Why Should You Pursue an MSN-FNP Degree?

As healthcare services continue to grow in demand, family nurse practitioners (FNPs) tend to be the ones who are on the front line when providing patient care. In many healthcare environments, nurse practitioners (NPs), serve as primary care providers who are responsible for many of the same duties and activities as general practice physicians.

If you have a passion for learning and enjoy making a difference, you may want to consider becoming a family nurse practitioner. Getting the opportunity to grow and experience something new are just two of the main reasons why many people decide to go back into education and expand their skillset. To give you more of an insight, here are a few reasons why you should obtain your MSN-FNP degree.

More Autonomy

As a family nurse practitioner, you will have the role of being the primary care provider for patients. While registered nurses may have plenty of autonomy, it’s up to family nurse practitioners to make their own diagnoses, meaning they’re ultimately responsible for patient outcomes. What’s more, in some states across the country, NPs can work on their own, without the need of physician supervision. While there are some nurses who prefer a set schedule and routine, others want to be challenged and have more responsibility. If the latter sounds like you, pursuing a career as an FNP may be the best option.

Pursue Specialty Fields

If you’re not keen on family practice, that’s okay! Family nurse practitioners care for patients from all walks of life, with greater flexibility in selecting a specialty. Whether it’s geriatrics, pediatrics, or urgent care, there are many fields that you can go down which suit your likes and interests. Going back into education and pursuing a family nurse practitioner degree will give you plenty of new opportunities.

In Demand Skills

The demand for nurse practitioners has reached an all time high. When you take into account that employment for NPs is expected to rise by 36% by 2026, as well as over 56,000 new jobs being made, earning your family nurse practitioner degree will give you access to brand new opportunities, as well as provide you with job security.

Study Online

If you hold down a full-time job, trying to find the time to cram in education can be a challenge. Thankfully, you have the option to study online for your FNP degree, providing you with the flexibility you need. There are tons of other benefits that online learning can bring, which include:

•        Study from the comfort of your own home
•        24/7 access to resources and learning materials
•       Avoid the daily commute
•     Work at your own pace
•     Lower total cost

If you have work, family, and social commitments, education may be the last thing on your mind, however, having the opportunity to study online will mean you can create a schedule that works best for you.

Increase Management Responsibilities

If you like a challenge and think you have the skillset needed to give out orders, working as a family nurse practitioner may be the perfect occupation for you. There are various roles and responsibilities that you will need to possess in order to succeed as an FNP. Some of the most crucial skills you will need include:

• Delegation skills
• Strong management skills
• Time management skills
• Leadership skills

Throughout your MSN-FNP program, you will begin to gain a broader knowledge on what you need to take the lead, meaning that when you apply for FNP roles, you will feel more confident in taking charge and facing challenges and obstacles.

Expand Your Practice

Family nurse practitioners are extremely versatile, meaning they are able to practice in all sorts of healthcare settings. Not only can you work in a clinic or hospital, FNPs can find employment in colleges and schools, as well as NP offices, and public health departments. If you don’t like the idea of working in a hospital, obtaining an FNP degree will give you more flexibility in where you would like to work.

Boost Earning Potential

One of the main reasons why students decide to study for an FNP degree is because of the earning potential. For those wanting to take their nursing career to the next level, you can expect to earn an annual salary of over $105,000. Understandably, the more knowledge and skills you possess, the higher paid jobs you can seek out as an FNP.

Better Serve Your Patients

As a family nurse practitioner, you play a vital role in ensuring your patients are well looked after in the community. Not only will you be responsible for seeing, diagnosing, and treating your patients, family nurse practitioners are expected to promote public health by giving patients information and guidance on general wellness, nutrition, as well as disease prevention. Once you’ve become equipped with the right skills and tools, you will feel confident in helping patients.

Feel Accomplished

For those who have a passion and drive to help those in need, becoming a family nurse practitioner is a no brainer. After a long and busy day, you can return home knowing that you have made a positive difference to your patients' lives, as well as ensuring they received the best care available. A little can go a long way, so going above and beyond your call of duty and providing your attention, care, and support can make a big impact on a patient for the better.

Finding a Course

Now that you have a better idea of why you should study for an MSN-FNP degree, the last step is to find a nurse practitioner school in Connecticut or wherever you are based so that you can learn more about what the course entails. There are key steps that you should follow before signing yourself up to the course, which are:

• Visit their website to learn about what the course entails
• Download the brochure for all program details and course curriculum
• Enter your details to request more information

Note that the program can be studied online, rather than in a face to face classroom, so you can fit studying around your current role.

Studying to become a family nurse practitioner can bring you all sorts of benefits. Whether it’s boosting your earning potential, or gaining a whole new set of skills, these are just a couple of reasons why you should pursue an MSN-FNP degree.