Changes in the intricacy of health care and a reduction in the number of primary care physicians have increased demand for family nurse practitioners. The professionals assist patients in dealing with severe and unremitting diseases. They examine patients physically and run diagnostic procedures and tests. Family nurse practitioners treat individual patients from infancy to maturity. Therefore, they have an accurate record of the patient’s health condition and can quickly manage them. Besides, they assist patients to understand their health conditions and take essential steps to facilitate recuperation. Today, the function of the family nurse practitioner has become dominant. Over 50% of registered nurses serve as family nurse practitioners (Auerbach, 2012). It underlines why many people are enrolling for masters of science in nursing and specializing in family nurse practitioners.
Purpose of Pursuing a Masters of Science in Nursing
The masters of science in nursing equips health care providers with skills to offer direct patient care. The purpose of pursuing this degree is to advance my clinical knowledge. It will go a long way towards ensuring that I can deal with different varieties of the population, and offer comprehensive services. Many nurses value professional autonomy. With a degree in masters of science in nursing, I can operate with limited supervision. Undertaking a degree in masters of science in nursing will allow me to further my studies. The degree is one of the prerequisites to studying a doctorate in nursing, facilitating the realization of professional autonomy.
The growth of the American population, coupled with an increase in the number of age, will result in high demand for primary care. Additionally, the implementation of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) has led to an increase in the number of patients who can afford primary care. The increase in demand for health care services comes when the United States experiences a shortage of primary care practitioners (Auerbach, 2012). Thus, the purpose of pursuing a master’s of science in nursing and specializing in the field of the family nurse practitioner is to help in meeting the present demand. Over 35 million Americans who reside in regions designated as health professional shortage areas (HPSAs) do not access sufficient primary care services (Pasaron, 2013).
Consequently, the purpose of pursuing this course is to ensure that individuals residing in such areas receive nursing services. Family nurse practitioners offer a collection of services that comprise health education, preventive care, and severe and unremitting conditions. Increasing the number of family practitioners in the country would ensure that all people have access to these critical services. Thus, the purpose of pursuing a master’s of science in nursing (family nurse practitioner degree) is to help alleviate the shortage of primary care personnel.
Career Goals
One of the aims of pursuing a master of science in nursing is to increase my financial benefits. The degree will allow me to get a well-paying job. Moreover, I will be in a position to get funding to pursue a doctorate in nursing. Apart from financial benefits, the degree will enhance my relationship with other health care professionals (Poronsky, 2013). I have always wanted to work in an environment where I can freely interact with physicians and operate with a degree of freedom.
My aim is to ensure that all people have access to quality health care. Experience in nursing has taught me that communication and education are paramount in health promotion. Thus, I intend to help the public through education and holistic care. As a family nurse practitioner, my goal will be to ensure that people do not end up in hospitals due to avoidable diseases. As a family nurse practitioner, I will efficiently communicate, diagnose, examine, and offer individualized services to patients based on their health conditions.
Pursuing a master degree will help me to realize the dream of helping the local population. My career goal is to serve as a family nurse practitioner in a modern facility that deals with patients of all ages. I specifically look forward to helping people who have limited access to quality health care. I hail from a family of doctors and nurses. One may argue that I have an inherent passion for becoming a family nurse practitioner. Having been brought up in a family that comprises physicians and nurses, I have learned the critical role that physicians and nurses play in promoting health.
After graduation, I envision myself working in a family-centered care facility assisting patients of all ages. I figure myself helping families and communities vulnerable to diseases due to lack of health education and access to health care. I will aid to educate, diagnose, and offer personalized care to the disadvantaged members of society. I hope to reach a diverse population and create public awareness of how people can take to ward off preventable diseases. I am convinced that pursuing a master of science in nursing (family nurse practitioner) will help me realize my dreams and serve as a dexterous nurse.
References
Auerbach, D. (2012). Will the NP workforce grow in the future? New forecasts and implications for healthcare. Medical Care, 50 (7), 606-610.
Pasaron, R. (2013). Nurse practitioner job satisfaction: Looking for successful outcomes. Journal of Clinical Nursing, 22(18), 2593-2604.
Poronsky, C. (2013). Exploring the transition from registered nurse to family nurse practitioner. Journal of Professional Nursing, 29(6), 350-358.