Family Nurse Practitioner

Nurse practitioners are registered nurses with additional education that allows them to provide high-quality, cost-effective and individualized care for patients, families, and communities. Nurse practitioners are authorized to treat, and provide health promotion, maintenance, and sick care services to those in need. In addition, nurse practitioners have privileges to prescribe medications. Family nurse practitioners provide direct health care services to newborns, infants, children, adolescents, adults, pregnant and postpartum women, and older adults. Family nurse practitioners are specialist in family nursing, in the context of community, with broad knowledge and experience with people of all ages, and demonstrate a commitment to family-centered
According to U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (2002), “The pediatric nurse practitioner is a specialist in the care of children from birth through young adult with a in-depth knowledge and experience in pediatric primary health care including well child care and prevention/management of common pediatric acute illnesses and chronic conditions” (pp 29).
In the 1960s, the CCU nurses’ work lead to other practice questions for the profession of nursing. It was thought that if these specially trained nurses could use their expertise to diagnose and treat patients, then why couldn’t nurses who are specially trained in other areas, do the same. With this thought in mind, and due to a nationwide shortage of physicians, the pediatric and family nurse practitioner position evolved. (Hamric, Spross & Hanson, 2009, pp
Assess for child abuse and neglect; analyze the family system that may affect the health of the child and adolescent; and assessing the patient for health risks. Pediatric nurse practitioners are also to promote healthy nutritional practices, and incorporate health objectives into individual educational plans for children and those with special needs. The pediatric nurse practitioner is to adapt their relationship to the changing nature of the child’s cognitive and psycho-social development, and be able to effectively communicate with family members. The pediatric nurse practitioners are to serve as advocates for the child/family and provide for the safety, health and protection of the child. (US Department of Health and Human Services, 2002, pp