FNPs collaborate with physicians, specialists, and other healthcare professionals to offer comprehensive and coordinated patient care across the lifespan of patients. They contribute their expertise in assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and patient education while working closely with other team members to create and implement individualized care plans.
This article will explore the impact of FNPs on patient care and how they improve access to quality healthcare for patients.
What is an FNP career?
An FNP is an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) working with other healthcare professionals to provide diverse healthcare services for individuals and families across their lifespan. They are well-trained and experienced nurses playing several roles in healthcare settings, from health promotion and disease alleviation to management of chronic health issues affecting families and communities.
Seven ways the FNP role benefits team-based care
Healthcare is an elaborate industry with a wide range of professions that work collaboratively to care for patients. Among these professionals are Family Nurse Practitioners (FNPs). According to a recent study, over 211,000 FNPs are currently employed in the US, with another 41,000 plus active job openings.
FNPs boast a broad scope of practice that enables them to make diverse contributions to team-based care. Specifically, the relationship between FNPs and doctors, specialists, and other medical professionals involves sharing and shifting responsibilities to achieve desired treatment outcomes.
One of the critical differentiators between FNPs and other healthcare providers is that they bring a personal touch to healthcare delivery. Not only do these professionals have comprehensive clinical expertise, but they are also well-versed in disease prevention and patient education. In essence, they can help patients improve their health and lifestyle choices. Here are some ways the FNP role benefits team-based care.
Improved patient care
The primary role of an FNP is the provision of patient care. In this role, FNPs collaborate closely with physicians to develop treatment plans, review patient progress, and consult on complex cases. This collaboration ensures patients receive holistic care that aligns with medical recommendations and best practices.
FNPs cater to the healthcare needs of individuals and families and use their expertise and skills to tackle a wide range of situations. Additionally, they work closely with their patients while maintaining a long-term relationship that supports their overall journey towards better healthcare.
Here are some of the specific tasks of FNPs that improve patient care:
- Conduct physical examinations: FNPs are trained to perform thorough physical assessments, including taking patient histories, measuring vital signs, and conducting detailed examinations to assess overall health status.
- Order diagnostic and laboratory tests: based on their assessment findings and clinical judgment, FNPs have the authority to order various diagnostic tests and laboratory investigations to aid in diagnosing and managing health conditions.
- Interpret results: FNPs possess the expertise to interpret the results of diagnostic tests and laboratory findings, integrating this information with patient histories and physical assessments to formulate accurate diagnoses and treatment plans.
- Initiate appropriate treatments: FNPs are empowered to initiate and coordinate appropriate treatment plans tailored to individual patient needs. They may prescribe medications, recommend lifestyle modifications, and provide counseling and education on managing health conditions.
- Carry out non-surgical medical procedures: FNPs are trained to perform various medical procedures such as wound care, suturing, and administering injections. They may also conduct minor dermatological procedures and other related treatments.
Chronic disease management
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), six in 10 adults in the US currently live with a chronic disease. Chronic illnesses such as diabetes, cancer, hypertension, and heart disease require ongoing attention and care.
As part of the established disease management team, FNPs play an integral role in helping patients manage their conditions and enjoy a good quality of life. These professionals are trained to conduct comprehensive assessments of patients with chronic diseases. They gather relevant medical history, perform physical exams, and order diagnostic tests to establish a diagnosis and evaluate the severity of the condition. They also develop individualized treatment plans tailored to patients’ needs and preferences.
FNPs may prescribe medications, such as insulin for diabetes or blood pressure medications for hypertension and monitor their effectiveness and potential side effects. Additionally, education is a crucial aspect of chronic disease management. FNPs educate patients about their condition, including its causes, symptoms, and potential complications. They also guide lifestyle modifications, such as diet, exercise, smoking cessation, and stress management.
Development of management plans
As part of specialized healthcare teams, FNPs use their nurse practitioner practice information to develop personalized management plans that suit each patient’s needs, preferences, and medical history. The American International College offers two pathways for aspiring FNPs: a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program and a post-master’s certificate with an FNP concentration, both covering essential topics like ethics, scholarly development, and healthcare technology integration. During these courses, students will learn how to develop effective management plans for patients too.
These plans vary from prescribing medications and adjusting doses to setting goals, recommending lifestyle modifications, and monitoring a patient’s progress. In essence, FNPs conduct thorough assessments of patients, including gathering medical histories, performing physical exams, and ordering diagnostic tests. Such comprehensive assessment provides a holistic view of the patient’s health status, which forms the basis for developing an effective management plan. Based on the evaluation, FNPs collaborate with other healthcare team members, such as physicians, specialists, nurses, and allied health professionals, to develop individualized patient treatment plans.
Additionally, FNPs serve as advocates for their patients and facilitate communication and coordination among healthcare team members. They ensure that all aspects of patient care are well-coordinated, seamless, and aligned with their goals and preferences.
Health promotion and prevention
In addition to providing patient care, FNPs can also educate families on various topics, including developing health habits and preventing diseases. Through health promotion and prevention programs, the FNPs can nurture solid relationships with their patients and improve their wellbeing. They work with other healthcare teams, including community health teams, to educate patients and their families about healthy lifestyle choices, disease prevention strategies, and early detection of health issues. They also help in educating patients about their prescribed medications, including dosage, potential side effects, and interactions with other drugs or substances.
More importantly, FNPs inform patients with chronic conditions about self-management techniques, symptom recognition, and when to seek medical attention. Such knowledge helps patients adhere to their medication regimen and better manage their conditions to reduce complications.
Broadens immunization program
Immunization is crucial in the prevention of infectious diseases. As part of broader care teams, FNPs administer essential vaccines and educate patients on the need to stay updated on immunization programs. They can evaluate a patient’s immunization history, identify gaps in vaccination coverage, and offer personalized recommendations based on individual health status, age, and risk factors.
These professionals are authorized to administer vaccines across the patient’s lifespan, from infants to older adults. Their injection training ensures vaccines are administered safely and effectively, adhering to recommended schedules and dosage guidelines.
Aside from vaccine administration, FNPs often engage in community outreach efforts to raise awareness about the benefits of immunizations and address any concerns or misconceptions. They may organize vaccination clinics in underserved areas, schools, workplaces, or community centers to improve vaccine access and promote herd immunity.
Conducts screening tests
FNPs undertake routine screening tests to identify and prevent illnesses early. These tests may comprise cancer screening, cholesterol tests, blood pressure checks, and more. Conducting these screenings regularly helps healthcare teams detect potential issues before they escalate, thus enabling timely intervention and management.
During these exercises, the FNPs counsel patients on the significance of screening results, discuss any necessary follow-up actions or treatments, and provide support and guidance throughout the screening process. They may also assist patients in making lifestyle changes to reduce their risk factors for specific conditions. Additionally, together with other healthcare teams, FNPs may engage in community outreach efforts to promote awareness of the importance of screening programs.
Improved access to healthcare
FNPs play a vital role in improving access to quality healthcare. They provide comprehensive primary care services across lifespans while serving as frontline providers for patients in underserved areas where access to healthcare may be limited. They leverage one-on-one consultations to educate patients about their conditions, treatment options, and preventive measures, promoting self-care and healthier lifestyle choices.
FNPs also collaborate with other healthcare providers, such as physicians and allied health professionals, to ensure coordinated and integrated care for patients. When necessary, they make referrals to specialists or other healthcare facilities to ensure patients receive timely and appropriate care beyond their scope of practice. These professionals can also leverage telehealth platforms to conduct virtual consultations, monitor patients remotely, and provide follow-up care. Ultimately, this helps improve access to quality healthcare for individuals with challenges accessing traditional healthcare settings.
Examples of team-based care
Since the structure of interdisciplinary healthcare teams varies, the role of the FNP is also dynamic. Here are some of the real-world examples of team-based care in FNPs play a role:
Team-based ambulatory care
FNPs collaborate with physicians, nurses, pharmacists, and other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive primary care services in outpatient settings. In these settings, FNPs may lead patient assessments, develop care plans, prescribe medications, and coordinate follow-up care. They work closely with the team to address patients’ medical needs while emphasizing preventive care and health promotion.
Team-based community care
FNPs actively participate in community health initiatives, working alongside social workers, public health professionals, community organizers, and volunteers. Together, they address the unique healthcare needs of diverse populations, including underserved communities, homeless individuals, and those with chronic conditions. FNPs contribute by conducting health assessments, delivering health education, advocating for resources, and facilitating access to healthcare services. They are crucial in fostering partnerships between healthcare organizations and community stakeholders to improve overall health outcomes.
Chronic disease management teams
FNPs may be part of interdisciplinary teams focused on managing chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, or heart disease. These teams can include specialists, nurses, dietitians, pharmacists, and others to provide comprehensive care and support to patients with complex health needs.
Telehealth teams
With the increased use of telehealth since the COVID-19 pandemic, FNPs can participate in virtual care teams that include physicians, specialists, nurses, and other telehealth providers to deliver remote consultations, monitor patients remotely, and coordinate follow-up care.
Palliative care teams
FNPs may be part of interdisciplinary palliative care teams focused on providing holistic care to patients with severe illnesses and their families. These teams can include palliative care physicians, nurses, social workers, chaplains, and others to address physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.
What are the educational and certification requirements of FNPs?
FNPs must possess a solid foundation in nursing theory and clinical practice. Interested individuals can achieve this by completing an accredited graduate-level nursing program, typically a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN). Upon completing the graduate program, students must sit and pass the FNP examination to obtain the national certification. They should also satisfy continuing education requirements to maintain their certification and renew their credentials.
What soft skills do FNPs require?
Individuals must possess specific abilities and skills to succeed as an FNP. The following soft skills complement the clinical knowledge and technical competencies of an FNP:
- Compassion: treating patients compassionately and kindly is essential.
- Confidence: the FNP role requires making quick decisions regarding patient health conditions and treatment plans. FNPs should, therefore, feel confident in their capacity to make vital decisions.
- Analytical skills: FNPs need strong analytical and critical thinking skills to assess complex patient cases, interpret diagnostic tests, and make evidence-based decisions regarding diagnosis, treatment plans, and referrals.
- Problem-solving skills: identifying and addressing healthcare challenges efficiently and creatively is essential for FNPs who often encounter diverse patient populations with unique needs and circumstances.
- Communication skills: communicating clearly and effectively is crucial for an FNP. These professionals will need to share treatment plans, diagnostic procedures, tests, medical testing results, and follow-up plans.
Which settings do FNPs operate in?
FNPs are highly versatile healthcare providers who can work in various settings, catering to diverse patient populations and healthcare needs. These include
- Primary care clinics
- Hospitals
- Community health centers
- Rural health clinics
- Educational institutions
- Home healthcare
- Telehealth
FNPs play a crucial role in the delivery of quality healthcare
While FNPs often work independently, they also collaborate with a team of healthcare professionals to deliver tailored and comprehensive care for the patient. The team-based approach allows them to tap into their colleagues’ expertise, including physicians, specialists, and other healthcare providers, to deliver optimal outcomes for their patients.
Ultimately, in a team-based approach, FNPs collaborate with physicians to develop treatment plans, consult specialists for specialized care when needed, and coordinate care transitions to ensure continuity and efficiency.
