The Family Nurse Practitioner Curriculum
You may be wondering what can be expected from a family nurse practitioner program and how it differs from the Masters in nursing qualifications. The main classes for the majority of Master’s in nursing programs or MSN programs consist of similar content including high-level nursing assessment, physiology, anatomy, nursing research, pharmacology, and leadership with policy courses.
The graduate courses will build on information learned at a Bachelor’s level in order to enhance the strength and scope of your nursing knowledge. When the key MSN content is completed, you will begin courses focused on family nursing practice. This will broaden your knowledge and skill in nursing design, management, and care delivery for families.
Below is an example of an FNP curriculum taken from the Georgetown University Family Nursing Practitioner online program. While content will differ from course to course, this example is an average sample of the content you will use in your family nurse practitioner focus after or during the MSN classes discussed above.
Family Nurse Practitioner Focus:
- NURS 538: Professional Aspects of Advanced Practice Nursing
- NURS 687: Primary Health Care of the Family I
- NURS 691: Primary Health Care of the Family II
- NURS 714: Primary Health Care of the Family III
- NURS 752: Primary Health Care of the Family IV
- NURS 710: Care of the Family in Crisis
The majority, if not all, of the coursework corresponding to your chosen nursing focus will present with a clinical component. This will allow an incorporation of higher level learning into the nursing skill set learned; thereby, increasing competence in the new role of Advanced Practice Nurse.
It is important to remember that certain programs, particularly those offering online content, will work with the student regarding clinical sites. The online courses will allow completion of clinical nursing requirements near your home location or work setting. It is important to request information from several schools on the list below to find the most suitable FNP program for your needs.
While all of the accredited FNP programs provide the education for nurse practitioner licensing, some of the schools will be more flexible regarding where and how you earn the qualification. In fact, many nurses began their climb of the career ladder by taking one of the many LVN to RN programs, and then moved up to an RN to FNP program.
The Future Outlook for Family Nurse Practitioners
There is no better time to examine the area of advanced practice nursing than today. By obtaining a family nursing practitioner qualification, you will have an education necessary to enter primary nursing with competency. Currently, the USA aims to reduce the population’s health care costs which continuing to improve the quality of care offered.
It is possible to assist with this issue by acting as a family nurse practitioner. It is said that family nursing practitioners are considered the missing links as part of the medical profession in the United States during the 21st century.
According to the Journal for Nurse Practitioners, a study in September 2013 noted that patient health and satisfaction outcomes for nurses are far more effective than those of physicians. In all eleven categories, nursing practitioners present with greater effectiveness, safety, and quality. This is a highly beneficial feature for people who are looking to enter the nursing community and the nursing community as it stands.
While nursing practitioners have been considered cost-effective options in the primary care environment, there is research focusing on the comparison of health outcomes from advanced practice nurses and family practice nurses. It is seen that practice nurses are beneficial as care providers and the increasing presence of the nurses can help the patient dramatically. For more evidence, it is recommended that you review information available in the online journal of issues in nursing. More and more Registered Nurses are returning to school to earn their FNP degree.
Working as a nurse, you will be well aware of the effect you have on health and wellness in the community. This is particularly true among family nurse practitioners; however, it is important that the nurse cares for themselves in order to provide the patient with high-quality healthcare. Earning an FNP qualification can reinforce your ability to care for yourself providing financial stability, firsthand healthcare knowledge, and the first steps to healthcare freedom.
Practice Setting And Pay
Upon completion of the FNP qualification and licensing, you will be able to practice in various primary care settings ranging from inner-city community health centers to smaller rural clinics. In fact, you can practice at the local drugstore if you wish offering healthcare services at the walk-in clinic.
The majority of family nursing practitioners demonstrate their skills and compassion by running a nurse-managed clinic. This type of clinic is a strong reflection of the nurse’s ability to practice independently. It is, however, necessary to check with the state Nursing Board regarding licensing and clinic requirements.
According to the American Academy of Nursing Practitioners, FNPs represent approximately 47% of all nursing practitioners registered in the United States, making it the largest nurse practitioner specialty. At the present moment, there are over 125K nurses registered in the United States of America with the occupation growing on a daily basis.
As a family nurse practitioner, you can expect annual earnings of similar to the national income of $89,900; as well as, increase levels of job security. The need for these types of nurses is expected to increase at a staggering rate than the average advanced nurse with approximately one million vacancies projected by the year 2020.
By gaining a qualification in FNP you will place yourself in a position where you are able to enjoy a career in family nursing. You will also be able to enjoy this rewarding career, enjoy strong job security, financial security, and the satisfaction earned from helping people with your nursing abilities.