What Is an FNP in Nursing?
According to the Association of American Medical Colleges, the U.S. is on track to face a shortfall of 17,800 to 48,000 primary care physicians by 2034. To address this impending shortage, many healthcare facilities are turning to FNPs. But what is an FNP, and how can they help to ease the primary care physician shortage?
FNP stands for family nurse practitioner — an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) providing comprehensive care to patients. They often serve as primary care providers and perform duties similar to those of a physician: management of chronic health conditions, health promotion, and disease prevention.
Are you asking yourself, what is an FNP in nursing all about? This article is for you. We’ll delve into the multifaceted world of FNPs, exploring their responsibilities, qualifications, salaries, and more.
What Is an FNP? Overview
An FNP is a specialized nurse practitioner who is trained to diagnose and manage various health conditions across all age groups, including infants, adolescents, adults, and seniors. One of the distinguishing features of FNPs is their ability to serve as primary care providers — offering a wide range of healthcare services, such as performing routine check-ups, prescribing medications according to state guidelines, ordering diagnostic tests, and managing chronic illnesses.
FNPs are uniquely known for their holistic approach to healthcare — they’re trained in addressing various health issues from mental health to physical illnesses. Therefore, they can provide full-scope care to their patients, including educating patients about healthy lifestyle choices, offering emotional support, and considering the psychosocial aspects that may affect a patient’s health.
While FNPs have a wide range of responsibilities, they can choose an area of specialty if they wish. They have the option to acquire extra certifications in specific areas like diabetes, pain, or obesity management and focus their practice accordingly.
What Is an FNP? Duties and Responsibilities
The responsibilities of FNPs can vary depending on the specific industry and workplace, but generally include:
- Assessment and diagnosis: Evaluating patient health through examinations and tests, diagnosing and treating various health conditions.
- Primary care services: Serving as a primary care provider, conducting routine check-ups and preventive care for patients of all ages.
- Health promotion: Educating patients on healthy lifestyles and preventive measures, and administering vaccinations and screenings.
- Chronic disease management: Managing chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension, adjusting treatment plans as needed.
- Medication management: Prescribing medications and therapies according to state regulations and guidelines.
- Patient counseling: Offering emotional support and counseling to patients and their families.
- Health education: Providing education on topics such as medication management and self-care practices.
- Patient advocacy: Advocating for patients to ensure equitable access to timely healthcare services.
- Community outreach: Engaging in community programs to promote health and wellness.
- Collaboration and referral: Collaborating with other healthcare professionals and making referrals for specialized care when necessary.
Where Do FNPs Work?
Their diverse training and skills allow FNPs to work in a variety of settings. Here are some common places where they can work:
- Primary care clinics and practices
- Community health centers
- Hospitals
- Acute care centers
- Schools and universities
- Occupational health clinics
- Long-term care facilities
- Home healthcare companies
- Correctional facilities
- Specialty clinics
What Is an FNP? Scope of Practice
The extent of autonomy and independence family nurse practitioners enjoy is determined by state regulations, which define their scope of practice.
In a full-practice state, nurse practitioners have maximum freedom. They can assess, diagnose, order and interpret tests, and initiate treatments, including prescribing medication and controlled substances, without the need for physician collaboration or supervision.
In other states, the FNP scope of practice is reduced. For instance, in some states, you’d need a lifelong collaboration with a doctor to offer full primary care. In other states, such as California and Texas, even diagnosing patients requires physician oversight. This type of environment is known as restricted practice, and it’s the strictest.
Family Nurse Practitioner Education
Wondering, what is an FNP’s typical educational path? It involves a combination of education, clinical experience, and professional certification. Here are the general steps to enter this specialty:
1. Earn a Nursing Degree
Start by obtaining a nursing degree from an accredited nursing program. A bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degree is required to apply for FNP programs.
2. Get Licensed
After completing your nursing program, your next step is to pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) to become a licensed registered nurse (RN).
3. Gain Clinical Experience
Then, acquire clinical experience as a registered nurse. Many FNP programs require their applicants to have one to two years of nursing experience. Working in a medical-surgical, ambulatory care, or acute care setting will provide valuable experience relevant to the field.
4. Enroll in an FNP Program
Research and apply to accredited FNP programs. Pursue either a master of science in nursing (MSN) or a doctor of nursing practice (DNP) degree, completing specialized coursework in family nursing.
5. Obtain Certification
Apply for either FNP-BC or FNP-C certification. Two organizations, the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) and the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP), provide certifications for FNPs.
What Is an FNP-C vs. FNP-BC?
- FNP-BC (Family Nurse Practitioner-Board Certified) is a certification granted by ANCC.
- FNP-C (Family Nurse Practitioner-Certified) is a certification provided by the AANP.
Both certifications demonstrate that the FNP has successfully met all the standards set by their respective certifying bodies for the practice of family nursing.
5. Get a State License
Next, apply for a state license as an APRN. Requirements vary by state, so check with your state nursing board for specific regulations.
6. Maintain Your License and Certification
Stay current in your field by participating in continuing education and renewing your license on time. As an FNP, you’ll also need to maintain your RN license. Follow this guide for state-specific requirements of how to keep your license current.
How Long Does It Take to Become an FNP?
The entire journey to becoming an FNP can take approximately six to eight years. However, individual timelines may vary based on factors such as the chosen educational path (MSN or DNP), prior education and experience, and the specific requirements of the state in which you plan to practice.
What Is an FNP Salary?
In the U.S., the average nurse practitioner salary is $128,490 per year, with the typical salary range between $94,530 and $168,030. Just keep in mind that your income can vary depending on your education, certifications, location, and years of experience.
If you are open to relocation, here are five states with some of the highest nurse practitioner salaries:
FNP Job Outlook
Nurse practitioners, including FNPs, are expected to be in demand in the coming years. Employment for this role is projected to grow 45% in the next decade — much faster than the average for all other occupations. Each year, there will be approximately 29,200 new job opportunities opening up.
What Is an FNP? Frequently Asked Questions
FNP vs. PA: What’s the difference?
The difference lies in their educational background and philosophical approach to patient care. FNPs pursue advanced practice nursing degrees, focusing on providing a broad spectrum of healthcare services. On the other hand, PAs undergo a generalist medical education, emphasizing diagnosis, treatment, and management of various medical conditions. PAs work in collaboration with physicians across diverse medical specialties, whereas FNPs can practice independently in some states.
FNP vs. MD: What’s the difference?
FNPs are nurses, holding either an MSN or DNP degree, and approach patient care from a nursing perspective. Medical doctors undergo medical school, earning a doctor of medicine degree (MD). MDs have extensive training in diagnosing, treating, and managing a wide array of medical conditions and possess the authority to perform surgeries.
FNP vs. NP: What’s the difference?
An FNP is a specific type of NP with a focus on family medicine. NPs, in general, have a broader scope and can specialize in various areas such as pediatrics, geriatrics, or women’s health. In essence, all FNPs are NPs, but not all NPs are necessarily FNPs.
FNP vs. RN: What’s the difference?
FNPs, unlike RNs, have advanced education and training, allowing them to take on more complex clinical responsibilities, including the ability to diagnose and treat patients independently. RNs, on the other hand, provide essential nursing care and support, but typically work under the direction of healthcare providers like FNPs or physicians.
Can FNPs prescribe medication?
Yes, FNPs are authorized to prescribe medications. As APRNs, FNPs undergo extensive education and training that includes pharmacology coursework. Keep in mind that their ability to prescribe medications is regulated by state laws.
Interested in Finding a New Job?
What is an FNP? We’ve answered your question. Now, are you ready to take the next step in your career? IntelyCare can match you with nursing jobs in your chosen specialty, so you can gain the experience you need and build the career you want.