Nurse practitioners (NPs) are highly qualified medical professionals who work with patients of all ages. As their careers progress, some choose to step into leadership positions as administrators or managers. Others pursue advanced certification options, such as the FNP or ACNP designations.
What Is an Acute Care Nurse Practitioner?
An acute care nurse practitioner (ACNP) cares for patients who suffer from acute or critical conditions, in addition to chronic conditions, and often work in hospital settings. In an acute care setting, patients typically receive short-term care for issues such as:
- Postsurgical recovery
- Illness
- Physical trauma
- Life-threatening conditions
Some day-to-day responsibilities that an ACNP may encounter include:
- Checking on patients and assessing their needs
- Helping patients and their families understand their options
- Examining and keeping patient records
- Performing exams and tests
- Keeping an eye out for any changes in a patient’s condition
One further specialization for this field is that of an adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioner (AGACNP), who works with young adults, older adults and geriatric patients.2
In contrast, an adult-gerontology primary care nurse practitioner (AGPCNP) typically works at private practice clinics or community health clinics. These professionals emphasize preventive wellness and patient education, which can help patients make healthier lifestyle choices. AGPCNPs also help patients manage chronic conditions such as diabetes.
What Is a Family Nurse Practitioner?
A family nurse practitioner (FNP) works with families in a primary care setting. FNPs often help patients manage chronic medical conditions. FNPs may work with:
- Young children
- Teens
- Adults
- Seniors
An FNP is often the first point of contact for a patient suffering from an acute condition who has opted to seek primary care rather than emergency care. In this situation, the FNP may provide diagnostic services and preliminary care and refer the patient to an acute care setting.
Some potential duties of an FNP include:
- Diagnosing and treating patients’ conditions
- Prescribing medications and helping patients come up with care plans
- Ordering tests and assessing lab results
- Communicating and consulting with other healthcare professionals
