Where Do Family Nurse Practitioners Work?
Family Nurse Practitioners (FNPs) are an integral part of the healthcare system, applying advanced nursing knowledge and providing comprehensive primary care services to patients of all ages. Aspiring FNPs who desire an advanced practice role may wonder about the employment settings where nurse practitioners work and the job responsibilities of this respected and valuable career path.
This blog gives an overview of the nurse practitioner work environment and what family nurse practitioners do each day in various settings. The diversity of options for where FNPs make a meaningful difference in the lives of others is one advantage of pursuing this advanced practice profession.
FNPs in Primary Care Settings
Patient-centered care is a hallmark of FNP practice. In primary care settings, FNPs serve as frontline providers for patients of all ages. They routinely complete comprehensive health assessments, diagnose common and complex health conditions, and create treatment plans for managing acute and chronic illnesses.
Examples of primary care settings where FNPs work include:
- Family practice clinics
- Community health centers
- Rural health clinics
- Federally qualified health centers (FQHCs)
FNPs are skilled educators of patient health and wellness, helping consumers implement health promotion principles and navigate an abundance of online health information. As advocates, FNPs connect patients with resources such as community support groups and specialist care when needed.
States regulate the FNP scope of practice, which determines the level of autonomy that nurse practitioners have in their day-to-day activities. Family nurse practitioners order and interpret diagnostic tests and prescribe medications with varying levels of physician oversight. Many state practice environments allow FNPs to evaluate and treat patients independently with full practice authority.
FNPs in Specialty Clinics
The FNP focus on patients and families is not limited to the primary care environment. In specialty clinics, FNPs also provide advanced practice nursing care to patients of all ages with specialized knowledge and skills for addressing population-specific healthcare needs.
If you are passionate about a particular type of patient care, the role of an FNP offers a dynamic opportunity to address the unique needs of specific patient populations. Some FNPs choose to focus their care and pursue expertise through continuing education in areas such as hospice and palliative care or disease-specific counseling (such as diabetes management).
Additional specialty certifications are available for nurse practitioners who choose to focus on a particular type of patient care and work with populations such as:
- Women’s Health
- Pediatrics
- Adult-Gerontology
- Psychiatric mental health nursing
The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) and the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board (AANPCB) are two national organizations that offer NP specialty certification in a variety of practice areas. These certifications are attained after an aspiring nurse practitioner first completes an approved advanced practice education program in the chosen specialty area.
Non-Traditional Work Settings for FNPs
You may think of traditional clinics or even hospital settings when considering the nurse practitioner work environment. However, nurse practitioners can work in non-traditional settings and even in some non-clinical roles. Examples include:
- Telehealth platforms
- Correctional facilities
- Educational institutions (schools and universities)
- Occupational health clinics
Evidence-based practice is an important clinical skill utilized by FNPs in many types of traditional and non-traditional roles. Lifelong learning and a commitment to maintain currency with the latest nursing research are important for every nurse practitioner to embrace.
The expertise of a nurse practitioner can even extend into positions such as clinical health informatics, data analytics, and forensic nursing roles with additional training and experience. There is a wealth of flexibility and adaptability in the FNP role to meet diverse healthcare needs across various fields and settings.
Challenges and Rewards of the FNP Role
Nearly every occupation comes with different challenges and rewards. The FNP role may be a good fit for those who enjoy challenges that require critical thinking and resourcefulness. Family nurse practitioners often care for patients of all ages with complex health conditions and encounter multiple chronic illnesses requiring simultaneous management.
At times, FNPs may face workload challenges with large patient volumes and time constraints. In these situations, prioritization and maintaining professional composure are essential to ensure safe and quality healthcare delivery. Advocating for patients when there are limited community resources or insurance barriers can also be challenging.
For those who rise to meet these challenges, professional fulfillment is often a reward of the FNP role. Long-term relationships with patients and families can be developed when FNPs become established within a particular practice area or location. Other rewards of working as a family nurse practitioner include:
- Professional growth and development
- Job security and financial compensation
- Opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration
- Potential for work-life balance with practice flexibility and autonomy
Family nurse practitioners can positively impact health disparities and improve health equity within their communities by increasing access to care and addressing social determinants of health. As we look to the future, FNPs are positioned to advocate for vulnerable populations and promote better health outcomes.
Future Outlook for FNPs
Healthcare reform efforts aim toward value-based care, where cost-effectiveness and a patient-centered approach are prioritized to achieve optimal health outcomes. Family nurse practitioners seek to understand the needs of each patient through active listening. They partner with their patients to encourage participation and engagement in preventive screenings and early treatment for disease.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual salary for nurse practitioners in May 2023 was approximately $128,490. The overall employment for advanced practice nurses including nurse practitioners is anticipated to grow 38% from 2022 to 2032, as they are recognized more widely as primary care providers.
Technological innovation is another area where FNP practice continues to evolve and grow. Across the country, nurse practitioners are delivering effective services through telehealth, monitoring patient conditions remotely, and including digital tools in everyday nursing care.
How to Become a Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
If you are a current registered nurse and are interested in becoming a primary care nurse practitioner, the first step is to enroll in an online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program. During your program, you will complete online coursework, engage in simulation exercises, and complete required clinical hours of patient care in a supervised, student nurse practitioner role.
Felician University offers an excellent option for aspiring Family Nurse Practitioners in their Online MSN FNP program that can be completed in a little over two years.
The affordability of Felician’s program is just one of many reasons to consider this valuable option for your education. Key highlights of the program include:
- Accreditation by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)*
- One on-campus residency experience
- Value-focused on transformation and continuous improvement
- Ranked nationally for five consecutive years as a Best Online Master’s in Nursing Program by U.S. News and World Report
In addition to the online FNP program, Felician University also offers an Online MSN Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP) program with similar features. A dedicated clinical placement team is available at Felician to help you find local opportunities for connection as you learn from experienced professionals. Felician also offers post-graduate certificates for those who already hold their MSN degree.
Visit Felician’s online nursing programs page today to learn more and take the next steps to become a primary care nurse practitioner.
*The master’s degree program in nursing and post-graduate APN certificate program at Felician University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org).