FNP Paper Topic

[sheascanlon]

Hey All,

I am starting my FNP program next week and before class starts we are required to write a 5 page paper on on a clinical problem we are planning on focusing on while in the program. I have spent my 5 year career in the Pediatric ICU so I have no idea yet what I want to focus on, I was hoping to figure that out while in school, not before!

Any FNPs out there have any topic ideas or even just clinical problems you see frequently in your practice?

Thanks in advance!

[kakamegamama]

What do YOU think you'll be more likely to see as a FNP? What health conditions? What is a common adult problem in the area where you live? Some places in the States have different problems in the area. This assignment is to write about something that YOU want to focus on, not what we see in our practice......not sure why you ask the question......

Also, pediatric ICU is very focused. Why are you going for a FNP rather than PNP? (Just curious)

[sheascanlon]

As I stated, I haven't ever worked with adults to truly know what health care problems are being faced. I know where the research dollars are going, but I don't know where the problems lie. Those are two very different things. I was not at all asking for someone to do the work for me, but looking for ideas of problems that I may be niave to given that I have only worked in acute care pediatrics. This forum is often used to bounce ideas off each other and allow you to think about things you may not have before. Thats all I was looking for. So I'm not sure why you jumped down my throat for using the focus for what it was intended.

I am seeking my FNP because I am moving to an area that would make finding a PNP position difficult. Many of my coworkers also have gone back for FNP due to the high stress and emotional toll that PICU takes on caregivers. Its not that uncommon.

[WKShadowNP, DNP, APRN]

Ok, I would recommend looking at the tasks of an FNP, scope of practice and then at the area in which you plan to work. Identify the health indicators that rate poorly in that area, what disparities exist for the populations affected. I think this is broad enough that with enough research you can hone in on something. That is a practice and primary care approach to patient-oriented questions. You may also want to examine barriers to practice in your area. Are their obstacles to practicing to the full extent of training? Are their policies enacted that create challenges to collaboration or independent practice? Is education and access to it hindering preparedness, effectiveness, or efficacy?

For what it's worth, this is just a bit of what you could pursue. Good luck.