Of the many different career paths available to pursue in the nursing discipline, the licensed primary care nurse practitioner career path provides a unique perspective and focus for nurses interested in taking on new and rewarding challenges. Centered around the primary care of patients across the healthcare spectrum, primary care nurse practitioners have the opportunity to foster meaningful connections with their patients as they’re guided through the many stages of their health journey. The licensed primary care nurse practitioner career path is a great way for nursing professionals to grow into a rewarding Advanced Practice Registered Nurse career.
Explore these four questions when considering whether the career is a good fit.
Is the Career Path Right For Me?
A licensed primary care nurse practitioner career offers a unique pathway for registered nurses interested in becoming Advanced Practice Registered Nurses. The career can open doors to new and exciting opportunities in patient care- building from the distinct skills and competencies developed, practiced, and applied by registered nurses. Find some common job responsibilities, expectations, and facts for the licensed primary care nurse practitioner career path:
- Licensed primary care nurse practitioners work closely with patients in a primary care setting to help identify, diagnose, treat, and prevent diseases.
- There are multiple certification areas to consider. Primary care practitioners can enter family, psychiatric, gerontology, or neonatal care. The most common specialty for NPs entering the field is Adult-Gerontology, which offers the most diverse opportunities.
- In many cases, NPs share many but not all of the same privileges as a physician, with the key difference being the scope of their practice and the education/certification level.
- Licensed primary care nurse practitioners can work in multiple healthcare settings – including primary care offices, community clinics, long-term care facilities, and hospice centers. While some can work in hospitals, it does require additional certifications and permissions. Currently, Less than half of all AGNPs with a primary care specialization work in a hospital setting.
- Earning a Master of Science in Nursing – a requirement for advanced practice nursing care – opens new doors for nurses to consider. With an MSN, nurses can pursue a Doctor of Nursing Practice or additional certifications to enhance their practice area.
The University of Providence’s Master of Science in Nursing, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Concentration prepares currently licensed registered nurses with the foundational knowledge, clinical experience, and evidence-based practice competencies needed to succeed as a licensed primary care nurse practitioner. Learn more about UP’s concentration, including key outcomes, skills, curriculum, and more on the AGPCNP concentration webpage.
What Does Returning To Nursing School Look Like?
Returning to nursing school can be difficult – especially for those who must balance multiple commitments while completing required courses and practicum hours. When considering whether to return to school, it is important to consider the impact that returning to school will have on current and future home and work schedules. Fully researching and understanding what will be required and how long it will take are all key factors that should be considered. Here are some questions to research when considering an MSN degree:
- How long is the program, and what will be expected of me when completing it?
- What is the course delivery/will I have to complete any in-person practicum or clinical hours?
- Is the program accredited, and will the program prepare me for certification?
What Is The Certification Process?
Upon completion of a graduate nursing program, graduates go on to receive certification through a licensed certifying agency. There are two primary certifying agencies recent graduates of an AGPCNP program can pursue – the American Nursing Credential Center (ANCC) and the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) are common, reputable options for graduates. Passing either of these exams will certify skills and permit state-wide practice.
When considering a certifying board, it’s important to note the differences between these boards and certification. Those who pass the ANCC board will receive their APCNP-BC credential, while those who pass the AANP exam will receive their A-GNP certification.
The primary difference is that the ANCC issues a board certification, whereas the AANP issues a certification. Nursing Journal recommends those wishing to pursue a clinical career take the AANP certification over the ANCC certification, which primarily focuses on teaching and research.
What To Expect From UP’s Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Concentration?
The AGPCNP concentration at the University of Providence is ideal for nurses who wish to advance their careers. The concentration combines online, asynchronous courses with an in-person practicum to prepare nurses for a rewarding career in advanced-practice nursing. Graduates of the concentration will go on to serve as licensed primary care nurse practitioners in a variety of non-acute care settings. Graduates will open new and exciting career doors with the opportunity to advance learning with additional certifications or a DNP program.
