Family Nurse Practitioner
FNP: The Flexible NP Concentration
As a nurse, becoming a family nurse practitioner (FNP) is an exciting and rewarding career choice. FNPs are uniquely positioned to provide comprehensive healthcare services to patients of all ages, making it a diverse and dynamic profession. FNPs are like the Swiss Army knife of healthcare—they can diagnose and treat various illnesses and injuries, provide preventative care, and offer health education for patients of all ages.
But that’s not all, one of the most fulfilling aspects of working as an FNP is the opportunity to build strong, long-term relationships with patients and their families. Acting as their primary care provider means you’ll get to know your patients on a deeper level, taking into account their medical history, lifestyle habits, and overall health needs to provide personalized care that meets their unique needs.
Another benefit of working as an FNP is the autonomy it provides. Unlike other nursing roles, FNPs can diagnose and treat patients without the need for physician oversight. This level of independence allows FNPs to make important medical decisions and develop treatment plans tailored to each patient’s needs.
Created for the Working Professional
It's Time to PowerForward
Any Age Patient // Any Care Setting
FNPs enjoy flexibility in who and where they treat patients and the career paths they choose.
Only 5 In-Person Weekend Skills Labs
Simulate real-world scenarios in our intensive, skill-building labs at our state-of-the-art facility in Oak Brook.
Clinical Placement Assistance
Leverage your existing network or work with us to find the proper clinical placement—our valued partners are vital to the Oak Point community.
Faculty Mentors
Individualized academic and career guidance.
Working as an FNP is an incredibly rewarding career choice for nurses passionate about providing high-quality healthcare services to patients and their families and can have a profound and lasting impact on the lives of your patients. If you’re looking for a nursing role that provides flexibility, autonomy, and the opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of others, becoming an FNP might be the perfect fit for you
Why PowerForward with Oak Point
Hear why alum Vanessa Przybla’s powers forward through the hard days to make a difference in someone’s life, as a nurse did for her.
Vanessa Przybyla, MSN, FNP-BC
Family Nurse Practitioner
2022 Calling All #BadassNurses Finalist
Oak Point University Alum
MSN-FNP 2014, BSN 2008
(Resurrection University and West Suburban College of Nursing chapters)
Our Program
Getting Your Family NP at Oak Point
The MSN option is designed for the student who has:
- a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and
- an active RN license.
The curriculum comprised of:
- 48 credit hours, including
- 670 clinical hours.
Curriculum
View the core, clinical core, and specialty courses that will prepare to be a critical care partner for those who need it most and set you up for success in taking your certification exam.
Core Courses
NRG 5000 // Theoretical Foundations of Nursing Practice // 3 Credit Hours
NRG 5002 // Health Care Delivery // 3 Credit Hours
NRG 5005 // Evidence-Based Practice for the Advanced Nursing Role // 3 Credit Hours
NRG 5910 // Leadership Roles in Healthcare Organizations // 2 Credit Hours
Clinical Core Courses
NRG 5101 // Advanced Health & Physical Assessment // 3 Credit Hours
NRG 5102 // Advanced Pathophysiology // 3 Credit Hours
NRG 5103 // Advanced Pharmacology // 3 Credit Hours
NRG 5105 // Advanced Health & Physical Assessment Lab with APN Skills // 2 Credit Hours
Specialty Courses
NRG5704 // APN Management of Women’s Health. // 3 Credit Hours
NRG5704R // APN Management of Women’s Health Residency (120 hrs.) // 2 Credit Hours
NRG5705 // APN Management of Pediatric & Adolescent Health // 3 Credit Hours
NRG5705R // APN Management of Ped. & Adolescent Health Residency (120 hrs.) // 2 Credit Hours
NRG5709 // APN Management of Adult Health // 6 Credit Hours
NRG5709R // APN Management of Adult Health Residency (180 hrs.) // 3 Credit Hours
NRG5710 // APN Role Transition // 3 Credit Hours
NRG5720 // Intensive APN Residency (250 hrs.) // 4 Credit Hours
Ideal Candidates Are:
Created for Today's Healthcare Heroes
A good FNP is passionate about healthcare and helping others, has strong interpersonal skills, and is committed to ongoing learning and professional development.
Good Communicator
Ability to listen actively, ask questions, and explain complex medical information in a way that patients and families can understand.
Compassionate
Ability to empathize and build strong relationships with their patients
Continuous Learners
Commitment to staying up-to-date on the latest research and best practices to provide the best possible care for their patients
Culturally Competent
Understands and respects diverse patient populations’ unique needs and values.
Your Career as an FNP
Roles + Responsibilities
Family Nurse Practitioners have a broad scope of practice and can diagnose and treat various acute and chronic medical conditions, order and interpret diagnostic tests, prescribe medications, and provide health education and counseling.
Some of the specific job roles and responsibilities of FNPs may include the following:
- Conducting patient assessments: FNPs perform physical examinations, review medical histories, and assess patients’ health status to develop diagnoses and treatment plans.
- Providing preventive care: FNPs help patients maintain their overall health and prevent illnesses through routine check-ups, immunizations, and health screenings.
- Diagnosing and treating medical conditions: FNPs diagnose and treat various acute and chronic medical conditions such as respiratory infections, diabetes, hypertension, and asthma.
- Prescribing medications: FNPs are authorized to prescribe medications, including antibiotics, pain medications, and medications for chronic conditions.
- Ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests: FNPs may order and interpret laboratory tests, imaging studies, and other diagnostic tests to assist with patient diagnoses.
- Providing patient education and counseling: FNPs educate patients and their families on disease prevention, healthy lifestyle choices, and self-care.
- Collaborating with other healthcare providers: FNPs work closely with other healthcare providers, including physicians, nurses, and pharmacists, to provide comprehensive patient care.
Overall, FNPs play a critical role in providing primary healthcare to patients across the lifespan, and their responsibilities may vary depending on their specific job settings and patient populations.
