Family nurse practitioners (FNPs) are highly trained, experienced nurses who provide primary care to patients of all ages. FNPs play an important role in patient health care because they can provide the same level of care as doctors while often being less expensive and easier to schedule. In addition to treating common illnesses, they also specialize in chronic conditions such as diabetes and hypertension, which affect millions of Americans every year.
Here are a few ways family nurse practitioners can help their patients maintain healthy lifestyles.
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Educate
Several factors play into maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including proper nutrition, exercise, and stress management. Family nurse practitioners (FNPs) can educate patients on these topics to help them maintain this balance.
FNPs can also educate patients on how to recognize signs and symptoms of the disease so they can seek treatment early. This will prevent the development of chronic health conditions and allow patients to live longer, healthier lives.
Finally, FNPs can educate their patients about how they can prevent disease by taking preventive measures such as getting vaccines or screenings for certain diseases like cancer and diabetes.
Around 25% of Americans don’t have a primary care provider or physician. An FNP can fill in that gap by educating their patients on healthcare basics and how to react to certain medical emergencies.
Encourage
Encourage patients to make healthy lifestyle choices. Family nurse practitioners can encourage patients to be more active by recommending that they walk more, do yard work and gardening, or take a jog before bed.
They can also recommend that their patients eat healthier foods such as fruits and vegetables rather than processed foods. If the patient isn’t drinking enough water, the NP should suggest increasing their intake of H2O; if they smoke cigarettes or drink alcohol excessively, the NP should encourage them to quit doing this to improve their health.
Almost 600,000 Americans die of smoking and alcohol consumption every year. FNPs can encourage their patients to avoid these practices so that they can lead long and healthy lives.
Counsel
Family nurse practitioners are often trained to counsel their patients. There are various online FNP programs that also provide such training. With the help of experts in the field, these online programs are designed like in-person ones. So, FNPs get the best training on how to counsel their patients.
Counseling is more than just talking—it’s about listening. Family nurse practitioners must listen carefully to their patients to understand their needs. That’s because counseling isn’t just something you do when a patient is going through a rough time or struggling with an issue. It should be an ongoing part of every appointment.
Inform
Family nurse practitioners have the same obligation as any other healthcare provider to inform their patients about healthy lifestyles. This means that you will be going over the basics with your patients, such as the importance of regular checkups and preventive care, along with making sure they are aware of certain health issues that might otherwise go undetected.
You may also want to discuss methods for keeping healthy eating habits and staying physically active, as well as getting enough sleep—all things that are important for maintaining a balanced lifestyle.
Provide Direct Care and Referrals to Specialists
Around 23% of Americans in a 2021 survey reported that they disliked going to the doctor. FNPs can help provide the direct care these individuals need. On top of that, they can refer them to specialists who the patients can trust.
Family nurse practitioners are trained to handle a variety of medical issues that arise, from common illnesses like the flu or strep throat to chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease. In some cases, it may be necessary for your FNP to refer you to another healthcare professional for further evaluation or treatment.
For example, if you have a minor injury but require stitches (which is classified as moderate-level care), your FNP can help you schedule an appointment with a local doctor who specializes in stitches. They can then follow up with you later on as needed.
Continually Evaluate Patient’s Health
Family nurse practitioners can visit their patients and evaluate their lifestyles on a more personal level. They can help patients keep track of how they eat, exercise, and sleep, as well as assess if there are any stressors in their lives. They can also talk about social support networks, mental health status, and physical limitations.
FNPs are trained to help people maintain healthy lifestyles through open communication and tailoring care to their needs and personalities. They can provide patients with information about different habits that will benefit them. So, an FNP’s job goes beyond providing primary care. It also involves guiding their patients to a healthy lifestyle and making healthy life choices.
