The nursing profession faces a critical shortage across the U.S., and Texas is no exception. According to Texas Health and Human Services, the state will see a 38.8% increase in the demand for nurses by 2032, resulting in a deficit of 57,012 nursing professionals.
This need mirrors the nationwide demand for nurses, with an anticipated need for 29,200 advanced practitioner registered nurses (APRNs) through 2032, as the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) reports. However, despite this pressing need, the supply of nurses is also growing, with the APRN workforce projected to increase by 38% through 2032.
In this context, family nurse practitioners (FNPs) are crucial in addressing the healthcare demands in Texas and beyond. The role of the FNP is expanding, including acute care, population care and rural healthcare, as the need to provide quality care to underserved areas continues to grow. An FNP degree program, such as the online Master of Science in Nursing MSN) – Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) offered by the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor (UMHB), prepares registered nurses (RNs) to take on advanced practice roles.
What Is a Family Nurse Practitioner?
An FNP is a type of APRN who provides a comprehensive range of family-focused healthcare services to patients of all ages, including infants, adolescents, adults and seniors. Family nurse practitioners diagnose and treat illnesses, perform physical exams, order and interpret diagnostic tests and prescribe medications.
They also focus on health promotion, disease prevention and health education, making them essential providers in various healthcare settings. FNPs have the ability to be key players in offering continuous, holistic care that improves patient outcomes and addresses healthcare gaps.
What Is an FNP Degree?
Graduate-level programs, such as the one offered online by UMHB, combine rigorous academic coursework with extensive clinical training, ensuring students acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to excel as FNPs. The curriculum typically covers advanced health assessment, pathophysiology, pharmacology and primary care across the lifespan. Additionally, FNP students engage in clinical rotations that provide hands-on experience in diverse healthcare settings.
Importance of FNPs in Addressing the National and Texas Nursing Shortages
The role of FNPs is particularly significant considering the national nursing shortage. As primary care providers, FNPs can help alleviate the burden on the healthcare system by increasing access to care. Furthermore, FNPs often serve as a critical link between patients and the healthcare system, fostering continuity of care and building long-term patient-provider relationships.
Texas is ranked third among states that employ the highest number of nurse practitioners, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Despite this, the state still faces a significant nursing shortage. The projected demand for nurses in Texas underscores the need for well-trained FNPs who can provide essential healthcare services. UMHB’s online MSN FNP program meets this demand by preparing graduates to deliver high-quality care and address the state’s healthcare challenges.
Despite the AACN report that the supply of nursing professionals should expand by over a third through 2032, more FNPs are needed to meet underserved areas in Texas. According to the Texas Observer, in 2018, the state had “54 primary care physicians per 100,000 people — one of the lowest ratios in the country, far below the national ratio of 76 per 100,000.” In addition, a map from the Texas Observer indicates that over 30 counties did not have a single primary care physician option, forcing “many of Texas’ rural residents to [travel] hours for care.”
How UMHB’s Online MSN FNP Program Prepares Graduates
The online MSN FNP program at UMHB offers aspiring FNPs a flexible and comprehensive educational experience. The program accommodates the schedules of working nurses, allowing them to balance their professional and personal responsibilities while pursuing advanced education. The curriculum provides students with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills required to excel in the FNP role.
One of the main strengths of UMHB’s program is its emphasis on clinical practice. Students complete a series of clinical rotations under the supervision of experienced preceptors, gaining hands-on experience in a variety of healthcare settings. This practical training is crucial for developing the competencies to provide high-quality care to diverse patient populations.
Upon completing the program, graduates can sit for the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) FNP certification exams. Passing these certification exams is critical for FNPs, as it validates their expertise and qualifies them to practice independently.
Ensuring Access to Care for All
The demand for nursing professionals in Texas is projected to grow significantly in the coming years, and FNPs are poised to play a vital role in meeting this need. UMHB’s online MSN FNP program offers a robust and flexible pathway for RNs to advance their careers and contribute to the healthcare system.
In providing comprehensive education and extensive clinical training, UMHB prepares graduates to deliver high-quality care and address the healthcare challenges facing Texas and the nation. The FNP’s role is increasingly important in ensuring access to quality care and improving patient outcomes. Even during a nursing shortage, advanced practice registered nurses lead the way in healthcare.
Learn more about UMHB’s online Master of Science in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner program.