A family nurse practitioner (FNP) is a registered nurse with advanced clinical training and can provide healthcare to patients of all ages. Nurse practitioners work in every type of health care setting, from doctors’ offices and schools to hospitals and nursing homes.
Family nurse practitioners are licensed as independent providers. They typically spend most of their time on direct patient care but may also teach, research, or participate in administrative activities such as quality assurance review.
As a family nurse practitioner (FNP), you can work in any number of roles. This includes working as an emergency room physician, providing primary care to patients, delivering babies, performing surgeries, and choosing to educate, for example, in Carson-Newman University Nursing.
You may also need experience working with mental health cases or another specialty depending on your employer’s role for you to have.
Family nurse practitioners are registered nurses who have advanced education and training in primary care. They offer several services to patients, including annual exams, check-ups for minor illnesses or injuries, vaccinations, flu shots, prescriptions for medications that treat common conditions such as acne or ear infections.
They can also order lab tests when they believe it is necessary. It is also common for them to educate patients on managing chronic conditions, such as asthma or diabetes, and provide support until the situation has stabilized.
They are experienced decision-makers who work with their patients to help them make more informed choices about their healthcare together by discussing the risks and benefits of specific treatments, medications, procedures, or lifestyle changes.
Nurses provide emotional support and help patients cope with cancer diagnosis and treatment, and end-of-life issues. They can also assist you in finding resources that may be helpful to your condition, such as social services agencies or groups that deal with specific diseases/injuries.
Infographic By Carson-Newman University Nursing
