Family nurse practitioners (FNP) are advanced practice nurses who have undergone extensive schooling to earn a graduate degree. This allows them to practice independently, serving populations that ordinarily might not have easy access to healthcare. Many rural and urban care settings have difficulty attracting physicians to work there, which leaves clinics understaffed and unable to provide adequate care for their patients. This is why FNPs provide such a valuable service; they are able to work independently and are often willing to work with such vulnerable populations.
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To practice as a FNP, one must earn a graduate degree, usually a Master of Science in Nursing with a specialization of Family Nurse Practitioner. There are many schools across the United States that offer these degree programs, which usually take between two and three years to complete. Extensive clinical training is an important part of the training process, as this is what gives the FNP her clinical knowledge and skills.
In general, FNPs work with all age groups, from pediatrics through the elderly. They manage basic physical exams and common complaints and can even work in the acute care setting such as hospital emergency rooms and clinics. Family nurse practitioners are able to:
- Perform a full history interview and physical exam
- Order additional diagnostic testing
- Form a diagnosis
- Create a treatment plan or refer the patient to a specialist
- Manage both acute and chronic medical conditions
- Prescribe medications
- Provide patient teaching
Despite being nationally board certified, an FNP’s scope of practice is largely determined by the state in which licensure was obtained.
While there is no specific professional organization for FNPs, both the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners and the American College of Nurse Practitioners represent all types of Nurse Practitioners, including FNPs. They provide guidance and support for all practicing NPs. Check out their websites and click here for additional information.
