What Does a Family Nurse Practitioner Do?

A family nurse practitioner (FNP) is a specialized advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) who offers complete primary healthcare services to patients across the lifespan, caring for individuals from newborns to seniors. FNPs play a critical role in the healthcare system by delivering a wide range of medical services to patients and filling gaps in access to care.

Roles and Responsibilities

The core focus of a family nurse practitioner is providing complete, long-term care for the entire family unit. Their responsibilities are broad and include:

• Performing comprehensive health evaluations and physical exams on patients of all ages. This includes ordering, performing and interpreting diagnostic tests such as lab work and X-rays.
• Diagnosing acute and chronic illnesses and developing treatment plans. FNPs can prescribe medication, refer patients to specialists, and order therapies.
• Providing preventive care through health education, vaccinations, and wellness counseling on topics like diet, exercise, and smoking cessation.
• Coordinating care of hospitalized patients by collaborating with physicians, social workers, and other medical professionals. 
• Counseling patients on health issues and concerns to promote wellness and positive lifestyle changes.
• Monitoring chronic health conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and arthritis and adjusting treatment plans as needed.
• Making critical healthcare decisions in emergency situations.

Education and Training

Becoming an FNP requires rigorous education and training:

• Completing a 4-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree program. A strong background in science and health assessment is essential.
• Obtaining an active registered nursing (RN) license which requires passing the NCLEX-RN exam. Working 1-2 years as an RN in a clinical setting provides the experience needed to transition to advanced practice.
• Earning a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree with a concentration in Family Nurse Practitioner studies. Highly regarded institutes like https://www.samuelmerritt.edu/ offer FNP master’s degrees that can be completed online.
• Completing 500+ supervised clinical hours learning diagnostic methods, chronic disease management, and specialized skills.
• Passing an exam through the American Nurses Credentialing Center or American Academy of Nurse Practitioners to obtain FNP certification.
• Meeting continuing education and licensing requirements mandated by state nursing boards to maintain active FNP status.

Work Environment

FNPs are in high demand and enjoy varied work settings such as:

• Primary care clinics and private family practices – FNPs commonly work alongside physicians providing well visits, evaluations, chronic disease management and acute care.
• Hospitals and emergency rooms – FNPs deliver care to admitted patients and treat emergency cases.
• Community health centers and nursing homes – FNPs provide healthcare access to underserved populations onsite.
• Government and correctional facilities – FNPs meet the primary care needs of personnel/inmates.
• Educational institutions – FNPs manage health services for faculty/students and conduct research.
• Home health settings – FNPs make house calls to provide at-home medical care, especially for seniors.

The field is projected to grow 31% by 2030 due to increasing patient access to care. FNPs enjoy excellent job prospects and competitive salaries. It is a rewarding career choice for nurses looking to provide compassionate, comprehensive care for diverse families and communities.