Are you looking to launch a nursing career providing care to patients of all ages and backgrounds? Becoming a family nurse practitioner is a rewarding professional path that's in high demand, offering diverse opportunities to make an impact across healthcare settings.
A family nurse practitioner (FNP) is an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) who provides family-centered health care services. They work with patients across the lifecycle, from infants and adolescents to adults and seniors.
Family NPs have a broad scope of practice. They handle a variety of primary care responsibilities, including: promoting health and wellness, providing preventative care, managing chronic conditions, diagnosing illnesses, and prescribing medications.
What Do Family Nurse Practitioners Do?
Family nurse practitioners (FNP) perform a number of duties, including:
- Maintaining patient records
- Performing physical exams
- Ordering or performing diagnostic tests
- Prescribing medications
- Developing treatment plans
- Managing acute and chronic illnesses and injuries
FNPs practice in a variety of healthcare settings, including community health centers, private practice, health care systems, and universities.
FNPs also may obtain additional certifications in areas such as diabetes, pain, or obesity management. These certifications help APRNs meet the needs of their patients more effectively and enhance their careers.
