

Nurse practitioner employment growth is expected to see a 45.7% growth between 2021 and 2031, opening around 112,700 opportunities.

This promises job security and career longevity. While most careers are becoming obsolete because of technological advancement, NPs don’t have to worry about that.

Job satisfaction

Being FNP is a fulfilling and enjoyable career. Nurse practitioners have manageable stress levels, excellent work-life balance, and robust prospects for improving, getting promoted, and earning a higher salary, increasing employee happiness.

Being a family nurse practitioner can be rewarding and fulfilling. Consider becoming an FNP to enjoy these benefits.

Featured image: Anna Semenchenko, iStock.