The advanced nursing role that I am pursuing is Family Nurse Practitioner (FPN). The position correlates with tasks, values, and objectives that I believe are primordial in the field of medicine. Namely, as an FPN, I will provide continuous care, which implies that I will consider the patient’s experiences, background, history, and community, as well as the medical condition that are to be prevented or treated. The holistic approach, which aligns with the role of an FPN, will grant me the most efficient chances to provide the most efficient patient-care services possible. The choice has been facilitated by my personal history and the experiences that my family members had with the medical system. I believe that the role of an FPN would address two of the main goals correlating with my professional objectives. On the one hand, I will be able to make the most effective health impact by focusing on a smaller number of patients yet with a more in-depth approach to their needs. On the other hand, I will be able to establish a trust-based relationship with them by considering their individual needs and desires.
One of the reasons I want to become an FPN is the past and current understanding of the importance of advocating for patients and forming a connection with them past one reliant on treatments and health services. Namely, my family was somewhat of a victim of miscommunication. When I was a child, I was a translator for my mother and aunt during medical appointments, as they knew little English. I witnessed how the community and communication barriers have impacted the level of services my family would receive. Moreover, due to the lack of an interpersonal connection between the care providers and my family members, they would believe that they create inconveniences when making appointments for care services. As a result, I believe that my mother and aunt could not receive the best health-related treatments and preventative measures as the connection between the patient and provider has not been adequately established.
As an FNP, I would be able to focus on each patient individually and apply my knowledge to practice. Moreover, as a future APRN, I will have the accreditation to do so based on evidence-based practices (NCSBN, 2022). However, the reason why I selected the role of an FPN is the long-term communication and interactions with the patients who seek medical assistance. As a result, medical care will focus on not only treatment but also preventative measures. For example, a patient with a family history of ovarian cancer will be examined and treated accordingly before the condition reaches a critical point. The current system is somewhat ignorant of patient education and a holistic approach toward medicine. By choosing to become an FPN, I facilitate opportunities to truly focus on the individuals requiring my professional assistance. Thus, their health concerns, socioeconomic status, and the communities in which they operate are more appropriately considered.
Currently, I work at a low-income hospital and assist vulnerable populations within a risk-prone socioeconomic demographic. My plan is to continue operating at a clinic where vulnerable populations receive care. The setting and population selection are driven by my desire to make the most significant impact possible. Moreover, my personal experience highlights the issues this particular demographic encounters when applying for medical care. The relative lack of concern when it comes to preventative measures, as well as a consideration of the background of patients, creates circumstances in which people do not trust or rely on the healthcare team that operates with them for treatment establishment and disease prevention. I believe that working as an FPN in a clinic and providing services for low-income patients can improve their overall health. Being a patient advocate is a personal mission that I had when I was a child, and I have kept it as a floor nurse at the hospital where I currently work. Thus, the understanding of the unique needs of each patient is significant and has been exemplified both in my personal and professional life.
The selected location setting and demographic are in need of a complex approach to the health of the individuals within the group I seek to assist. Namely, FPNs apply both nursing frameworks as well as ethical theories when providing care (American Association of Colleges of Nursing, 2011). As a family practice nurse, I will employ a strategy based on evidence-based measures as well as consider the features of the individuals I work with. My main goal is to focus on patient-centered care. Thus, I will be able to incorporate specific theories that specifically apply to my future patients, such as the consideration of their background and income. A certain lack of trust, resources, or confidence in the medical system will be the barriers I would like to tackle when operating in the field that I have selected. However, I believe that a practical approach toward the individual needs of the individuals within the selected demographic will minimize potential challenges and generate success in their health goals.
References
American Association of Colleges of Nursing. (2011). The essentials of master’s education in nursing. American Association of Colleges of Nursing.
NCSBN. (2022). APRN campaign for consensus: Moving toward uniformity in state laws. National Council of State Boards of Nursing. Web.