What is the Difference Between a Family Nurse Practitioner And an advanced Practice Nurse?
A registered nurse (RN) is a graduate of an associate's degree program in nursing (ADN) or a bachelor's of science degree in nursing program (BSN). He may choose to go back to school for a master's of science degree in nursing (MSN) and become an advanced practice nurse (APN). (Ref. 1.)
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Identification
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An APN can choose a role as a clinical nurse specialist, nurse practitioner, nurse midwife, or nurse anesthetist. A family nurse practitioner (FNP) holds a particular role within advanced practice nursing. (Ref. 2.)
Types
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An FNP is one type of nurse practitioner (NP). Other NPs specialize in acute care, pediatrics, geriatrics, and adult care. All are considered advanced practice nurses. (Ref. 2.)
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Functions
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An FNP promotes family self-care through health assessments, direct care, teaching, and counseling. (Ref. 3.) His care is similar to that of a physician, but he operates under a more limited scope of practice. Other APNs specialize in different patient populations. A nurse midwife, for example, provides prenatal care and delivers babies.
Settings
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Many APNs, including FNPs, provide care in settings like hospitals, clinics, and doctors' offices. FNPs may also follow families at home, at school, and in the community. (Ref. 3.)
Considerations
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Many APNs, including FNPs, are certified by the American Nurses Credential Corporation, based on a written exam. Each specialty has a different credential; the one for FNPs is FNP-BC. (Ref. 4.)
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