Introduction A family nurse practitioner (FNP) is an advanced practice nurse who has completed 500 clinical hours.

Must be an RN, have two years of clinical experience and obtain a BSN.

An FNP assists with all aspects of patient care, including diagnosis, treatments and consultations.

Performs physical exams and some may prescribe medications.

"Health Policy Brief: Nurse Practitioners and Primary Care," Health Affairs, October 25, 2012.http://www.healthaffairs.org/healthpolicybriefs/

Continued

Educate patients about preventative care and prescribed treatments.

Conducts physicals, orders tests and serves as a patient’s primary healthcare provider.

Functions and responsibilities of all nurse practitioners, will vary by specialty.

Specialties: primary care, pediatrics, geriatrics, oncology and psychiatric.

History and role of the FNP

The role of FNP was developed in the early 1960s.

Health care transformations and weakening numbers of primary care physicians are rapidly changing the demand for FNP.

The FNPs role offers a wide scope of services to patients including: acute setting, preventative care, and community setting.

History and role of the FNP continued

The FNPs role crosses the life span.

FNPs are gaining autonomy however; some states require that they work under the supervision of a physician.

FNPs are able to operate their own private practices.

Scope of FNPs

The FNP scope of practice includes blending nursing and medical services for individuals, families and groups.

FNPs diagnose, manage acute and chronic conditions and emphasize health promotion and disease prevention.

FNP are registered nurses who have advanced training. With the exception of surgery.

Scope of FNPs continued

FNP’s provide excellent patient-centered approach to their care.

FNP’s are able to collaborate with other healthcare providers to help patient health.

Patient overload and the shortage of Physicians has increased the demand for FNPs.

MSN FNP track provides the foundation and support nurses need as they prepare to expand their nursing practice.

FNPs provide healthcare to family and the community.

FNP provides comprehensive primary healthcare services throughout the life span.

FNPs provide services for the acute setting, preventative health, education and disease management.

FNPs are important in providing healthcare to underserved in all settings.

FNP will use expert communication skills to provide care in outpatient and inpatient setting.

FNP will collaborate on treatment plans, consult on labs and testing, results, and diagnosis with team.

FNP will plan patient care, deliver expert nursing service using evidence-based practice, and manage the patient on the entire spectrum.

FNP is able to provide disease prevention education in all settings including, community health.

FNP will provide nursing interventions in healthcare to achieve optimum outcomes.

Essential VII: Interprofessional Collaboration for Improving Patient and Population Health Outcomes.

FNP will communicate using the interdisciplinary approach for positive patient outcomes.

FNP will provide care while collaborating with the team.

FNP will build relationships with all health care providers involved in the patient’s care.

Essential VIII: Clinical Prevention and Population Health for Improving Health.

 FNP will participate in all facets of a patient’s health status, including his or her physical, social, psychological, and spiritual dimensions.

FNP will communicate clearly with patient and family members for best outcomes.

FNP will utilize evidence-based clinical prevention to improve healthcare decisions.

Essential IX: Master’s-Level Nursing PracticeNursing practice interventions include both direct and indirect care components.

FNP will achieve master’s level education and continue to advance in area of clinical expertise.

FNP will provide the patient care such as diagnosis and treatments by her advanced medical knowledge.

FNP will provide direct patient care within the requirements of the state of residency.

The master’s-prepared nurse is expected to mentor and coach both new and experienced nurses and other members of the healthcare team (Pawlak 2013).

The nurse must have care management knowledge and skills in care delivery models, designing continuum of care options for patients and aggregates while considering literacy levels and cultural influences (Pawlak 2013).

The master’s-prepared nurse will achieve certification and expectations of understanding in managing the care of individuals, organizations and community (Bell ).

Advanced nursing practice also incorporates clinical and professional leadership, collaboration, ethical decision-making, expert coaching and guidance, consultation, and research skills (Jackson-Allen 2008).

Conclusion

FNPs communicate, collaborate, consult and provide leadership with the multidisciplinary team.

The demand is severe for FNPs due to lowering numbers of Physicians.

Studies found that nurse practitioners do better than physicians on measures related to patient follow up; time spent in consultations; and provision of screening, assessment, and counseling services (Cassidy 2013).

FNP has several specialties that will keep it interesting and allow for a choice to experience various areas if you choose.

Conclusion ContinuedThe FNP is an advanced practice nurse who takes responsibility for providing primary care to people of all life spans.

FNPs duties include direct patient care of the inpatient and outpatient client.

FNPs can work independently.

FNPs in some states are allowed to prescribe medications, complete physical exams and provide medical treatment.

ReferencesJackson-Allen, P., Fennie, K., & Jalkut, M. (2008). Employment characteristics and role functions of recent PNP graduates. Pediatric Nursing 34 (2).

(2013). www.aanp.org Scope of practice for nurse practitioners. American association of nurse practitioners.

Cassidy, A., (2013) http://www.healthaffairs.org Nurse practitioners and primary care. Health policy briefs.

Steiner, S., McLaughlin, D., Hyde, R., Brown, H., & Burman, M. (2008). Role transition during RN-FNP education. Journal of Nursing Education. 47 (10).

Tanner, C. (1997). Graduate education in nursing: Beyond essentials. Journal of Nursing Education. 32 (2).

Pawlak, R., Scott, E., & Stankiewicz, L. (2013). Crossing our quality chasm: Continuing the case for graduate preparation of nurse managers and leaders. Journal of Nursing

Education. 43 (12).

Bell, L. (2012). American association of critical care nurses. AACN critical care publication.American Association of Colleges of Nursing. (2011). The Essentials of master’s education in nursing. Washington, DC: Author.

"Health Policy Brief: Nurse Practitioners and Primary Care," Health Affairs, October 25, 2012.http://www.healthaffairs.org/healthpolicybriefs/