Family Nurse Practitioner Programs: How can an MSN Change my Career?
There’s no question that a career in the medical and nursing field can be extremely rewarding. Earning your Master of Science Degree as a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) could open many doors within the field of nursing. Because of our aging population and the fact that today our population, in general, is living active lifestyles—and living longer—the need for FNPs is growing.
What Does a Family Nurse Practitioner Do?
If you thrive on providing patient care but want to play a bigger role in your patients’ treatment, you should consider becoming a Family Nurse Practitioner.
As an FNP, you scope might be very diverse as you will monitor the health, wellness and treat illnesses for those of all ages. Instead of a focus of a key segment of the population, you could treat newborns as well as seniors and those seeking mental health care. Because FNP’s work with patients of every age, no two days are the same, so it’s a great career in the medical field for those seeing variety.
As an FNP you will be responsible for diagnosing illnesses, prescribing drugs, ordering x-rays and diagnostic test and perform physical exams.
According to Nurse Journal, there are many different areas that your career path may lead. Here are some of the top fields that those with a master’s degree may pursue:
- Pediatrics: Works primarily with children; those in intensive care or clinical environments.
- Maternity/family care: Provides care for expectant mothers. They can perform births and care for mothers before, during, and after delivery.
- Neonatal: Caring for babies born prematurely, a neonatal nurse practitioner will provide care for infants that may have been born with health issues.
- Oncology: Provides specialized care for individuals suffering from cancer, often working one-on-one providing hospital and often, home care.
- Geriatric nursing: Taking care of those with the illnesses of the elderly, which make include chronic illnesses like arthritis, Parkinson’s, dementia and Alzheimer’s, and other long-term medical conditions.
- Psychiatric: Specializes of counselling patients regarding their mental health. This can include help dealing with addiction, depression, anxiety and other mood disorders, alcohol and drug abuse.
- Public Health sector: Has the ability to care for entire populations of people and providing medical care and basic health education to ensure positive behaviors and good health. With our aging population, the desire to stay healthy in to the late years is increasing making this an area in strong demand.
What Type of Education do You Need to Become an FNP?
In order to become a family nurse practitioner, you will need a higher level of training than a registered nurse will, though you must already have your BSN in order to pursue a career as an FNP. Family nurse practitioners often serve as primary care providers to help alleviate the effects of the national physician shortage. State laws vary, some states allow FNPs to work independently, and others require that they work under the guidance of a physician.
To become an FNP, you will need to pursue an advanced degree, such as a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN). The MSN degree builds on the existing skills and knowledge of those that have their bachelors’ degree in nursing. The MSN program focuses on preparing the student to provide primary care in ambulatory, urgent care as well as long-term care scenarios. A FNP can also pursue a doctoral degree in nursing, if they want to expand their skills or move into a specialized area of nursing.
Are you Ready to Earn Your FNP?
There are many options to consider when studying for your FNP. First you want to make sure you choose an accredited school with a great reputation.
ECPI University’s Master of Science Degree in Nursing with a Concentration in Family Nurse Practitioner program is available online to help working nurses stay in their current positions and move ahead in their education at the same time. With an accelerated program, you could graduate in as little as 22 months For more information on this exciting degree, connect with a friendly admissions advisor today.
It could be the Best Decision You Ever Make!
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