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Summary of the Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) role

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Summary of the Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) role

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FNPs are graduate level nurses who, under the oversight of a licensed physician, care for patients across age groups, including infants, adolescents, adults and seniors. FNPs manage chronic conditions, like diabetes or hypertension, as well as manage women's healthcare, provide wellness exams and treat acute illnesses and injuries (Nurse Journal, 2019).

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Education Standards, Requirements & Certification 

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Education Standards, Requirements & Certification 

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FNPs must hold an RN license, as well as be nationally certified and state licensed as an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN). The FNP will receive their APRN license through an accredited MSN program. The program will include nursing courses, leadership courses and a requirement to complete a set number of clinical hours (usually between 500-700) with a licensed FNP. Following the successful completion of the MSN program, the FNP will sit for the the national certification exam through the ANCC or the (Nurse Journal, 2019).

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The NP's scope of practice refers to all privileges allowed by certification and licensure. "It is the who, what, where, when, why and how of nursing practice" (graduatenursing.edu, 2019). The needs of the patient population and the ability to be paid for services are part of the scope of practice. The scope of practice is defined by each state's Nurse Practice Act (graduatenursing.edu, 2019).

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There are many types of nurse practitioners besides FNPs. The NP has the ability to specialize in areas such as women's health, geriatrics, psychiatric, neonatal and pediatric.

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The posting I found is for a part time FNP position within a Women's Health clinic for a health department. The FNP in this position will provide care as a member of a health team, collaborating with the medical director of the health department. The posting contains a large list of essential job functions, some of which are assess, diagnose and treat acute/chronic illness, prevention services, prenatal care, ordering and performing diagnostics and prescribing pharmaceuticals. Possession of a masters degree as well as certification is required, along with 1 year of experience as an NP. Click the box below for the full job posting.

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Click the link below to read a position statement from the American Association of Nurse Practitioners on the standards of practice for NPs.

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American Association of Nurse Practitioners

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I. Qualifications

Nurse practitioners (NPs) are licensed, independent practitioners who provide primary and/or specialty nursing and medical care in ambulatory, acute and long-term care settings. They are registered nurses with specialized, advanced education and clinical competency to provide health and medical care for diverse populations in a variety of primary care, acute and long-term care settings. Master's, post-master's or doctoral preparation is required for entry-level practice (AANP, 2006).

II. Process of Care

The NP utilizes the scientific process and national standards of care as a framework for managing patient care. This process includes the following components:

A. Assessment of health status

The NP assesses health status by:

Obtaining a relevant health and medical history

Performing a physical examination based on age and history

Performing or ordering preventative and diagnostic procedures based on the patient's age and history

Identifying health and medical risk factors

B. Diagnosis

The NP makes a diagnosis by:

Utilizing critical thinking in the diagnostic process

Synthesizing and analyzing the collected data

Formulating a differential diagnosis based on the history, physical examination and diagnostic test results

Establishing priorities to meet the health and medical needs of the individual, family or community

C. Development of a treatment plan

The NP, together with the patient and family, establishes an evidence-based, mutually acceptable, cost-aware plan of care that maximizes health potential. Formulation of the treatment plan includes:

Ordering and interpreting additional diagnostic tests

Prescribing or ordering appropriate pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic interventions

Developing a patient education plan

Recommending consultations or referrals, as appropriate

D. Implementation of the plan

Interventions are based upon established priorities. Actions by the NP are:

Individualized

Consistent with the appropriate plan for care

Based on scientific principles, theoretical knowledge and clinical expertise

Consistent with teaching and learning opportunities

E. Follow up and evaluation of the patient status

The NP maintains a process for systematic follow up by:

Determining the effectiveness of the treatment plan with documentation of patient care outcomes

Reassessing and modifying the plan with the patient and family, as necessary, to achieve health and medical goals

III. Care Priorities

The NP's practice model emphasizes:

A. Patient and family education

The NP provides health education and utilizes community resource opportunities for the individual and/or family

B. Facilitation of patient participation in self-care

The NP facilitates patient participation in health and medical care by providing information needed to make decisions and choices about:

Promotion, maintenance and restoration of health

Consultation with other appropriate health care personnel

Appropriate utilization of health care resources

C. Promotion of optimal health

D. Provision of continually competent care

E. Facilitation of entry into the health care system

F. The promotion of a safe environment

IV. Interdisciplinary and Collaborative Responsibilities

As a licensed, independent practitioner, the NP participates as a team leader and member in the provision of health and medical care, interacting with professional colleagues to provide comprehensive care.

V. Accurate Documentation of Patient Status and Care

The NP maintains accurate, legible and confidential records.

VI. Responsibility as a Patient Advocate

Ethical and legal standards provide the basis of patient advocacy. As an advocate, the NP participates in health policy activities at the local, state, national and international levels.

VII. Quality Assurance and Continued Competence

NPs recognize the importance of continued learning through:

A. Participation in quality assurance review, including the systematic, periodic review of records and treatment plans

B. Maintenance of current knowledge by attending continuing education programs

C. Maintenance of certification in compliance with current state law

D. Application of standardized care guidelines in clinical practice

VIII. Adjunct Roles of NPs

NPs combine the roles of provider, mentor, educator, researcher, manager and consultant. The NP interprets his or her role to individuals, families and other professionals.

IX. Research as Basis for Practice

NPs support research by developing clinical research questions, conducting or participating in studies and disseminating and incorporating findings into practice.
© American Association of Nurse Practitioners 1993
Revised 1999, 2003, 2007, 2010, 2013
Print the Standards of Practice PDF

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Standards of Practice for Nurse Practitioners

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Nurse practitioners (NPs) are licensed, independent practitioners who provide primary and/or specialty nursing and medical care in ambulatory, acute and long-term care settings. They are registered nurses with specialized, advanced education and clinical competency to provide health and medical care for diverse populations in a variety of primary care, acute and long-term care settings.

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Personally, I think the role of the FNP is wonderful for nurses and patients. It allows the nurse to expand their skill set and role, while at the same time, bridging a gap for the patient load that the physician carries. I plan on attending graduate school immediately following my graduation from Baker this spring and am looking forward to being able to expand my role as a nurse and provide a whole new level of patient care.

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2019 NurseJournal.org | https://nursejournal.org/. (2019, March 18). Family Nurse Practitioner role & scope | NurseJournal.org. Retrieved from https://nursejournal.org/family-practice/role-scope-of-practice-of-a-family-nurse-practitioner/

American Association of Nurse Practitioners. (2013). Standards of practice for nurse practitioners. Retrieved from https://www.aanp.org/advocacy/advocacy-resource/position-statements/standards-of-practice-for-nurse-practitioners

Graduatenursing.edu. (2019). Nurse practitioner scope of practice. Retrieved from https://www.graduatenursingedu.org/nurse-practitioner-scope-of-practice/

Nurse Journal. (2017, August 30). Average nurse practitioner salary 2017 [Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5QSzWP3XP6M&t=5s