I'm interested in the midlevel provider role in healthcare so obviously I'm examing the PA and NP professions with FNP being the part of advanced practice nursing that interests me. Out of curiosity, and I know things differ between states, what procedures do FNPs practice in comparison to PA or phyisicians. For example, it seems I've seen some skepticism in FNPs suturing patients, etc. Do they do that, cast, splint, joint injections, aspirations, debriedments, endoscopies, etc.? If they work in emergency departments, in say more rural areas, would they be doing chest tubes, intuabations, and so forth if the need be alongside a physician or perhaps in place of one? Finally, I've looked at the curriculum for FNP programs at many universities, and I wonder where the training to interpret x-rays and other imaging diagnostics may come from particularly since there is no gross anatomy component to FNP programs. I'm aware of the different "models" used to train nurses and PAs, but I haven't exactly seen a listing of what FNPs may be doing other than "ordering and interpreting tests, diagnosing and prescribing."
Lots of questions there, I know. Hoping some of you may can answer them. Thanks!!
I always recommend to familiarize yourself with the laws where you want to practice. I do not live in a rural area; we are approaching 1,000,000 residents and are not deemed underserved. However, FNPs are frequently employed here as intensivists, hospitalists and in the ED (please keep in mind I live in a state with wholly independent NP practice). I know a FNP that does 1 days in a clinic and 1 day in an ED every week, runs her own weight loss clinic, and does prn in a neuro critical care unit, lol.
I suspect it is because the 1 NP program in the area does not offer ACNP options, and there are very few ACNPs to be found. The few that there are are all transplants from out of state. Areas that have an education pathway available for ACNP are probably going to use them preferentially in applicable areas. Know your area.
Rural areas in my state have NPs that practice like family practice/generalist physicians of yore. They see everyone for every thing and are completely responsible for their inpatients. In fact, the work load and responsibilities are so great that they cannot attract NPs to those areas (MDs having left 20 years ago) anymore. An hour or two outside a city offering a plethora of choices is a far cry from 6 hours from the nearest trauma center, lol! My point being, even differentiating rural vs urban is not enough. Know the state law, the culture and needs of the area where you want to live and make your decision based upon those factors.
Thank you for the responses, Nomad, BlueDevil and Diva. I sincerely appreciate it.
I'm not sure exactly where I want to practice geographically, which complicates things. I may practice in Texas, but I'm also willing to relocate to another part of the country depending on the options I find available at graduation. I know I will have much to learn even after completing school, but I am very intrigued by the states that allow independent practice.
Thanks again for your willingness to answer my questions.
BlueDevil,DNP, DNP, RN
1,158 Posts
KCEG:
I always recommend to familiarize yourself with the laws where you want to practice. I do not live in a rural area; we are approaching 1,000,000 residents and are not deemed underserved. However, FNPs are frequently employed here as intensivists, hospitalists and in the ED (please keep in mind I live in a state with wholly independent NP practice). I know a FNP that does 1 days in a clinic and 1 day in an ED every week, runs her own weight loss clinic, and does prn in a neuro critical care unit, lol.
I suspect it is because the 1 NP program in the area does not offer ACNP options, and there are very few ACNPs to be found. The few that there are are all transplants from out of state. Areas that have an education pathway available for ACNP are probably going to use them preferentially in applicable areas. Know your area.
Rural areas in my state have NPs that practice like family practice/generalist physicians of yore. They see everyone for every thing and are completely responsible for their inpatients. In fact, the work load and responsibilities are so great that they cannot attract NPs to those areas (MDs having left 20 years ago) anymore. An hour or two outside a city offering a plethora of choices is a far cry from 6 hours from the nearest trauma center, lol! My point being, even differentiating rural vs urban is not enough. Know the state law, the culture and needs of the area where you want to live and make your decision based upon those factors.
good luck!