Family nurse practitioner role compared with pediatric nurse practitioner specialization

FNP vs. PNP

My preferred role in nursing is Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP). I prefer this role over that of a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP). An FNP is a well-rounded practitioner working to meet the health care needs of any number of members of a family unit. FNPs provide health assessments, direct care, and guidance, teaching, or counseling and emphasize family "self-care" (Pastorino, 1998). The FNP typically works collaboratively with family primary care physicians and other professionals within the health care system. Work options are unlimited -- some FNPs are employed in schools, hospitals, offices, clinics, or ambulatory care centers.

Meeting individual health care needs in the context of the family dictates that a FNP understands the value of collaborative, family-centered care as well as the interaction among the physical, emotional, mental, and socio-cultural systems of patients. Training often stresses the importance to be sensitive to the needs of underserved, high-risk, and multi-cultural populations. FNPs are ideally suited to understanding the unique needs of marginalized populations and social groups. As suggested by the American Academy of Nursing (AAN), "cultural sensitivity which considers one's values, traditions, beliefs, and heritage and treatment preferences is a dimension of cultural competence (Campbell-Heider et al., 2006). Programs of study often immerse students in practice settings to foster such culturally competent attitudes.

FNPs possess master's-level education and clinical training in family medicine. Focusing on health promotion and disease prevention, they perform many of the same duties as physicians- diagnosing common as well as complex health conditions and offering a broad range of services to patients of all ages. The role of the FNP is poised for growth, but reforms are needed. Currently there is a lack of workplace supply. As Counts and Mayolo point out, "the shortage of healthcare professionals will be exponential based on population growth and needs. The changing demographics of the population (i.e., Baby Boomers) confirms that we are going to need more people to handle chronic conditions" (2009). Educational programs must ensure that students are informed about relevant political, economic, and social issues that will affect future practice. "Students must have the contextual understanding and specific knowledge to navigate the increasingly complex health care field" (Kupstin, 2010). Under law in states such as Maryland, all NPs must be nationally certified in a specialty area such as adult, family, pediatrics, gerontology, psychiatric/mental health, or acute care.

The PNP specializes in providing nursing care to younger patients, specifically those from infancy to early adulthood. They work under the supervision of doctors and other professionals licensed to practice medicine. This is an emerging field, but the advanced practice nurse (APN) who is also a PNP in an acute setting "helps provide cost-effective, quality patient care for critically and chronically ill children" (Teicher et al., 2001).

PNPs perform a variety of health care duties such as administering medication and immunizations, inserting catheters, and taking vital signs and blood samples. PNPs often work in NICUs and other more emotionally taxing settings. They soothe the apprehension or emotional discomfort their patients and families may have regarding certain diagnoses, and track patients' growth to adulthood. PNPs often have advanced education that allows for better communication with physicians. It is imperative that they understand the full gamut of pediatric issues, including behavioral issues such as ADHD. As Theoktisto helps us appreciate, "it is imperative that pediatric nurse practitioners understand the pharmacological interactions and safety in the treatment of children with behavioral issues" (2009). Drug administration is a key area of the day-to-day duties of the PNP. Because of this, their advanced skill set and training is often viewed as an advantage in critical care settings.