From the Guidelines
A Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) is an advanced practice registered nurse who provides comprehensive primary healthcare to patients of all ages, focusing on health promotion, disease prevention, and health education. According to the American College of Physicians position paper 1, FNPs are part of a multidisciplinary clinical care team that includes physicians, nurses, physician assistants, clinical pharmacists, and other health professionals. The paper emphasizes the importance of teamwork, collaboration, and shared goals in providing high-quality patient care.
Key aspects of an FNP's role include:
- Diagnosing and treating common acute and chronic medical conditions
- Ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests
- Prescribing medications, including controlled substances in most states
- Performing certain procedures
- Providing preventive care services
- Collaborating with physicians and other healthcare professionals
- Practicing independently, depending on state regulations
The American College of Physicians adopts the Institute of Medicine's definition of primary care, which encompasses various activities, including wellness and preventive care, diagnosis and treatment of minor illnesses, and comprehensive, longitudinal care of patients with complex conditions 1. FNPs are well-suited to provide primary care services, particularly in areas such as health promotion, disease prevention, and health education.
As noted in the position paper, the optimal effectiveness of clinical care teams requires a culture of trust, shared goals, effective communication, and mutual respect for the distinct skills and contributions of each team member 1. FNPs play a vital role in addressing primary care shortages and delivering quality, cost-effective care to diverse populations.
From the Research
Definition and Role of a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
- A Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) is an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) who specializes in providing primary and specialty care to individuals and families across the lifespan 2, 3, 4.
- FNPs are trained to provide a wide range of services, including health promotion, disease prevention, diagnosis, and management of acute and chronic illnesses 3, 5.
- They work in various settings, such as primary care clinics, hospitals, urgent care centers, and specialty practices, and may perform procedures like incision and drainage of abscesses and laceration repair 3.
Competencies and Training of FNPs
- FNPs require a set of competencies, including direct clinical practice, indirect care activities, leadership, ethical decision-making, and evidence-based practice 5.
- Their training involves a combination of classroom instruction, clinical practicum, and simulation activities, with a focus on family nursing theory and clinical application 2, 3.
- However, there may be variations in the training and preparation of FNPs, with some studies suggesting that they may not feel adequately prepared to perform certain procedures or work in non-traditional settings 3, 4.
Perceptions and Utilization of FNPs
- The perception of the FNP role can vary among healthcare providers, with some studies indicating that FNPs may not be fully utilized due to perceived barriers or differences in role expectations 4.
- However, FNPs are increasingly recognized as essential members of the healthcare team, particularly in primary care and community settings, where they can provide high-quality, patient-centered care 2, 5.
- The integration of FNPs into the healthcare system is ongoing, with a need for continued education and training to ensure that they are equipped to meet the evolving needs of patients and families 5, 6.