In the United States, over 60% of licensed nurse practitioners choose to specialize in family care due to various personal and professional reasons. Family nurse practitioners play a crucial role in providing accessible and cost-effective care for patients. There are three compelling reasons to consider becoming a nurse practitioner, which we will explore in what follows.

Increased caregiver autonomy is a significant advantage for those pursuing a career as a family nurse practitioner. In 21 states and the District of Columbia, nurse practitioners have "full practice" approval, granting them the ability to independently assess, diagnose, and prescribe medications. Studies have shown that nurse practitioners can handle 80-90% of primary care typically provided by physicians. This autonomy allows FNPs to set their own schedules and work independently or within healthcare institutions, offering flexibility and improving work-life balance for busy RNs.

Gaining career stability is another benefit of becoming a family nurse practitioner. The demand for FNPs has been consistently growing, with projections indicating the creation of over 200,000 nurse practitioner positions by 2026, representing a 36% job growth rate, which is higher than the national average. Additionally, an aging population and predicted primary care provider shortages further contribute to job security. The shortage of primary care physicians is expected to exceed 20,000 by 2020, and the number of primary care visits is projected to increase by 15-25 million visits per year. With their advanced practice skills and prescriptive privileges, FNPs can help address this shortage and find employment opportunities in various settings, including urgent care facilities, hospitals, and private practices.

Financial benefits are also a compelling factor in pursuing a career as a family nurse practitioner. Forbes has ranked nurse practitioners as one of the top-paying roles for women, and Monster.com ranks nurse practitioners among the best-paid jobs in the country. Nurse practitioners earn significantly higher salaries compared to registered nurses, with an approximate difference of $30,000 per year. In 2016, the average annual salary of nurse practitioners was reported to be $100,000, while RNs without an advanced nursing degree earned an average of $68,450 per year.

While there are numerous personal, professional, and financial benefits to becoming a family nurse practitioner, finding time to pursue an MSN-FNP degree can be challenging for full-time RNs. Carson-Newman University offers an online MSN-FNP program designed for working RNs. All courses are conducted 100% online, allowing students to balance their education with full-time work commitments. The program provides an intimate virtual learning environment, connecting students with fellow RNs nationwide. Experienced FNP and DNP faculty who are actively involved in nursing practice and their communities facilitate the program. By completing the MSN-FNP program, graduates become autonomous caregivers capable of providing care across the lifespan.