A family nurse practitioner provides continuing and comprehensive healthcare for the individual and family across all ages, genders, diseases, and body systems. Primary care emphasizes the holistic nature of health and it is based on knowledge of the patient in the context of the family and the community, emphasizing disease prevention and health promotion. This history of this role began in the 1960s when health care planners and legislators determined that primary health care was not meeting the immediate demands of the United States' citizens. Medical schools were given money to start family practice programs to meet this need, and the practice movement began to grow.
Before becoming a family nurse practitioner, a person must graduate from a four-year college or university nursing program that is accredited by American Associated of Colleges of Nursing or the National League for Nursing. This would result in a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the college or university. Next, a person would need to pass the RN licensing exam, which is the NCLEX. After passing this exam, the person is a Registered Nurse and is able to enter the work force. Most nurses work for a few years in the field before pursuing further education. After completion of this prior work, a person can apply to and obtain a Master's or Doctoral degree from a family nurse practitioner program. The program should be accredited by the Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing. A family nurse practitioner may also select a sub-specialty. The following are some possibilities: Medical-Surgical, Cardiac, Endocrine/Diabetes, Renal/Urology, Perinatal, Long-Term Care, Orthopedics, Rehabilitation, Pulmonary, Pediatrics, Gerontology, ER/Trauma, Post-Partum, Psychiatric, and Critical Care.
Scope of practice
FNPs deliver a range of acute, chronic and preventive healthcare services. In addition to diagnosing and treating illness, they also provide preventive care, including routine checkups, health-risk assessments, immunization and screening tests, and personalized counseling on maintaining a healthy lifestyle. FNPs also manage chronic illness, often coordinating care provided by specialty physicians.
