Family nurse practitioners are highly-skilled healthcare workers who help to diagnose illnesses, administer treatment, and provide education and follow-up care to patients of all ages. Nurses usually specialize by focusing on certain types of illnesses, conditions, or services. Most professionals work alongside physicians in hospitals and private offices, though some family nurse practitioner jobs can be found in public health clinics, rehabilitation facilities, and home health care organizations.
Many family nurse practitioner jobs involve providing care and treatment to patients with very specific health conditions. Some nurses, for example, focus on helping individuals with AIDS, multiple sclerosis, schizophrenia, or another physical or mental disorder. They may interview new patients, help physicians perform physical examinations, and monitor computerized testing equipment to aid in making a diagnosis. Nurse practitioners are frequently involved in determining the most appropriate treatment plans and scheduling regular appointments and checkups.
Professional nurse practitioners often specialize in providing education and awareness to patients, their families, and the general public. Nurses in rehabilitation facilities and occupational health clinics help patients prepare for their return to work and independent living. They teach individuals how to manage their conditions at home and counsel family members on ways they can help. Many family nurse practitioners participate in public awareness seminars and provide information about different diseases and healthcare options.
Some family nurse practitioner jobs involve conducting research regarding the successes and shortcomings of different medical procedures and healhcare plans. Research nurses investigate current procedures, policies, and statistics to determine where improvements can be made. A nurse may, for example, research the cost and availability of medical care in a given neighborhood. He or she might look at past records and demographics to determine if the citizens are receiving sufficient care. If the nurse discovers that medical services are insufficient, he or she might write an official proposal to hospital board members and government authorities to recommend additional funding and educational resources.
To obtain most family nurse practitioner jobs, individuals must complete extensive educational and practical training requirements. Prospective nurse practitioners are usually required to complete four-year bachelor's degree programs to become registered nurses, as well as two years of graduate school to obtain special credentials. A new nurse spends one to two years in clinical practice in an emergency room or hospital setting to gain experience in the field and prepare for advanced family nurse practitioner jobs. In addition, he or she is required to pass a comprehensive written licensing examination offered by his or her country to become a nurse practitioner.