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Response 1
I am pursuing my Master’s of Science in Nursing, specializing in Family Nurse Practitioner. The decision to select this specialty came without difficulty. There will be an estimated shortage of 55,000 primary care providers in the next ten years (Bennett, n.d.). An increasing number of rural states are granting nurse practitioners full practice authority to help with the growing demand (Ortiz et al., 2018). I feel the most effective means for making the most significant impact on our patient’s health is by health promotion, education, and early intervention. My nursing career has been entirely on inpatient medical/surgical units. A significant majority of the reasons for admission are preventable. I want to help my patients receive early diagnosis and treatments before hospitalization is required.
Another reason I chose to pursue my degree as a family nurse practitioner is due to the job market in my area. To practice as an APRN in one of the other specialties, one would need to relocate to one of the two closest cities, which are both two hours away from my home. A certified nurse practitioner has a much higher demand and offers more flexibility to fill the needs of my community.
The American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) is an excellent professional organization for future, active, and retired nurse practitioners. The mission of the AANP is to improve quality patient care and advance the profession through education, research, and leadership. (AANP, n.d.). To become a member of the AANP, one can go to the main website and select the membership tab on the top. This page will present the user with the various types of memberships with the fee and eligibility. Annual costs vary from $55 for students and retired NPs to $160 for non-NP associates (AANP, n.d.). This page will also present a link to list the numerous member benefits. 2 APA references
Response 2
The decision to go back to school for my master’s in nursing was a difficult one. I wish that I had more time as a registered nurse to develop my clinical skills and knowledge, but I also have a deep desire to learn more and be able to provide higher level of care to my patients. When I finally made the decision to go for my master’s degree in nursing, I easily decided to go with the Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) route. As mentioned, I want to provide higher level of care to my surrounding community, and I feel that becoming an FNP would give me a broad range of education and experience to care for and treat an entire family unit. According to the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (2021), an FNP has a broad scope of practice, but they also have the availability to obtain additional certifications in specialties such as pain, obesity management, and diabetes. I love the fact that I have options to continue my education after I have obtained my FNP license. This option is what is driving me into the direction of becoming an FNP.
Two professional organizations that I am interested in joining as I continue this journey are the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) and the Nurse Practitioner Associates for Continuing Education (NPACE). The AANP provides NPs with career support, continuing education, state advocacy, and relevant information on current health events (AANP Member Benefits, n.d.). An additional perk to becoming an AANP member is that NPs qualify for a $75 discount when filling out certification applications. To join the AANP, one fills out an application online and pays a fee.
NPACE is beneficial for an NP because it provides countless avenues for continuing education hours. As nurses, we understand the daunting task it can be to find exciting and educational experiences that will give us the required CE hours to keep our license active. NPACE is a place where NPs can track their CE certificates, enjoy diverse CE courses, receive networking opportunities, attend exhibitions, and have the chance to listen to renowned speakers (Nurse Practitioner Associates for Continuing Education, 2021). As a future NP, I want to affiliate with an association that assists me in my education and keeps me accountable to continue learning. To become a member of NPACE, one must make an account and then purchase the educational bundle they wish to participate in. 2 APA refrences
