The family nurse practitioner’s (FNP) role is rapidly moving to the forefront of American medical care.
An ever-growing shortage of physicians plays a central role in the growing demand for trained FNPs. However, a shift in chronic illness treatment and an increased focus on a more holistic, preventive approach to care provides an even larger imperative.
Universities that educate family nurse practitioners are responding to this need by offering comprehensive FNP programs, the most rigorous of which are typically doctor of nursing practice (DNP) degree programs.
The Growing Need for Family Nurse Practitioners
More than 58 million U.S. residents are affected by the current shortage of primary care physicians, which is expected to only get worse in the coming years. Experts attribute this to the increasing care needs of the aging Baby Boomer generation and expected changes in access to health insurance coverage.
Family nurse practitioners (FNPs) have the potential to address this growing need.
Consequently, schools are working to design and implement FNP programs. However, the need for nurse practitioner education continues to grow for another reason — one that is perhaps even more important than the impending physician shortage — and that is the demonstrated benefits of the FNP model of care.
What Is the Family Nurse Practitioner Model of Care?
Using a more holistic approach, the FNP care model is more proactive and innovative than traditional care models.
Educational programs for family nurse practitioners focus on high-quality, cost-effective chronic disease management as well as acute care. More importantly, however, FNP education focuses on first-line treatment and prevention strategies.
By incorporating the strengths of both nursing and medical care, a well-educated FNP has the ability to provide an in-depth level of compassionate care tailored to meet the needs of each patient.
Family Nurse Practitioners Take a Divergent Approach
Family nurse practitioners treat the whole person. Providing ongoing assessments and in-depth evaluation plus therapeutic interventions, FNPs incorporate first- and second-line strategies that allow patients to participate in their own health and disease management.
This increased patient accountability improves overall health and well-being. The FNP care model also creates a synergy that keeps the patient involved over time. As the need for comprehensive health care continues to grow in the United States, this practice model will become invaluable for ensuring the future health of the population.
In response to the growing demand for FNPs, Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions offers one of the country’s finest university programs, the doctor of nursing practice (DNP) degree. Our CCNE-accredited program prepares students to meet the primary health care needs of patients in a variety of treatment settings.
For additional information on nursing education (including doctoral degrees and certificates) or to earn a DNP at Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions, visit:
