THE FAMILY NURSE PRACTITIONER
The role of the Family nurse practitioner (FNP) began in the 1960’s as a result of a shortage of primary care providers. (Kennedy, 2014) That however, does not conclude that family nurse practitioners are only a secondary option to fill the void of primary care physicians in underserved areas. Instead, the FNP role has evolved in response to the recognition that nurses with advanced education and training are fully capable of providing primary care and significantly enhancing access to high-quality and cost-effective health care. (AANP, 2015). Although similar to the role of the primary care physician, the FNP has proven to be a rather distinct profession, delivering a more holistic approach to patients. (Barton, …show more content…
The family nurse practitioner’s role requires many skills or competencies. The FNPs must be able to diagnose, treat and manage patients with chronic or acute illnesses. (Poronsky, 2013) FNPs must have the ability to prescribe both pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic treatments such as physical or occupational therapy to patients. Conducting physical exams, interpreting medical history, and ordering and performing diagnostic tests, screenings and procedures such as suturing are crucial skill sets for the FNP. In addition, FNPs must be competent in educating and counseling patients on risk factors and prevention measures to avoid …show more content…
The FNP is a highly trained and educated professional who is qualified to diagnose and treat a vast number of conditions effecting the family unit in a multitude of settings. Through education and counseling the FNP is effective in providing preventative care that improves patient satisfaction and compliance as well as lower health care costs. The FNP is competent in implementing many skill sets such as managing chronic and acute illnesses, prescribing pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments, and ordering and performing various diagnostic tests. Although some feel it necessary to change state laws and scope of practice regulations to become more effective to the healthcare system, FNPs prove to be an effective enough as a health care
The role of the Family nurse practitioner (FNP) began in the 1960’s as a result of a shortage of primary care providers. (Kennedy, 2014) That however, does not conclude that family nurse practitioners are only a secondary option to fill the void of primary care physicians in underserved areas. Instead, the FNP role has evolved in response to the recognition that nurses with advanced education and training are fully capable of providing primary care and significantly enhancing access to high-quality and cost-effective health care. (AANP, 2015). Although similar to the role of the primary care physician, the FNP has proven to be a rather distinct profession, delivering a more holistic approach to patients. (Barton, …show more content…
The family nurse practitioner’s role requires many skills or competencies. The FNPs must be able to diagnose, treat and manage patients with chronic or acute illnesses. (Poronsky, 2013) FNPs must have the ability to prescribe both pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic treatments such as physical or occupational therapy to patients. Conducting physical exams, interpreting medical history, and ordering and performing diagnostic tests, screenings and procedures such as suturing are crucial skill sets for the FNP. In addition, FNPs must be competent in educating and counseling patients on risk factors and prevention measures to avoid …show more content…
The FNP is a highly trained and educated professional who is qualified to diagnose and treat a vast number of conditions effecting the family unit in a multitude of settings. Through education and counseling the FNP is effective in providing preventative care that improves patient satisfaction and compliance as well as lower health care costs. The FNP is competent in implementing many skill sets such as managing chronic and acute illnesses, prescribing pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments, and ordering and performing various diagnostic tests. Although some feel it necessary to change state laws and scope of practice regulations to become more effective to the healthcare system, FNPs prove to be an effective enough as a health care