What Does an FNP Do? Roles, Workplaces, Salary & More in 2025
Family Nurse Practitioners (FNPs) are a cornerstone of primary healthcare in the U.S. They provide a broad range of services across the lifespan, from pediatric care to geriatric management. As advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), FNPs combine clinical expertise with a holistic, patient-centered approach to care.
In this article, we’ll cover:
What an FNP does
Where FNPs can work
Whether FNPs take call
Locum tenens opportunities
2025 salary expectations
What Is an FNP?
A Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) is an APRN who holds either a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree and is certified to provide family-focused primary care. FNPs are licensed to:
Diagnose illnesses
Perform physical exams
Order and interpret diagnostic tests
Prescribe medications
Provide preventive care and chronic disease management
They are trained to care for patients across all age groups, from infants to older adults.
What Does an FNP Do?
FNPs offer comprehensive care with a strong emphasis on prevention, education, and managing long-term conditions. Their typical responsibilities include:
1. Primary Care
Diagnose and treat acute illnesses (e.g., infections, injuries)
Manage chronic conditions (e.g., hypertension, diabetes, asthma)
Provide annual wellness visits and physical exams
2. Pediatric and Adolescent Care
Well-child checks
Immunizations
Developmental screenings and behavioral health evaluations
3. Women's Health Services
Pap smears, breast exams, contraception counseling
Prenatal and postpartum care (in some practices)
4. Geriatric Care
Manage complex health issues in older adults
Coordinate care for mobility, cognitive, and medication-related concerns
5. Preventive and Holistic Care
Promote lifestyle modifications
Counsel on nutrition, mental health, smoking cessation, and more
6. Procedures (Depending on Scope & Training)
Suturing minor wounds
Administering joint injections
Abscess drainage, wart treatment, etc.
Where Do FNPs Work?
Thanks to their broad training, FNPs work in a wide variety of clinical settings.
🔹 Primary Care Clinics
Private practices
Family medicine offices
Internal medicine clinics
🔹 Urgent Care Centers
Treat non-emergency, walk-in patients
Often involves evening and weekend shifts
🔹 Retail Clinics (e.g., CVS MinuteClinic, Walgreens)
Provide quick assessments and treatments
Great for FNPs seeking flexible hours
🔹 Community Health Centers & FQHCs
Serve underserved or rural populations
Offer comprehensive care to diverse patient groups
🔹 Schools & Colleges
Act as primary care providers for students and staff
Focus on wellness and early intervention
🔹 Telehealth Platforms
Remote diagnosis, medication management, and patient education
Growing demand for virtual FNPs
🔹 Occupational Health / Corporate Wellness
Provide care to employees in workplace settings
Includes injury prevention, screenings, and wellness programs
🔹Hospitals & Acute Care Settings
While Family Nurse Practitioners are traditionally associated with outpatient care, many FNPs also work in hospital and acute care environments, particularly in settings where acute care or adult-gerontology nurse practitioners are not required by state law or employer policy.
Hospital roles for FNPs may include:
Hospitalist teams (admitting, rounding, and managing inpatient care)
Observation units
Emergency departments (especially in rural or underserved hospitals)
Post-acute care and transitional care units
Internal medicine consult services
FNPs in these roles often collaborate with physicians, pharmacists, case managers, and specialists to coordinate complex inpatient care. Some institutions may require additional acute care training or certifications depending on the complexity of cases.
Note: Not all hospitals allow FNPs to manage acutely ill or hospitalized patients independently... this varies by state, facility, and whether the setting mandates an acute care NP certification.
Do FNPs Take Call?
In many settings, FNPs may be required to take call, though the frequency and type of call can vary widely.
When FNPs May Take Call:
Private practices or clinics: Rotate after-hours phone triage for patient questions or urgent issues
Urgent care or retail clinics: May cover evening or weekend call shifts
Rural or small group practices: Might provide backup care when collaborating physicians are unavailable
What FNP Call Can Include:
Telephone advice or medication questions
Arranging follow-up care
Deciding if a patient needs urgent or ER-level attention
Call is typically low-intensity and non-hospital based for most FNPs, but this depends on the employer and state scope-of-practice laws.
Locum Tenens Opportunities for FNPs
Locum tenens work is an increasingly popular option for Family Nurse Practitioners looking for flexibility and higher earnings. As a locum FNP, you’ll take short- or long-term assignments to fill temporary provider gaps.
Benefits of Locum Work for FNPs:
Higher hourly rates than traditional staff positions
Flexible scheduling with the ability to take time off between contracts
Work in diverse settings and geographic locations
Minimal administrative duties—focus more on patient care
Common Locum FNP Assignments:
Rural or underserved clinics
Urgent care centers
Seasonal population areas (e.g., resort towns)
Telehealth services
Locum opportunities are ideal for experienced FNPs who want to travel, supplement income, or avoid long-term commitments.
FNP Salary in 2025
FNPs enjoy solid earning potential, with salary varying by location, experience, and setting.
Average FNP Salary in 2025:
Entry-Level (0–2 yrs): $105,000 – $115,000/year
Mid-Career (3–10 yrs): $115,000 – $130,000/year
Experienced (10+ yrs): $130,000 – $145,000+/year
🔹 Highest Paying Work Settings:
Urgent care or specialty clinics
Locum/contract positions
Rural clinics (often with loan repayment incentives)
🔹 States with Higher FNP Pay:
California
New Jersey
Washington
New York
Texas
Many FNPs also receive:
Annual bonuses
Loan repayment (especially in underserved areas)
CME reimbursement
Full benefits and retirement plans
Final Thoughts
Family Nurse Practitioners are trusted providers who play a critical role in delivering accessible, high-quality primary care. With diverse clinical opportunities, flexible career options, and strong compensation, FNPs are well-positioned to lead the future of healthcare.
Whether you're an RN considering the FNP path or an employer seeking to hire one, understanding the scope, flexibility, and value of this role is key.
Want to become an FNP? We have a course to help prepare you for success with you applications and interviews. Check it out here!
Already in school to become an FNP? We also have courses to prepare you for clinical and boards, if you are interested.