FNPs Are Key to Improving Healthcare Access
Family nurse practitioners (FNPs) have a broad scope of practice and specialize in providing family-centered healthcare to patients of all ages. Many FNPs have full practice authority and can provide wide-ranging medical services independently. They understand health inequities and can provide quality care to patients who lack easy access to healthcare.
FNPs have the necessary expertise to make a significant difference in underserved and rural communities. They provide life-changing care to patients from diverse backgrounds and socioeconomic status. Many studies have found that patients value receiving care from FNPs and feel more engaged in their care. There is currently a great demand for FNPs, which is likely to continue to grow.
Equitable Practice
Equitable practice is the consistent and just treatment of all patients, including those who belong to marginalized and underserved communities and the LGBT community. FNPs understand and take into account the social determinants of health; these include non-medical factors that affect health outcomes. Studies have shown that the lower a person’s socioeconomic position, the worse their health is likely to be.
Social determinants of health include education, income, food insecurity, housing, early childhood development and access to affordable health services. Achieving health equity involves providing the best standard of health for everyone and paying attention to those at greatest risk of poor health due to social conditions.
FNPs play an important role in closing the gap in health disparities. Their holistic and patient-centered approach is an asset in delivering equitable health services, particularly in rural and underserved communities. Health disparities can vary, from living in rural areas without easy access to healthcare to difficulty understanding health recommendations due to language barriers. Health disparities can lead to poor health outcomes.
FNPs often form relationships with people facing health disparities and can implement change so that more people can access care. They become culturally competent by interacting with patients from a wide range of backgrounds. Family nurse practitioners are in an excellent position to break down barriers and improve health outcomes.
The Code of Ethics for Nurses
The Code of Ethics for Nurses is a collection of guidelines on acceptable behavior. The code indicates the morals, values and priorities all nurses must uphold. It declares that nurses must reduce health inequality and safeguard human rights. They must advocate for all populations against barriers to accessing healthcare. Nurse practitioners have a duty of care to set aside any prejudice when working with patients. Their primary commitment is to the patient, and they should collaborate with others to protect human rights and reduce health inequality.
Nurses can understand different cultures by communicating well, being non-judgmental, accepting cultural differences and being aware of their biases. Nurses are patient advocates, ensuring individual needs and preferences are recognized in their care plans.
The FNP Role
FNPs typically see patients in person. They learn about the patient’s health needs and get to know them. Family-centered care is provided to patients at every stage of their life. They take an integrated approach to patient care, learning about the patient as an individual and as a family member. They have wide-ranging knowledge, so they can address many patient concerns. FNPs play an integral role in improving healthcare across the country. With physician shortages, FNPs can use their skills to ensure patients have access to the necessary healthcare.
FNPs review the patient’s medical history and collaborate to create a healthcare plan. They perform examinations and diagnostic tests, develop treatment plans, treat chronic and acute illnesses, maintain patient records and prescribe medications. A wide range of healthcare services can be delivered, from treating serious illnesses to educating patients on disease prevention.
FNPs possess an understanding of community health and strive to improve health equity. They often work in underserved and rural communities and advocate for better services. Their services include modern medical care, preventative care and early intervention and they work in many healthcare settings, including hospitals, community health centers, healthcare systems, universities and private practice.
Healthcare is provided to patients at home and in nearby community settings, helping to support independent living. Providing healthcare in the community can improve health and result in better outcomes for people who do not have straightforward access to healthcare. FNPs recognize the connection between socioeconomic status and health and how to implement improved medical resources. They build community relationships and use their advanced knowledge and skills to meet local needs and address health inequities. They are trained to work both independently and as part of a team. Healthcare teams can include nurses, doctors, case managers, dentists, nursing assistants and pharmacists.
Nurses can join local or national organizations and network with other nursing staff. Nurse advocacy shows that nursing professionals care about their patients and will represent them in order to improve their quality of care. By advocating for patients, nurses contribute to high standards in the healthcare setting and more patient-centered policies and regulations.
FNPs are required to keep up to date with current trends and developments in nursing. They can attend lectures to learn about new advancements in the healthcare field. Alternatively, workshops can teach contemporary methodologies in nursing and new approaches to caring for and interacting with patients. Participating in research is another way to learn new skills. These activities help FNPs stay updated in the field and show a willingness to improve their careers. They can continue to advance their education by studying for post-master certificates and becoming qualified in another population focus or specialty.
Scope of Practice
Scope of practice refers to the professional activities each state authorizes nurses or other healthcare staff to perform. FNPs work under a physician’s supervision in some states, while others allow them to work independently. With full practice authority, FNPs are granted permission to perform the full scope of practice, including diagnosing patients, ordering tests and prescribing medication independently. Some states require a period of working under a physician’s supervision or additional training, but these requirements are not permanent in states that provide full practice authority. The demand for healthcare access should result in more states granting full practice authority.
Having full practice authority provides more career opportunities, such as senior-level roles. Upon earning their advanced degree, FNPs gain the knowledge they need to treat patients and have more responsibility. They can provide direct care to patients and increase the efficiency of care delivery. With advanced certifications, nurses can provide quality long-term care to patients.
Underserved Communities
FNPs have the advanced skills to address the healthcare needs of rural and underserved communities. They get to know the communities they work in and develop relationships with their patients. Nurses work with people from diverse cultures and develop cultural awareness to ensure that patients receive equitable care. They aim to educate patients so health literacy is improved and better health outcomes are achieved. Education increases the patient’s ability to manage their health. The greatest demand for FNPs is in underserved communities.
Communities are strengthened by promoting healthy living and advocating for better services. By providing medical care close to home, patients do not have to travel long distances to access healthcare. Underserved communities may have more cases of disease and a lower life expectancy than areas with easy access to healthcare. FNPs can provide preventative healthcare and care for patients with early-stage diseases.
Many urban and rural communities have a scarcity of healthcare professionals to meet the population’s needs. FNPs working in communities can give medical advice and care and help people access alcohol and drug rehabilitation programs. They must listen carefully to understand the barriers and limitations patients face. The social, physical, cultural and physical issues affecting people’s health must be understood.
Due to a growing older population combined with a shortage of physicians, there is an increased demand for FNPs. They are filling the widening gap between patient demand and provider supply. These nurses can provide quality healthcare and make a real difference. By overcoming barriers, quality care can be offered to this population.
Health Outcomes
FNPs have shown they are a valuable part of primary care services. Patients who feel positively about the healthcare they receive are more likely to be interested in treatment plans, cope better with chronic illness and have more positive health outcomes. Studies have shown that patients rate FNPs highly and tend to forge positive relationships with them. In these circumstances, patients are less likely to be hospitalized, more likely to follow treatment plans and more committed to maintaining good health.
Research has consistently indicated that FNPs provide high-quality care and positive outcomes. Their care has been found to be patient-centered and evidence-based. Many studies have shown that patients rate NPs highly. FNPs provide primary care and are well-positioned to gain patient trust and improve health outcomes. Research indicates that FNP care results in fewer hospitalizations, fewer emergency room visits and higher patient satisfaction. It has also indicated that patients of FNPs remain in hospital for shorter lengths of time.
Building strong relationships with patients means they are more likely to commit to treatment plans and do what is necessary to maintain good health. Establishing long-term health means that patients require fewer hospital visits for recurring health concerns. With lower readmission rates, fewer emergency room admissions and shorter hospital stays, FNPs reduce medical costs in various settings, including primary care.
Career Progression
Registered nurses who wish to advance their careers can enroll to earn an online Master of Science in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner degree from a reputable institution such as American International College (AIC). This program is ideal for those who wish to become a nurse practitioner in Massachusetts. In Massachusetts, nurse practitioners have full practice authority, so they can work independently without physician supervision. Students on the AIC program gain the necessary skills to equip them to provide direct patient care to patients of all ages, and enhance health outcomes.
FNP graduates are prepared to deliver preventative care and treat chronic and acute conditions. Their advanced education allows them to provide wide-ranging services in the community and promote patient well-being and health. They are in demand nationwide to apply their expertise and make healthcare more accessible. There are many career opportunities and a greater likelihood of being employed in long-term roles.
Studying to be an FNP can provide new opportunities, including specialist and leadership positions. Advanced study can enhance a nurse’s knowledge and skills and improve quality care and informed clinical decisions. FNPs are equipped to make accurate assessments and implement effective treatments. Studying at this level takes commitment, but the rewards include better job opportunities and a fulfilling career.
Online degree programs can benefit working nurses who want to further their education. With technological advances, online degrees are well-designed and allow for learning on a flexible schedule. Remote studying can take place at a convenient time, and students can interact with each other virtually, sharing experiences and outlooks. Nurses can apply what they learn immediately in the workplace, making learning more meaningful.
Quality Care
FNPs play an invaluable role in healthcare. They use their advanced knowledge and skills to provide high-quality care to patients. They bring modern medical care to rural and underserved populations and do what they can to address health inequity. When they have full practice authority, FNPs can provide a wide range of healthcare services and improve health outcomes. There is great demand for FNPs and opportunities for nurses to gain advanced qualifications while enjoying an interesting and worthwhile career.