Role of Nurse Practitioner

2. 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.

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

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. 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.

11.  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.

12. 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.

13.  Essential IX: Master’s-Level Nursing Practice
Nursing 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.

14.  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).

15. 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.

16. Conclusion Continued
The 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.

17. References
Jackson-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/