Becoming a family nurse practitioner has many steps and takes hard work and determination. Like any other medical occupation, there are many educational requirements and certifications that must be obtained. In Tennessee, you have to complete an undergraduate degree, become a licensed RN, complete a graduate’s degree, and then obtain certification and license as a nurse practitioner. National University in San Diego, California, has the same requirements. The only difference is that you have to be certified in the state of California. The need for FNPs is at an all-time high. According to NP Schools, “In Tennessee, openings for NPs are predicted to grow 40.7 percent between 2014 and 2024”. In states such as Virginia, Kentucky, and Colorado, the job outlook by percentage is 43.2%, 43.1%, and 42.7% respectively.
The median salary for nurse practitioners of any specialty in 2017, according to Carson-Newman University, was around $93,970. The top-paying states are California, Alaska, and Massachusetts with salaries of $124,330, $121,250, and $117,860 respectively. The job duties of a family nurse practitioner consist of caring for patients, performing exams, diagnosing, and much more. Some requirements are knowing HIPPA and OSHA, being able to communicate efficiently, and being able to use medical equipment. The hours and days that a family nurse practitioner can vary. Practitioners that perform their duties at a hospital may be on duty for 8 hours or longer depending on that hospital’s specific needs, according to nursing theory. FNPs can also work regular ‘9 a.m. to 5 p.m.’ shifts if they work in a clinic or doctor's office.
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There are multiple places for FNPs to work, but they typically work in clinics, doctor's offices, or outpatient facilities. There are several degrees and certifications available to become a family nurse practitioner. You can receive an associate’s, bachelor’s, and master’s degree in nursing to become a family nurse practitioner. To advance your studies you can even pursue a doctorate of nursing practice, although you do not need this degree to become a family nurse practitioner. As far as certifications, there are two main common certifications you can attain: the FNP-BC, which is given by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), and the FNP certification, which is given by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP). More programs can help you gain certification for your specialty. The degrees and certifications that you gain can contribute to whether or not you earn more in the medical field. According to registered nurses, NPs with a high level of experience and applicable certifications can usually earn more than those just starting out, and degree level may make an impact as well.
Family nurse practitioners work with children and adults to make sure they receive the primary care they deserve. The patients they see come from different backgrounds and are of different ages. In most states the scope of practice for FNPs is limited, but some have an unlimited amount of freedom the care for their patients. They monitor patients’ health over a long period, treat minor illnesses, and prescribe medicine to patients. To be a family nurse practitioner, you have to be extremely organized and know how to manage stress, especially when working with children.
So, being a family nurse practitioner is a rewarding job because it means developing long-lasting relationships with patients and helping them overcome any medical problems they may be facing.
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