What Does a Family Nurse Practitioner Do?

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Family nurse practitioners (FNPs) are highly trained experts in prescribing medications, performing physical exams, and ordering diagnostic tests to help determine the cause of an illness or injury. In addition to providing hands-on care, FNPs also play a key role in educating patients about healthy lifestyle choices and disease prevention. Whether you're dealing with a complex illness or simply want to stay on top of your health, an FNP can offer expert guidance and support every step of the way.

What Is a Family Nurse Practitioner?

A family nurse practitioner (FNP) is a registered nurse (RN) who has completed advanced coursework and clinical training in primary care. FNPs provide comprehensive care to patients of all ages, from infants to the elderly. In addition to diagnosing and treating illness, FNPs also provide preventative care, such as immunizations and health screenings.

Family nurse practitioners are trained in both nursing and medicine, and they are prepared to diagnose and treat a wide range of health conditions. In addition to providing primary care services, family nurse practitioners may also specialize in areas such as pediatrics, women’s health, psychiatric mental health, or geriatrics. 

The Scope of an FNP

Whether you're interested in working with a specific population, such as young children or the elderly, or you want to focus on a particular area of study, like maternal health or mental health, there's sure to be an FNP track that suits your interests. 

In addition to all the amazing specialty opportunities within FNP, this field also allows you to work in a wide range of settings. From small community clinics and family medical practices to big hospitals and university research labs, an FNP can do practically anything. The scope of practice for FNPs varies from state to state, but generally includes the following:

• Taking patient medical histories
• Performing physical examinations
• Ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests
• Diagnosing and treating common conditions
• Prescribing medications and treatments
• Providing counseling on lifestyle changes to promote wellness
• Coordinating care with other healthcare providers

What Are the Educational Requirements for Becoming an FNP?

To become an FNP, you must first earn a bachelor's degree in nursing (BSN). After completing a BSN program, you must then pass the national RN licensure exam, known as the NCLEX-RN. Once you have obtained your RN license, you can then enroll in an accredited master's or doctoral program specializing in family nurse practitioner studies. Upon completion of an FNP program, you must then pass a national certification exam administered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP).

Can You Study Online? 

You can earn your MSN FNP online, allowing you to study at your own pace and on your own time. This type of program provides students with the flexibility and convenience of online learning, while still allowing them to gain access to top-quality, real-world training. Not only will this enable you to gain the skills and knowledge needed for success in the world of healthcare, but it can also open up new career opportunities for you in areas such as administration or public health. If you're thinking about taking your nursing career to the next level with an online MSN FNP program, don't hesitate, go for it.

There is no single role or specialty that defines the entire field of nursing. Whether you're working in pediatrics and treating small children, caring for elderly patients in assisted living facilities, or focusing on women's and reproductive health, there are countless avenues to explore within the field of nursing. 

This is a guest blog entry.