Why choose FNP (family nurse practitioner)

Nursing Students NP Students

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I just recently learned about the FNP profession, but am still unsure exactly what they do and how it compares to an NP. For anyone out there who is an FNP or has chosen the profession, what made you decide to become an FNP versus the other nursing professions out there?

Specializes in Outpatient Psychiatry.

I'm year three of three. I'm saying it hasn't been taught/covered and won't be before May graduation. Granted, I'm in a psychiatry focus, but I think that type of thing needs to be included in all foci. Maybe the "powers that be" differ in that perspective.

What year are you? Are you saying they don't specifically say it in the curriculum? Or they don't teach it?

If you haven't covered this in school by your last year and your preceptors haven't covered it, ask for you money back and write a letter to the ANCC and AANP.

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Specializes in Adult Internal Medicine.

I am just going on experience as a PCP but I would estimate the five most common psych complaints are anxiety, depression, ADD/ADHD, bipolar, and sub abuse. You aren't getting training in any of those?

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Specializes in Outpatient Psychiatry.
I am just going on experience as a PCP but I would estimate the five most common psych complaints are anxiety, depression, ADD/ADHD, bipolar, and sub abuse. You aren't getting training in any of those?

No, I actually started this suggesting that all NPs should receive training in the most common primary care complaints regardless of focus. I'm aware of what psych's needs are. I'd like enhanced training in the top complaints a family practitioner is like to see aside from managing hypertensives and diabetics. Low back pain, headache, nausea...?

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Specializes in Adult Internal Medicine.

That's outside the scope of a psych NP, what would the benefit be?

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Specializes in Outpatient Psychiatry.
That's outside the scope of a psych NP, what would the benefit be?

Not in my neck of the woods.

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Specializes in Adult Internal Medicine.
Not in my neck of the woods.

Which state is that?

That's dangerous business to be working outside the scope of your certification and education.

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Someone came in here complaining about having to write SOAP notes when she is a psych focus. She wasn't doing well with the SOAP notes and she was worried that she was going to get a bad a grade in a class that she felt she didn't need. I have done only one clinical rotation and I can already diagnose and treat minor ailments even though the focus was on wellness. I don't know about Psych, as Bostonfnp said, the basics have to be covered and it's my belief that most programs are doing that.

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Specializes in Outpatient Psychiatry.
Which state is that?

That's dangerous business to be working outside the scope of your certification and education.

Not revealing the state. However, it's not so much "against the law" to prescribe treatments beyond psychotropics here, particularly if the collaborating doc is ok with it, and I've seen PMHNPs frequently write for UTIs, HTN refills, etc. That's why I want the academic programs here to start including a modicum of PCP stuff. Frequently, psych patients don't go to any other providers. I'm not saying it's ideal or even preferred, but it's happening. Plus I'd just like to have more exposure.

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Specializes in Adult Internal Medicine.
Not revealing the state. However, it's not so much "against the law" to prescribe treatments beyond psychotropics here, particularly if the collaborating doc is ok with it, and I've seen PMHNPs frequently write for UTIs, HTN refills, etc. That's why I want the academic programs here to start including a modicum of PCP stuff. Frequently, psych patients don't go to any other providers. I'm not saying it's ideal or even preferred, but it's happening. Plus I'd just like to have more exposure.

You are obviously free to do whatever you wish, but before you do, take a serious thought about what is legal, ethical, and clinically appropriate. Depending on your state BON/BOM it could very well be illegal. It is most surely unethical. It may or may not be clinically appropriate. Bottom line is you could very well lose your license if there was an unfortunate adverse effect that caused harm to a patient, and with it your investment in your future, not to mention the effects on the patient.

Perhaps your fellow psych providers could weigh-in, but from a PCP perspective that is a huge risk to both you and your patient. You don't have the education, certification, or experience to practice outside your scope. Think about that before you do.

In the same vein, I don't attempt to manage psych illness outside my scope.

One of the most important things I try to instill in my students is a firm understanding of your own limitations. If you want to do this, do a post-masters and dual board.

Again you can do what you wish, but I feel compelled to comment so those others students and perspective students reading this understand the whole picture.

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Specializes in Outpatient Psychiatry.

I'm not doing any of it because I'm not trained in it.

As a similar example, all law enforcement officers in this state can write citations for hunting and fishing violations, despite most people thinking they can't, yet officers choose not to because they're not trained in it - they're merely empowered to do. Instead, they leave it to wildlife officers.

Likewise, I don't think it prudent for PHMHNPs to provide any primary care coverage -even if they legally can- because they're not trained for it

.

You are obviously free to do whatever you wish, but before you do, take a serious thought about what is legal, ethical, and clinically appropriate. Depending on your state BON/BOM it could very well be illegal. It is most surely unethical. It may or may not be clinically appropriate. Bottom line is you could very well lose your license if there was an unfortunate adverse effect that caused harm to a patient, and with it your investment in your future, not to mention the effects on the patient.

Perhaps your fellow psych providers could weigh-in, but from a PCP perspective that is a huge risk to both you and your patient. You don't have the education, certification, or experience to practice outside your scope. Think about that before you do.

In the same vein, I don't attempt to manage psych illness outside my scope.

One of the most important things I try to instill in my students is a firm understanding of your own limitations. If you want to do this, do a post-masters and dual board.

Again you can do what you wish, but I feel compelled to comment so those others students and perspective students reading this understand the whole picture.

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I feel as though there isn't enough training to prepare a nurse to be in family practice. It's always a learning experience.

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Specializes in Primary Care, Progressive Care.
No, I actually started this suggesting that all NPs should receive training in the most common primary care complaints regardless of focus. I'm aware of what psych's needs are. I'd like enhanced training in the top complaints a family practitioner is like to see aside from managing hypertensives and diabetics. Low back pain, headache, nausea...?

Then maybe you should've done FNP as ur primary focus then get a Psych certificate after if the need to know about primary care is needed. As a graduating FNP student, i have been exposed to more than 30 common illnesses in primary care. Although i am not an expert in all of them, it's hard to see other nurses from other specialties who clearly doesn't have any idea about the FNP coursework and yet felt the need to comment that we are not adequately prepared for the role. I agree with the other members stating that u shouldn't treat UTI if your in the psych role. Even cardiologists refer patients back to their primary for a high blood pressure (not really sure why). Treat what's within your scope of practice, be safe than sorry.

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