There are certain similarities and differences between the professions of family nurse practitioner (FNP), primary care provider (PCP), and clinical nurse specialist (CNS). FNPs and PCPs are the nurse practitioner (NP) specializations and CNSs stem from APRN. Those two nursing classes can be compared and differentiated in the spheres of education, the scope of practice, competencies, and licensing.
The educational requirements for both NP specialties have differences and similarities as compared to CNSs. The first educational requirement for all of them consists in the need to have at least a Master’s degree. The difference is they all need to apply for the courses according to the specialization and take different exams.
When competencies are concerned, there are also some distinctions between the three professions. FNPs are family-oriented specialists that are generally required to be highly communicative and be able to work with all ages. Primary care providers are oriented on educating people on health, being competent also as teachers, and possessing qualities of inspirational leaders. In the case of clinical nurse specialists, there is a number of sub-specializations like gerontology or pediatric care, each of them requiring different competencies. What all three specialties do have in common is the ability to cope with stress, communicate with colleagues and patients effectively, know their legal rights and obligations, and follow the basic ethical code of nursing.
The scope of practice of FNPs, PCPs, and CNSs varies more significantly than educational requirements. FNPs’ primary area of practice includes management of family records, monitoring the health of patients of all ages, diagnosing and appointing treatments for minor illnesses. PCP usually provides preventive care, educates patients on their health and wellbeing, evaluates the patient’s health and advises them on how and where to proceed with treatment. CNSs are focused more on improving services across the healthcare system in the spheres of patient care, nurse working environment, or even advocating for specific initiatives on the higher level. They can also further specialize in adult health, child mental health, home health, pediatric, and other spheres to provide well-rounded care in these specific areas. All of these professionals, however, are educated enough to give first aid, diagnose and treat minor illnesses, and if something is beyond their competence, they can advise another specialist.
FNPs and PCP usually work in clinical settings, whereas CNCs, depending on their sub-specialization, may work in clinics, at homes, and provide services to communities. FNPs and PCPs work with populations regardless of their age and gender. CNCs can further specialize to treat children, adults, older adults or pregnant women.
There are also differences and similarities in the licensing and regulations applied to those nursing professionals. Firstly, all of them are required to be registered with their state Board of Nursing. In addition, there is a state-dependent Nurse Practice Act that applies to all registered nurses and defines basic requirements, rights, and obligations. According to the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (2016), 96% of NPS have national certification. After finishing their studies, CNSs are accredited by American Nurses Credentialing Center by taking an exam. Such credentials are valid across the United States and can also be considered a form of national certification. Despite all of their differences, all nurses regardless of their scope of practice have one common role – providing high-quality care to those who need medical help.
References
AANP. (2016). About AANP. Web.