Family Nurse Practitioner: Scope of Practice Facts You Should Know
A family nurse practitioner provides comprehensive care to individuals of all ages, and practices in various settings. Some of these settings include hospitals, doctor offices, schools and clinics. FNPs help people through their advanced medical knowledge and willingness to go the extra mile for their patients.
What sets family nurse practitioners apart is that they work directly with patients to help them on the road to wellness, while also having similar levels of responsibility as a physician. The scope of practice for a family nurse practitioner is massive. While it is a requirement that doctors supervise family nurse practitioners, it is becoming more widespread for nurses to work independently.
In some states, family nurse practitioners work as the sole practitioner in a health care setting. With proper education, these family nurse practitioners are able to provide exceptional care to their patients, while being a sympathetic ear to both patients and their families.
What will you be responsible for as a family nurse practitioner?
- As a family nurse practitioner, you could be helping patients manage their chronic symptoms and conditions.
- Family nurse practitioners could also managed the health and well-being of children and infants.
- You should be responsible for treating minor injuries, and providing episodic care for illnesses.
- You could also test and share results as you help patients with their recovery.
What is the benefit of earning an MSN and becoming a family nurse practitioner?
Family nurse practitioners have more freedom in their practice. Along with that freedom comes more responsibility. Prospective family nurse practitioners must hold a Master of Science in Nursing. From there, you can make the choice to return to school and earn a master's degree.
If you choose to obtain a master's degree, you can enroll in a Master of Science in Nursing program. After you have completed the necessary requirements, you will need to become certified by the State Board of Nursing. You also have the choice to obtain accreditation from the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners.
All graduate schools require a minimum grade point average, along with successful completion of advanced level science courses. Individuals who complete a nurse practitioner curriculum in the master's program will receive a Master of Science in Nursing degree.
In order to practice, however, you must complete the licensing exam. You also need to have two years of experience in the field. It is also mandatory that you successfully pass the Family Nurse Practitioner National Certification Exam. While this might sound like a great deal to become an FNP, this position is not one to be taken lightly.
What does it take to become a family nurse practitioner?
Those who feel the calling to become a family nurse practitioner must have the following traits and skills:
- Leadership skills. Family nurse practitioners find themselves working in many different settings. With that in mind, it is important to be prepared for anything. You may find yourself in a situation where you will need to take the lead and determine a patient's treatment plan.
- Compassion. Compassion is one of the most important components that make up a successful nurse. It is needed in order to care for patients experiencing illness and/or injury.
- Communication skills. Having exceptional communication skills is key in establishing a treatment plan. It is also an important trait to have in order to explain care to patients, their families, and your co-workers.
- Resourceful in their care. It is important to be quick and resourceful in plotting out the best treatment plan for your patients. You must also be resourceful in helping your colleagues provide the best treatment for their patients.
Becoming a family nurse practitioner could provide you with the opportunity for advancement. In many states, family nurse practitioners have their own practice and work with just as much responsibility as a physician. If it is your dream to work as a nurse, while also having the same opportunities as a physician, working as a family nurse practitioner may be your calling.
Are you interested in earning your Master of Science in Nursing Degree? If you're looking for an accelerated, online program, consider ECPI University. For more information on this exciting opportunity, connect with a friendly admissions advisor today.
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