Job Prospects for FNP

kakamegamama · Nov 19, 2015

My experience is mixed. I work with an awesome physician who is the director of a clinic, staffed by NPs, no PAs. I suspect, that if they truly "trust PAs more than NPs" the first word in "PA" has a lot to do with it. The NP approaches health care delivery differently than a PA does, most of the time--think proactive vs. after the fact, health education along with treatment plans, etc.

Karamia0x · Nov 19, 2015

My boyfriend is an ER physician and does not want me to become an NP. I think it's a little crazy and judgement all of him to not think NP would do just as good of a job

TheNGTKingRN · Nov 19, 2015

My boyfriend is an ER physician and does not want me to become an NP. I think it's a little crazy and judgement all of him to not think NP would do just as good of a job

That is judgemental. You should explain to your boyfriend why NP matters to you and why you believe it is in your best interest. Remember that boyfriends may come and go, and it may be something you don't want to hear but it is true. Remember your career, credentials, and title is yours and no one can take that away from you (unless you commit something to deem you incapable or unsafe).

Alikatz08 · Nov 20, 2015

My boyfriend is an ER physician and does not want me to become an NP. I think it's a little crazy and judgement all of him to not think NP would do just as good of a job

This definitely sounds like jealously to me and that is entirely unfair. You do what makes you happy. I'll be blunt, no one should be discouraging you to go into a career that you feel passionate about! I don't know him or your relationship, that is your business, but I assume either he isn't okay with you advancing in your career to become an NP and working alongside him as a physician (figuratively speaking of course) or being more independent in your field, lack of understanding of what an NP is all about, bad experiences with them, or some other issue. I personally wouldn't stand for someone being so unsupportive or negative about what I want to pursue.

I know several great family practice doctors who only have NPs in their office as well and LOVE them!

sailornurse · Nov 20, 2015

Are any of you guys worried about how easy it is to get an online MSN with an FNP concentration

What exactly do you mean "how easy it is", Are you saying an MSN/FNP is easy to earn? (not get)?

If that is what you mean, please explain.

Karamia0x · Nov 20, 2015

I guess that's not what I mean. Earning an MSN just seems like it would be easier to do now that you don't have to go to campus, so it's available to more people. Which is a good thing. I guess I am asking about job competition because it seems like there are a lot of MSN-FNP programs available that will be turning out a lot of graduates, so I am worried about the saturation of the job market. I'm not saying that anyone with a BSN can just go do it and I know it takes a lot of work, I am just saying that now with online programs it will be more accessible to people. I don't mean to belittle such an advanced degree.

lhflanurseNP, APRN · Nov 22, 2015

I think it depends on the physician. It is easy for them to associate with the PA model...they wrote it! It is an extension of themselves. Many physicians find it hard to see the actual role of the NP...they still consider it as a "nursing role". In my area, 99% of the NPs work FOR a physician. There is a lot of prejudice and ignorance regarding the role of an NP as a primary care provider. As many of the "specialists" are coming to realize, I am getting less resistance now then when I first started. For physicians, hiring a PA or NP affords them the opportunity to bill insurance and get paid while not having to see the patient after the initial contact unless there is a new problem. As more and more states offer full autonomy for NPs, I feel this will diminish unless the NP does not want to "go it alone".

Goldenfox · Nov 22, 2015

I think it depends on the physician. It is easy for them to associate with the PA model...they wrote it! It is an extension of themselves. Many physicians find it hard to see the actual role of the NP...they still consider it as a "nursing role". In my area, 99% of the NPs work FOR a physician. There is a lot of prejudice and ignorance regarding the role of an NP as a primary care provider. As many of the "specialists" are coming to realize, I am getting less resistance now then when I first started. For physicians, hiring a PA or NP affords them the opportunity to bill insurance and get paid while not having to see the patient after the initial contact unless there is a new problem. As more and more states offer full autonomy for NPs, I feel this will diminish unless the NP does not want to "go it alone".

I agree with this. Its the culture of the health care system itself, whereas, nurses---in any role---aren't as respected as they should be. But I've seen plenty of anecdotal evidence that encourages me to believe that this has changed significantly for NPs in many areas, and that it is continuing to change for the better. In fact, I believe that the NP vs PA thing matters a whole lot less to the hiring physicians, acute care facilities, etc than some people think. If you randomly scroll through pretty much any of the job boards out there you're going to find that the great majority of the positions are advertising for an NP or a PA.

JenMacBSN · Nov 26, 2015

I presently work at Walter Reed as a RN, and I expect to start a BSN to DNP program in Jan. The majority of healthcare positions in federal facilities such as military treatment facilities, the VA, and NIH advertise positions on USA Jobs. 99% of the provider positions in my area are for NPs. In my personal experience as a patient I prefer NPs because of their holistic approach. They never lost their touch as a nurse.

sailornurse · Nov 26, 2015

Read OPs other post, has yet to start on getting her RN or BSN or A-BSN so not sure if we need to discuss NP unless she wants to talk about MSN entry level RN programs when she figures out how to pay for school.