What Does a Family Nurse Practitioner Do? FNP Complete Job Description and Daily Responsibilities

A growing shortage of primary care physicians is leading to an increased reliance on Family Nurse Practitioners (FNPs) to deliver healthcare, which is an attractive career path for nurses who have already completed their Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. Nurses who want to contribute to excellence in healthcare by providing quality, evidence-based and holistic primary care to diverse communities can achieve that goal through programs like the online MSN Family Nurse Practitioner Track (MSN FNP) program from Campbellsville University (CU).

FNPs help bridge the gap between nursing and medicine by serving as primary healthcare providers. They enjoy a great deal of autonomy in healthcare, possessing decision-making authority and the ability to prescribe medications and create treatment plans for patients of all ages. The flexibility of CU’s online program enables nurses to maintain a work-life balance while gaining career-advancing credentials.

What Does a Family Nurse Practitioner Do?

An FNP is an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) who provides family-focused healthcare services to patients across the lifespan, from infants to seniors. The role of an FNP is critical in addressing healthcare disparities and promoting preventive care.

The American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) describes the role of an FNP as having a broad scope of practice, which includes a variety of activities that fall under primary care. In addition to maintaining patient records, performing physical exams and ordering or performing diagnostic tests, an FNP can prescribe medications, develop treatment plans and treat acute and chronic illnesses, conditions and injuries. The typical responsibilities of an FNP include:

• Patient Assessment and Diagnosis: Performing physical exams and documenting patient histories
• Treatment Planning: Prescribing medications, therapies and lifestyle modifications
• Patient Education: Helping patients understand disease prevention, healthy lifestyle choices and how to manage chronic conditions
• Preventive Care: Conducting routine check-ups and screenings and administering vaccinations
• Coordination of Care: Working with other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive care
• Health Promotion: Promoting public health through wellness programs and community health initiatives

Where Do FNPs Work?

FNPs work in a variety of settings including hospitals, clinics, private practices and community health centers. In 28 states and Washington, D.C., FNPs can practice independently without physician supervision. Some states require FNPs to collaborate with a physician when performing certain tasks, like prescribing medications.

A few states require FNPs to work directly under physician supervision or have a formal agreement outlining their scope of practice and the limitations of their autonomy. Many smaller communities or rural communities are especially underserved by physicians. These locations offer FNPs an opportunity to make a meaningful impact by serving as primary healthcare providers.

Nurse Practitioner Subspecialties and Certifications

FNPs can specialize in several areas including psychiatric/mental health, neonatal health, orthopedics, cardiology, dermatology, pain management, diabetes management and holistic healthcare. They may also obtain certifications in medical subspecialties such as:

• Emergency Care (ENP): Manages patients in emergency departments, ERs or urgent care clinics
• Pediatric Primary Care (PNP): Focuses on child-specific health issues
• Adult-Gerontology Primary Care (AGPCNP): Cares for aging populations with complex needs
• Women’s Health (WHNP): Focuses on reproductive health, prenatal and postpartum care and gynecological services
• Oncology (AOCNP): Provides care to cancer patients including chemotherapy management and symptom control

Job Outlook for FNPs

AANP lists the top clinical focus areas for FNPs as family, primary care and urgent care. The median annual salary for nurse practitioners in the U.S. was $132,050 in 2024, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). BLS also projects a 40% job growth rate in the field between 2023 and 2033.

Since demand for nurse practitioners is high, FNPs enjoy a greater level of job security and the freedom to choose where they want to practice and how they want to specialize. This combination of greater autonomy, higher salaries and high demand, making it an attractive career path for those dedicated to patient care.

The Path to Becoming an FNP

The first requirement for becoming an FNP is to obtain a BSN. Students must then pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) to become licensed as a registered nurse. Clinical experience is crucial. On average, FNPs have about 10 years of nursing experience. A Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) provides the advanced education required to become an FNP. Upon completion of an MSN or Doctor of Nursing Practice degree, FNPs must obtain national certification and state licensure in the state where they plan to practice.

The MSN FNP degree program from Campbellsville University equips nurses with the knowledge and skills needed to pursue national certification and become a board-certified family nurse practitioner. The university’s 2024 graduates achieved a 100% pass rate on the NCLEX exam, preparing them to become confident, independent practitioners. By earning this degree, nurses position themselves to make a meaningful impact while enjoying greater autonomy, competitive salaries and the professional satisfaction of serving as trusted primary care providers across the entire lifespan.

Learn more about Campbellsville University‘s online MSN FNP program.