Whether already an FNP or on the path, nursing professionals may find it useful to consider the pros and cons of starting their own practice. There are many elements to private practice nursing, but with the right insights, prospective students may discover it is a perfect fit.
If they are not yet FNPs, students must start with foundational coursework. A program like the Youngstown State University Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) – Family Nurse Practitioner online is an excellent way to level up nursing skills while actively employed. This program is suitable for those who already have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree.
What Is a Family Nurse Practitioner?
Family nurse practitioners or FNPs are advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) who care for patients of diverse ages and backgrounds, from infancy to advanced age. An FNP typically has a strong emphasis on disease prevention but can also provide a wide range of primary care. For example, FNPs can have their own patients and can prescribe medication. They can also run diagnostic tests and determine a course of treatment for their patients.
In order to reach this skill set, an FNP must complete advanced nursing education and pass a certification, which can vary by state. Once certified, FNPs can work in many different settings, thanks to their advanced expertise and autonomy. This means someone registered as an FNP can find jobs in community health centers, hospitals, outpatient clinics, schools, telemedicine, and, of course, in private practices. Furthermore, FNPs in the U.S. make an average salary of $104,000 annually according to PayScale.
Navigating FNP Private Practice
Private practice is one possible space for FNPs, but those who take that route must know what to expect. There are many positive reasons for starting a private practice. For example, in an interview with the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP), Entrepreneur AANP Community co-chair Erin Athey said that she started a private practice because she was not satisfied with the kind of care that she was forced to offer her patients: “I was inspired to set up a clinic that was very different than what I was used to practicing in.”
Though Athey is a proponent of starting a private practice, she warns that it does take time and those new to this side of the healthcare system should prepare themselves for the many steps involved in opening a practice of your own. She also suggests that new FNPs “get a couple of years of experience under your belt,” rather than jumping straight into starting a private practice, since the learning curve is “steep.”
Laurel Road offers a different perspective: Starting a private practice may address what many nurses define as “burnout” by offering personal freedom, autonomy, and even higher income. However, there are also cons to the private practice route: namely, those working in private practices receive less support while shouldering more responsibility and financial precarity, which may result in more stress in the long run.
Family Nurse Practitioner Degree
There are many factors to consider, both when it comes to pursuing a career as an FNP and building a private practice. It is important to research and find support for these decisions. That is something an online FNP degree program, like the MSN program at YSU, can provide. Whatever level of nursing students possess, MSN graduates leave prepared for the challenges of nursing, ready to learn on the job, and more knowledgeable about the various exciting career routes available with this advanced level of training.
Learn more about Youngstown State University’s online MSN FNP program.
