A family nurse practitioner is a health care provider who works with families at all stages of their lives. These health care professionals, like family physicians, can provide a wide range of basic services to patients and serve as a first point of contact with the medical system. A referral to another practitioner may be necessary if a patient requires care that the nurse practitioner cannot provide. Family nurse practitioners are needed in hospitals, clinics, and other health care settings to provide services to their patients.
Physicals, well-patient exams, and treatment for basic health issues are all part of this job. From birth to death, the family nurse practitioner builds a relationship with patients and follows them throughout their lives. These care providers can participate in the monitoring and treatment of chronic illness and disability in addition to dealing with patients who are generally healthy. Continuity of care for patients with pre-existing medical conditions is important, and the family nurse practitioner can be a valuable resource for both the patient and the care team.
Patients with minor medical complaints can seek evaluation from a family nurse practitioner. Some treatments can be done in the clinic, and the doctor can order medical imaging studies and other tests to learn more about the situation. If the situation is too complicated for the family nurse practitioner to handle, a referral will be made. If a patient comes in with a high-risk pregnancy, for example, that patient will need to see an obstetrician who specializes in such cases.
A wide range of patients may be sent to a family nurse practitioner in hospital and clinic settings to see if they can be treated or referred up the ladder for more advanced care. These health-care professionals can work in places like offices, schools, and other places where basic first-aid and health-care services are required. When people come in sick, the practitioner can examine them, determine if they require treatment, and provide a safe place for them to rest and recover before returning to work or school.
Outreach and education are frequently included in this work. To keep members of the community informed about important health care issues, family nurse practitioners may teach community interest classes. They can also work with at-risk populations to address specific issues of concern, such as addictive behaviors, in order to reduce the demand for health care in these areas. Public health and patient outcomes can be improved preventing health crises and providing proactive public education.