How To Become A Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) In 2023? + Salary
Are you passionate about becoming a nurse and providing compassionate and comprehensive healthcare to individuals and families? Are you interested in advancing your nursing job and taking on a more autonomous role in patient care? If so, becoming a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) might be the perfect path for you.
In this blog, we will explore the journey to becoming an FNP in 2023, discussing the required family nurse practitioner degree, certifications, and steps to kick-start your rewarding career.
What is a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)?
Family nurse practitioners (FNPs) are highly skilled registered nurses with advanced training who offer essential primary healthcare services to individuals of all age groups. Their primary objective is to promote health and educate patients on maintaining a healthy lifestyle. FNPs play a vital role in the healthcare system, particularly in serving underserved populations.
FNPs deliver comprehensive care across the lifespan and cater to the needs of both individuals and families. This aspect of their work provides a unique opportunity to build enduring relationships and develop a deep understanding of patients over time. Choosing a career as an FNP can bring immense personal, professional, and financial satisfaction.
What do family nurse practitioners do?
Being a Family Nurse Practitioner revolves around delivering patient-centered care to individuals across all age groups, from newborns to seniors, while emphasizing the importance of family dynamics.
Family Nurse Practitioners (FNPs) offer a diverse range of healthcare services, predominantly involving direct interaction with patients. Apart from addressing illnesses and injuries, they also have the opportunity to educate individuals about healthy lifestyle practices and disease prevention.
FNPs frequently serve as the primary healthcare providers for families, meaning their responsibilities extend beyond diagnosing medical conditions to encompass treatment. As an FNP, your role may encompass various duties, such as:
Evaluating and diagnosing health conditions.
Conducting regular physical examinations.
Devising and implementing treatment plans for both acute and chronic illnesses.
Providing comprehensive primary healthcare with a strong emphasis on preventive measures.
Prescribing medications and recommending alternative therapies.
Ordering and interpreting laboratory tests and other diagnostic procedures.
Assisting in minor surgical procedures.
Facilitating appropriate referrals to specialists when necessary.
Steps to becoming a nurse practitioner
Becoming a Family Nurse Practitioner demands a substantial dedication of both time and resources, typically spanning 8 to 10 years for many nursing professionals. However, this commitment serves as an investment in your future, yielding a multitude of rewarding outcomes. While the specific route to becoming an FNP may differ based on factors like full-time or part-time study, in-person or online education, the majority of individuals pursuing this path will generally follow these fundamental family nurse practitioner requirements:
1- Become a registered nurse
To embark on a nursing career, your initial milestone involves enrolling in education requirements for nurse practitioners, a four-year bachelor's degree program accredited by either the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
While some individuals choose a two-year Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) to become a nurse, it's essential to note that the AACN acknowledges the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) as the minimum educational prerequisite for professional nursing practice.
2- Pass the NCLEX-RN exam
To practice legally and obtain licensure as a registered nurse (RN), all RNs are required to successfully pass the NCLEX-RN (National Council Licensure Examination). This nationwide examination is administered to nurses in both the United States and Canada.
If you need help in the process of preparing for your nursing license exam, you can use an NCLEX study tool like Smart’n.
With Smart'n, you have the opportunity to utilize a comprehensive platform offering over 2,500 practice questions, including NextGen, accompanied by concise explanations. It enables you to enhance your critical thinking and clinical judgment by engaging in NGN NCLEX-style case study practice while also enabling you to monitor your progress and evaluate your knowledge at each stage.
Smart’n also provides an excellent opportunity for nursing students to earn some extra cash while getting ready for their NCLEX exam. Smart’n’s nursing scholarship grants can be a tremendous relief for those who struggle to make ends meet and need some financial assistance to support their studies.
3- Gain RN experience
Many nurses spend a few years working and acquiring valuable experience in delivering patient care. For individuals aspiring to become Family Nurse Practitioners (FNPs), this phase offers an opportunity to gain exposure to a wide variety of patients and concentrate on developing expertise in comprehensive care across all age groups, from birth to end-of-life.
4- Pursue a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP):
To become a nurse practitioner, you'll need to obtain a graduate degree in nursing. The most common paths are either a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree. These programs provide advanced coursework and clinical training specific to the nurse practitioner role.
Accredited colleges and universities provide the option of pursuing either a Master's or Doctorate degree in Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) programs. These programs often offer flexible options, including both full-time and part-time study. Additionally, students have the choice of attending classes in traditional on-campus settings or pursuing online education.
Nusing programs that prepare you for the FNP role will include courses in the following:
Advanced Clinical Diagnosis and Practice across the Lifespan
Advanced Health Assessment
Advanced Pathophysiology
Advanced Pharmacology
Differential Diagnosis and Primary Care
Epidemiology
Leadership and Role of the Advanced Practice Nurse
Population Health
Primary Care of Childbearing and Practicum
Research
5- Obtain FNP certification
To obtain certification as a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), you have the option to pursue either the FNP-C or FNP-BC certification. It is advisable to check with your state board of nursing for any specific preferences they may have. The FNP-BC examination is administered by the ANCC (American Nurses Credentialing Center), while the FNP-C examination is offered by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board (AANPC).
Certification requirements for FNP
FNP certification exams are typically conducted online. Regardless of the certification you choose, the following requirements must be met:
Current and active Registered Nurse (RN) license in a U.S. state or territory, or an equivalent in another country.
Master's, postgraduate, or doctoral degree from an FNP program accredited by either the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).
Completion of comprehensive graduate-level courses in advanced physiology/pathophysiology, advanced health assessment, and advanced pharmacology.
Completion of at least 500 faculty-supervised clinical hours.
FNP recertification
Recertification is required every five years to maintain your FNP certification. You must also maintain an active RN license in accordance with the requirements set by your state board of nursing for practice and continuing education.
For information on renewing your RN license, our Continuing Education Guide can provide details about each state's specific requirements.
Regarding FNP recertification, each certifying organization has its own renewal requirements, so it is essential to stay informed and fulfill the specified criteria, including any associated fees. Both the ANCC and AANP typically require a certain number of clinical practice hours and continuing education credits for recertification.
Family nurse practitioner salary
Family Nurse Practitioners (FNPs), like other Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs), tend to earn higher salaries compared to registered nurses. According to salary.com , the average salary for family nurse practitioners is $121,230 as of May 2023. The salary range typically falls between $112,490 and $131,700.
According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) for 2022, the median annual income for nurse practitioners (including FNPs) was $124,680. The lower 10% of nurse practitioners earned $87,340 or less, while the upper 10% earned $165,240 or more.
Conclusion
In conclusion, pursuing a career as a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) in 2023 can lead to rewarding opportunities both in terms of professional growth and financial stability. By following the necessary steps outlined earlier, including completing the required education, gaining clinical experience, and obtaining the necessary certifications, individuals can position themselves for success in this thriving field.
FAQs
1- How do I become a family nurse practitioner UK?
To become a family nurse practitioner in the UK, you would generally follow these steps:
Obtain a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree.
Register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC).
Gain clinical experience as a registered nurse.
Pursue postgraduate education in an area of advanced nursing practice related to family-focused primary care.
Consider obtaining specialty certifications in areas such as child health, family health, or community nursing.
Engage in continuous professional development activities to enhance knowledge and skills in family-focused primary care.
2- What does FNP stand for?
FNP stands for Family Nurse Practitioner. A Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) is an advanced practice nurse who specializes in providing primary and specialized healthcare to patients across all age groups. FNPs primarily focus on preventive care, continuously monitoring their patients' long-term health, and collaborating with physicians to address any emerging health concerns.
