Family nurse practitioners (FNPs) care for patients across all ages of the lifespan and have the ability and expertise to provide direct patient care and improve health outcomes. With their clinical expertise and understanding of patients, FNPs are well-positioned to influence healthcare policy. They can use their experience to advocate for better healthcare and bring about positive change and improvements. FNPs are in demand by healthcare organizations, and this profession is growing to meet the needs of different populations.
FNPs receive a competency-based education that prepares them to provide high-quality, safe patient care. The effectiveness of the education is reflected by health outcomes. FNP students must demonstrate that they have learned the knowledge and skills to practice safely and graduate when competency has been achieved. FNP education is focused on providing care for the family. The didactic and clinical education is related to family health care needs. Graduates are prepared to address community and national-level health problems and the influence of public, legislative and regulatory policy on different client populations.
There are many pathways for nurses who wish to advance their careers. Carson-Newman University offers an online master’s in nursing FNP and an online post-master’s certification FNP for nurses wanting to progress in the nurse practitioner field, and obtain some of the highest-paid nursing roles available.
Health outcomes
FNPs work hard to achieve positive health outcomes for their patients. They want their patients to have a sense of wellbeing and to function well physically, mentally and socially. They have demonstrated that they are an asset to patients and a valuable part of primary care services. Patients who are satisfied with the healthcare service they receive are more likely to engage in treatment plans, are better able to manage chronic illnesses, and are more likely to have good health outcomes.
Many studies have found that patients rate FNPs highly. FNPs are well-positioned to forge strong relationships with patients. This means that patients are less likely to be hospitalized and more likely to comply with treatment plans and take steps to maintain good health. Research has consistently found that FNPs provide high-quality care and excellent outcomes. Their care is patient-centered, efficient, equitable, safe, effective and evidence-based. Research indicates that FNP care results in higher patient satisfaction and fewer emergency room visits, hospital readmissions and hospitalizations.
FNPs care for people across the lifespan and build strong relationships with patients. They provide evidence-based care, resulting in the best possible patient outcomes. They also provide tailored care to patients, which contributes to improved health outcomes. FNPs use nursing diagnoses and plan interventions to address patient problems. They have advanced clinical competence along with a holistic understanding of patient wellbeing. FNPs treat the whole person and consider different aspects of the patient, such as culture, family dynamics and lifestyle. They are prepared to use their advanced skills and holistic approach to improve patient, family and community outcomes.
Healthcare policy
Healthcare policy is the combination of decisions, plans and actions used to achieve the healthcare needs of society. It includes any research, regulation or law that impacts healthcare providers and patient health. Nurses are part of the largest staffing group within the healthcare workforce. They are in an ideal position to observe how policy affects patients and communities. Health policy includes research, regulation and law that impacts patient health and healthcare providers. Nurses can join a council or committee to address best practice change or become members of national nursing organizations to campaign with other nurses. Many organization members testify before Congress, the US Food and Drug Administration and the National Institutes of Health on issues that impact their patients.
Every year, nurses around the US gather at Capitol Hill to campaign on nursing legislation. This year, 400 nurses campaigned at Capitol Hill to get support for the American Nurses Association’s four key federal issues: building and sustaining the nursing workforce, understanding the value of nurses and healthcare worker burnout, the nurse staffing crisis, and removing barriers to APRN full practice authority. Shortly afterwards, the American Nurses Association Membership Assembly was held and considered various nursing issues. Nurse leaders attended, representing member organizations, and discussed the practice and policy that impacts the nursing profession.
FNPs can advocate for resources, staff support or individual health. They understand the barriers preventing good health and can advocate for health equity. They can focus on population health and address the needs of various communities. FNPs often advocate for education, basic provisions, services and resources for their community. They can use leadership skills to encourage other nurses to participate in policymaking. They can discover more about health policy by finding which legislators support policies of interest and write to them about issues that impact patient care. It is useful to know who makes policy in their workplace and community. Nurses are essential advocates for health policy. Nurse leaders can shape policy within their organization and empower other nurses to become involved in this area.
FNPs can also educate policymakers on the role of nurses. Nurses advocate for their patients by influencing politics and improving healthcare delivery. Nurses can push for new policies that provide positive outcomes for patients. They can use their varied knowledge and skills to become involved in healthcare policymaking activities, such as advocating for laws that improve healthcare access. FNPs are frontline workers who are in touch with patient experience, and they understand how policy impacts patient care.
Making a difference
The FNP is a healthcare professional who can make a difference to patients and communities. Student FNPs are educated to provide high-quality and safe patient care and understand the importance of policy. They practice preventive care and promote the health and wellbeing of their patients. FNPs are in demand by healthcare organizations as they can improve health outcomes and achieve patient satisfaction. Nurses are well-positioned to advocate for their patients and contribute to health policy and legislation. When nurses get involved in healthcare policy, they can positively impact patient care.
