What does FNP mean in NURSING

FNP stands for Family Nurse Practitioner, which is a healthcare provider with advanced nursing and medical knowledge.

Services provided by FNPs include diagnosing and treating acute episodic and chronic illnesses, providing preventive care, patient education, ordering lab tests, prescribing medications and referrals to other medical specialists.

In comparison with other medical professionals such as physicians or physician assistants, FNPs typically spend more time with their patients in order to work on their overall health rather than simply diagnosing and treating illness.

To become an FNP, one must first become a Registered Nurse by completing a minimum two-year associate's degree at an accredited school of nursing or a four-year bachelor's degree program in nursing. Then the nurse must complete additional graduate-level education such as a master's degree or doctorate in family nurse practitioner studies in order to become board certified as an FNP.

Family nurse practitioners can be found in many different settings such as hospitals, clinics, private practices or teach at universities. They may also work in mental health facilities or specialize in certain areas of practice such as pediatrics or geriatrics.