This article provides information on the salary range and job description of a family nurse practitioner. It also discuss what an individual should do in order to pursue this career.
If you are contemplating entering the nursing profession, this is the right time. Almost all job market researches forecast that health care will be one of the top sectors to provide majority of employment in the coming decade. As there is currently a shortage of personnel in this sector, the salaries too are predicted to rise. This makes all health care jobs, including nursing, a safe and lucrative career choice.
When it comes to this profession, there are different types of nursing careers. One of the most sought after and well paid is the family nurse practitioner (FNP).
Job Description
A family nurse practitioner can be employed in a clinic, hospital, nursing home, health care center, school, non-profit organization, or may have her own private practice. FNPs specialize in general family medicine. They diagnose the patients and perform various kinds of tests. They also prescribe medicines, physical therapy, and other treatments to them. They perform almost all functions a doctor does, except for perhaps surgery or any special kind of treatment. For regular health problems, an FNP prescribes treatment herself, however, if during the check-up the patient needs a specialized treatment, the FNP then recommends the patient to a doctor.
Besides these, a family nurse practitioner provides prenatal care and specialty adult care services. She also counsels patients on various kinds of treatment options. In many small towns and rural areas, FNPs might be the only health care providers. They not only treat the health conditions, but also educate and advice people to follow various kinds of preventive methods and make lifestyle changes, in order for them to keep healthy.
Salary Range
The salary of a family nurse practitioner can range anywhere between $70,027 to $89,186. The salary depends upon a number of factors, including the location of the job, the place of employment, as well as the years of experience a candidate has in this profession. Location wise, New York offers the highest salary for a family and pediatric nurse practitioner. At present, the average salary is approximately $67,000. Sometimes, bonuses and profit sharing are some other benefits that are added to an FNPs salary.
How to Become an FNP?
For becoming a nurse practitioner, a person needs a master’s degree in nursing. The nurses should have a license from the state administration to practice the profession. Some organizations may require the family nurse practitioners to have certification from the American Nursing Credentialing Center (ANCC), or the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP). After completing their master’s degree FNPs need to take up and pass the board exam. To gain entry into most nursing programs, a candidate needs to have a work experience of about two years as a registered nurse (RN).
As mentioned above, this is one of the most well paying careers today. However, that’s not the only benefit of entering this profession. As people who care for others, believe in providing selfless service, and want to help others with their problems find immense emotional fulfillment in this profession as well.