Nurse practitioners (NPs) play an important role, providing healthcare to many people who would otherwise receive none. NPs increase patient access to healthcare and are committed to their roles as patient advocates. According to the AANP National Nurse Practitioner Database, there are currently more than 325,000 licensed nurse practitioners in the United States. Of these, about 89% are certified in an area of primary care, and about 70% work in primary care practices or facilities.
A family nurse practitioner is a specialized nurse trained to provide comprehensive primary, acute and specialty healthcare for adults and children within the community. Nurse practitioners, at minimum, must hold a master’s degree.
What Do Nurse Practitioners Do?
Much like a family doctor, a family nurse practitioner who works in a primary care setting will deliver comprehensive care to patients over their life spans, including disease prevention and healthy lifestyle instruction. Their duties can include the following:
- Obtaining histories and conducting physical and/or psychological examinations
- Diagnosing, evaluating and managing treatment of both minor acute and chronic illnesses of adults and children
- Performing and ordering diagnostic tests such as EKGs, X-rays and lab work
- Requesting or referring to allied health professionals such as occupational therapist or physical therapists for rehabilitation
- Prescribing medications for minor acute and chronic illnesses
- Performing pediatric health screenings, well-child checks and immunizations
- Performing health maintenance for adults within primary care or specialty settings
- Assisting with or performing minor surgical procedures
- Teaching preventive health that includes behavior and lifestyle modifications
- Teaching self-care skills or information that helps patients and families choose treatment options
- Providing counseling in coordination with other therapists and healthcare providers
How to Become a Family Nurse Practitioner
Family nurse practitioners must complete an accredited master’s degree program. The program should include training in evidence-based primary care practice, which should be specific to the health needs of patients and families at each stage of life. The program also should offer courses in research, advanced pharmacology, advanced health assessment, advanced pathophysiology, diagnosis and clinical management.
The master’s degree program should include clinical experiences in your local area that prepare you to assume the responsibilities of an advanced practice primary care nurse.
An online family nurse practitioner program can be an ideal way for nurses who are employed part time to complete a master’s degree. Online course schedules are flexible and time-efficient, which helps students manage family, work and community obligations.
The opportunities have never been greater for nurses who want to complete an online family nurse practitioner program and become an important part of a healthcare team that delivers high–quality care to a growing number of patients.
Learn about The University of Texas at Arlington‘s Master of Science in Nursing – FNP online program.
