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...
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…
