PMHNP or FNP specialization can be the beginning of a challenging and rewarding career. The United States could see a shortage of nearly 124,000 physicians by 2034, according to the American Association of Medical Colleges (AAMC). In response, nursing leaders and policymakers are pushing for additional training and certifications for nurses, allowing them to provide advanced, comprehensive care to patients and bridge the gap between nurses and physicians.
What family nurse practitioners do makes them particularly well suited to bridge this gap. Tasked with providing comprehensive care to patients of all ages and demographics, qualified FNPs are able to meet many of the needs that are normally covered by primary care physicians.
The Role of Family Nurse Practitioners
FNPs work with patients across their lifetimes, addressing various aspects of care, from preventive healthcare plans to diagnosis and disease management. As a wellness resource for healthy patients; a provider of care for minor injuries; and a source of support for those with chronic illnesses, such as diabetes and hypertension, FNPs must be both resourceful and versatile to meet the demands of their practice.
Evaluating and diagnosing patients, prescribing medications and care plans, ordering diagnostic tests, and performing physical exams — the role of family nurse practitioners is multifaceted. By using resources such as referrals or by collaborating with other nurses, physicians and specialists, they’re able to provide comprehensive healthcare to patients.
Among the many advantages of becoming an FNP is the opportunity to build a healthy rapport and working relationship with patients. These relationships are a key aspect of an FNP’s ability to provide appropriate care strategies and improve patient outcomes.
Family Nurse Practitioner Specialties
The scope of care required of PMHNPs and FNPs spans broad areas of medicine: engaging with patients throughout their lifetime, practicing within various different facilities and requiring a strong foundational knowledge of many aspects of care. This challenging scope inspires many nurses to specialize as an FNP and pursue additional certifications or clinical experience. Additional areas of certification may include the following:
- Pain management
- Chronic illnesses (diabetes, hypertension)
- Obesity management
- Addiction management and recovery
By coupling an advanced education with further specialization, FNPs are able to take an active role in the treatment of patients, allowing them to improve outcomes and have a hand in decisions throughout patient care.