Adult nurse practitioner or just family nurse practitioner

PatMac10,RN, RN · Jun 27, 2012

If I am understanding your question correctly, then the answer is that, technically, you could do either one. However, thinking logically, if you got hired in a Family practice one day you would not be able to see every patient, as your practice is limited to that of individuals from the age of 18 (maybe 16 in some states) and up. So in many cases, a family practice highers a family nurse practitioner who can see and treat patients across the life span, it makes sense really. A practice MAY spend more money hiring an ANP to see their adults and then hiring another NP (i.e. PNP) just to see the younger patients. It's easier for many practices to higher one provider who can provide care to all age groups. But, I'm sure there are ANPs that work in a family practice somewhere, they would still be required to practice in their scope though, which means only seeing those within in the age range their state board labels as an "adult" patient. Hope this helps!

In certain populations, an office may be labeled as a family practice, but 85% of their patient's may be adults. In this scenario, a practice owner may find it beneficial to hire and ANP, but it's up to that particular practice. You cannot always predict when their will be an influx of pediatric clients.

ImKosher · Jun 27, 2012

Nurse practitioners are dedicated to fields like PA. You can become a family practitioner, or pediatrics. You should ask this quest on the APN page.

Trauma Columnist · Jun 27, 2012

Moving to the APN Forum.

Advanced Practice Columnist / Guide · Jun 27, 2012

If I am understanding your question correctly, then the answer is that, technically, you could do either one. However, thinking logically, if you got hired in a Family practice one day you would not be able to see every patient, as your practice is limited to that of individuals from the age of 18 (maybe 16 in some states) and up. So in many cases, a family practice highers a family nurse practitioner who can see and treat patients across the life span, it makes sense really. A practice MAY spend more money hiring an ANP to see their adults and then hiring another NP (i.e. PNP) just to see the younger patients. It's easier for many practices to higher one provider who can provide care to all age groups. But, I'm sure there are ANPs that work in a family practice somewhere, they would still be required to practice in their scope though, which means only seeing those within in the age range their state board labels as an "adult" patient. Hope this helps!
In certain populations, an office may be labeled as a family practice, but 85% of their patient's may be adults. In this scenario, a practice owner may find it beneficial to hire and ANP, but it's up to that particular practice. You cannot always predict when their will be an influx of pediatric clients.

Good post for a nursing student! I think your post makes a lot of sense. Not to be too picky and so as not to confuse people (including myself): did you mean "hire" instead of "higher"? Also, the Consensus Model established that all adult NP specialties (ANP and ACNP) treat patients age 13 and up. Gerontology will also now be included officially as part of the adult NP programs.

PatMac10,RN, RN · Jun 28, 2012

Good post for a nursing student! I think your post makes a lot of sense. Not to be too picky and so as not to confuse people (including myself): did you mean "hire" instead of "higher"? Also, the Consensus Model established that all adult NP specialties (ANP and ACNP) treat patients age 13 and up. Gerontology will also now be included officially as part of the adult NP programs.

Yes I did mean hire. Thanks for the compliment and the age clarification!