Editor’s Notebook

The nurse practitioner (NP) workforce is expanding, delivering care to millions of patients nationwide and filling the many roles left vacant by a shortage of primary care physicians and registered nurses (RNs).

As more RNs opt for early retirement, resign due to burnout, or pursue careers outside of healthcare, hospitals and other healthcare facilities lean on nurse practitioners to fill in the gaps and mentor and develop registered nurses new to the field.

Becoming an NP offers many specialties, and the family nurse practitioner (FNP) role is among the most popular. According to the American Association of Nurse Practitioners® (AANP), nearly 70% of NPs are certified in family care. Because of their broad experience, FNPs make a difference in underserved communities and provide comprehensive medical care to patients of all ages.

Changing healthcare regulations, expanded health insurance options, increased focus on preventive care, and a greater demand for healthcare services by an aging population ensure that the need for FNPs won’t slow anytime soon.

FNPs are pivotal in delivering high-quality healthcare services, which means being the go-to resource for families for most preventive care services and treating acute and chronic conditions. And this is where the FNP holistic approach to patient care shines, concentrating on the patient as an individual and part of a family.

• This month, Minority Nurse focuses on Family Nurse Practitioners.

• The FNP background opens the potential for tremendous career growth in areas from healthcare policy to healthcare finance or academia. Julia Quinn-Szcesuil explores using an FNP degree to advance nursing leadership.

• The U.S. News & World Report ranks the NP role as the best job in healthcare for 2023. Reneé Hewitt profiles two FNPs, their essential role in community health, and their journey to becoming FNPs.

• Do you have a passion for caring for the underserved? Louis Pilla looks at how FNPs care for underserved communities on the East Coast and in the remote high desert of New Mexico.

• Have you ever wondered what it’s like to have a practice as an FNP? Michele Wojciechowski interviews a nurse that knew she wanted to go into private practice.

“Save one life, and you’re a hero. Save 100 lives, and you’re a nurse.” –Anonymous.

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