Due to expanding health insurance coverage, an aging population, and physician shortages, FNP roles are in demand. RNs with a bachelor’s degree can take their career to the next level by earning an MSN.
The RN to MSN program offers an online FNP track, making it easy for registered nurses to become qualified to deliver family-focused care in primary and specialty settings.
Preventive Care
RNs who pursue this area of advanced practice nursing enjoy working with patients of all ages and diagnosing and treating a wide range of health conditions. They also like the holistic patient treatment approach emphasizing preventive and wellness care.
They can be crucial in increasing access to effective preventive services, especially for patients with the most complex needs. They may be more likely than physicians to provide routine care in underserved areas and serve patients without insurance.
The NPs specializing in primary care often work at community health clinics and in-store or standalone urgent-care clinics, where they can offer quick treatment for common episodic conditions. They are also often recruited to work on telemedicine platforms, which allow them to support the delivery of healthcare services in remote locations.
Managing Disease
With the national healthcare system facing a shortage of physicians, MSN family nurse practitioners are in high demand. Doctors and patients trust them to provide individualized insights into patient health.
MSN Family Nurse Practitioner students learn to assess and manage acute and chronic medical conditions in various healthcare settings. They develop a complete clinical evaluation of a patient’s health and use evidence-based practice to make sound recommendations for treatment.
Treating Patients
FNPs have a unique opportunity to treat patients of all ages and their families. Often, these patients are underserved and come from low-income backgrounds. Many RNs enjoy working with this patient population and feel that their empathy and time management skills make them an excellent fit for the role.
Additionally, telemedicine can allow for FNPs to support patients who live far away from medical facilities. This helps to bridge the gap in healthcare for underserved communities.
MSN-FNP online program delivers a comprehensive curriculum to provide nurses with the knowledge and experience to deliver primary care in various clinical settings. Using a combination of online coursework and on-campus clinical experiences, the MSN-FNP program offers flexibility to help students balance their work schedules with education. The online format accelerates students through MSN core courses, reducing overall costs.
Managing Patient Caseloads
As a healthcare provider, family nurse practitioners are often called upon to help fill gaps when staffing is low at community clinics and doctor’s offices. This role requires a strong sense of responsibility and the ability to manage patients with varying needs.
According to a qualitative study of primary care NPs, some felt that hierarchy and professional power could influence team dynamics and affect their patient’s care. NPs must recognize this and communicate effectively with all healthcare team members.
In addition, practical communication skills are essential to family nurse practitioners because they must be able to convey diagnoses and treatment plans to their patients and explain the health benefits of wellness and disease prevention. A successful family nurse practitioner must also be able to empathize with patients and show genuine concern for their welfare. In doing so, they can promote their patients’ highest standard of care.
