Family nurse practicioner - Essay Example

and number) FAMILY NURSE PRACTITIONER PROGRAM To become a family nurse practitioner, a licensed (NCLEX-RN) Bachelor of Science in Nursing graduate must take up Master of Science in Nursing covering courses in family nursing theory and intervention, acute and chronic illness management, research, primary healthcare concerns and leadership preparation. After finishing the course, the American Nurses Credentialing Center of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners will issue a board certification in family practice entitling an individual to be a “Certified Family Nurse Practitioner” (CFNP) (Johnson &Johnson, Inc. 1).There are several universities that offer a Family Nurse Practitioner Program (FNPP).

According to US News and World Report in 2011, the top five graduate schools for FNPP include: 1). University of California- San Fransisco (UCSF); 2) University of Washington; 3) University of Pennsylvania; 4) University of Michigan – Ann Arbor and;5) Columbia University. In UCSF, their Master of Science Program for FNP is a full-time, two-year course study. As an additional requirement, one is eligible to take up the course if he or she has at least 2 years of experience working as a Registered Nurse (RN).

UCSF also offers a 5-6 quarter Post-Master’s option for those want to obtain FNP certification. This includes all clinical and specialty core courses. Year 1 will cover clinical practicum while Year 2 will focus on residencies that will provide supervised clinical experience (UCSF 1). As a specialty healthcare provider, the primary role of a certified FNP is to meet the healthcare needs of the individual and family though comprehensive primary care provision within their lifespan. Other roles and responsibilities of a certified FNP includes: 1) diagnosing illnesses; 2) prescribing medication and therapy; 3) conducting routine check-ups; 4) ordering patient lab tests; 5) assisting in minor surgical procedures; and 6) focusing on disease prevention through their independent work as well as collaboration with other primary care clinicians, healthcare and social service professionals (Johnson & Johnson, Inc. 1).Works CitedJohnson &Johnson Services, Inc.

Family Nurse Practitioner. 2014. Web. http://www.discovernursing.com/specialty/family-nurse-practitionerUniversity of California, San Francisco (UCSF). MS Specialty Area: Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP). 2014. Web. http://nursing.ucsf.edu/programs/specialties/family-nurse-practitioner-fnpUS News and World Report. Nurse Practitioner: Family. 2011. Web. http://grad-schools.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-health-schools/family-nursing-rankings