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Seeking a career where you can help patients of all ages with their health and wellness needs? If so, and if you're looking for a nursing role where you'll enjoy a fair amount of autonomy, then pursuing a career as a family nurse practitioner (FNP) may be ideal for you. These advanced practice nurses are able to take on many of the same roles and responsibilities as a family physician — and, in some states, they're even permitted to work independently. So, what does a family nurse practitioner do, and how do you become one? Dive into what you need to know as you begin planning your future.
What Is a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)?
A family nurse practitioner is a nursing professional who provides family-focused patient care. Typically, FNPs are also registered nurses (RNs) who have received additional clinical and educational experience. This further experience and certification/licensure enable FNPs to perform many of the same functions as a family doctor. In fact, according to recent studies, about 43% of primary care providers in the United States are FNPs. It is worth noting that the laws regarding FNPs vary from one state to the next. However, Nebraska is one of many states where FNPs enjoy full practice authority, which means they are able to work independently and even operate their own care clinics. In other states, FNPs still have a great deal of autonomy in their work but may instead need to serve under the supervision of a qualified physician.What Does a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Do?
In states where they are granted full practice authority, family nurse practitioners can do anything that a regular family doctor or primary could. This includes:- Performing routine medical exams.
- Diagnosing medical conditions.
- Treating illnesses and injuries.
- Prescribing medications.
- Ordering diagnostic tests and procedures.
- Consulting with patients regarding their health and wellness needs.
How to Become a Family Nurse Practitioner
Interested in a career as a family nurse practitioner? You may wonder what steps you'll need to take to start working in this role. It all begins with pursuing a formal education, getting licensed and certified, and gaining applicable work experience.Earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
The first step toward becoming an FNP is to obtain your Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). This degree usually takes four years to complete, although it may take more if you're not enrolled full time. A traditional BSN degree program helps build the foundational knowledge and competencies essential for professional nursing practice while gaining plenty of hands-on clinical training experience. This type of program can also prepare aspiring nurses to work in varied healthcare environments, ranging from hospitals and clinics to hospice centers, pediatric wings, and more.Get Licensed as a Registered Nurse (RN)
Once you have your BSN, you'll be prepared to take your NCLEX-RN examination. Passing this exam is required to become a registered nurse, which is also a requirement for working as an FNP. This test is composed of anywhere from 85 to 150 questions and designed to test you on your critical thinking skills and clinical judgment. Once you have passed your NCLEX-RN examination, you may need to meet additional state requirements before you can apply for your license. For example, in Nebraska, you must submit to a criminal background check, pay an application fee, and provide additional documentation (including proof of your passing NCLEX score) before you can earn your license. Keep in mind that your RN license may also need to be renewed every few years.Gain Experience as a Registered Nurse
After you're licensed as a registered nurse, you can continue gaining valuable experience in the field. Many RNs will work while they pursue their advanced degrees (more on that in the next section), which allows them to both continue earning an income as well as gain hands-on clinical experience that may be applicable to their future work as an FNP. Registered nurses can find work in a wide range of settings, from hospitals and physicians' offices to nursing care facilities and schools. Not to mention, with the right credentials, finding work as an RN is typically not a major challenge. According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the job outlook for registered nurses is expected to grow by 6% between 2023 and 2033 alone — faster than the national average for all occupations.Enroll in a Graduate Nursing Program
After you have some nursing experience under your belt, the next step toward becoming an FNP is to enroll in a graduate nursing program. Specifically, a BSN to DNP program can help you gain the practical skills and foundational knowledge necessary to take your nursing career to the next level in as little as 36 months. This program not only covers the essentials that aspiring FNPs need to succeed in their careers but also includes the completion of a scholarly project that allows students to directly research and address an important practice issue of their choice. This — combined with guidance on developing, implementing, assessing, and advancing new practice approaches for healthcare delivery — helps nurses prepare to make a real difference through their work.Obtain FNP Certification
A BSN to FNP program also helps students prepare to sit for their certification exams. There are two examinations offered: the ANCC Family Nurse Practitioner exam through the ANCC and the Family Nurse Practitioner exam offered through the AANP. Both exams are similar in structure and the topics covered, though it is worth noting that the ANCC does tend to have a higher pass rate. In 2023, for example, 85% of people who took the ANCC FNP exam received passing scores. No matter which exam you take, you'll be prepared to obtain your formal FNP certification with a passing score. However, where you obtain your certification will depend on which exam you took. You will apply for your certification by submitting your exam scores and proof of degree completion to either the ANCC or the AANP.Obtain State Licensure as an FNP
After you're officially certified as an FNP, the final step is to get licensed as an FNP in the state where you will be working. Each state sets and enforces its own requirements regarding FNP licensing, so you'll need to research and understand what to expect in your own state. In Nebraska, however, all applicants for an FNP license must submit to a criminal background check, provide official transcripts, and show proof of current FNP certification and active RN license. In addition, applicants are responsible for submitting fingerprints to the Nebraska State Patrol. Along with a formal application, additional fees (including application fees and background check fees) may also need to be submitted. Once your application is processed and there are no discrepancies or issues, you will be formally licensed as an FNP in the state. From there, you can begin practicing in your field.Engage in Continuing Education and Professional Development
Your FNP license and certification must be renewed every so often, and you will need to provide proof of continuing education and professional development as a stipulation of renewal. Fortunately, there are plenty of opportunities to gain continuing education credits as an FNP. For instance, you might consider attending an industry conference, workshop, or other special event. Some FNPs may also choose to sharpen their skills further with specialized courses in pediatric care, geriatric care, or any other area of the field that interests them. Regardless, engaging in continuing education and professional development is critical in this line of work. The nursing field never stays stagnant for long, and new advancements and innovations are always just around the corner. Staying up to date on these changes and advancements empowers FNPs to continue providing the best care to their patients.Explore FNP Programs at Nebraska Methodist College
Working as a family nurse practitioner can be highly rewarding — and the path to becoming one may be shorter than you think. At Nebraska Methodist College, we offer the nursing programs you need to kickstart your career, including a bachelor's in nursing (BSN) and a BSN to DNP program that serves as a terminal degree in the nursing field. Plus, our BSN to DNP program is offered in a blend of both synchronous and asynchronous classes to accommodate your busy schedule and can be completed in as little as 36 months. Learn more about our nursing programs at Nebraska Methodist College by getting in touch today, or get the ball rolling by completing your online application.
