In years past, there was a clear distinction between a “nurse” and a “doctor.” Each possessed unique skills and knowledge, making them experts in their respective roles. Today, the lines are a bit more blurred — but all for the positive. Gone are the days when a physician was your only option for receiving certain types of care and treatment (lab test orders, imaging scan referrals, prescriptions and more).
Today, Family Nurse Practitioners (FNPs) serve a crucial role across the healthcare landscape. These professionals fill a void due to the physician shortage. While not doctors, they are also well positioned to become effective healthcare advocates for patients as well as colleagues. By utilizing their unique knowledge, skills and experiences, FNPs can influence care methods, policies and systems that affect health outcomes for their patient populations — particularly those in vulnerable situations.
Professionals in this field can pursue their Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) – FNP online program through William Paterson University (WP).
FNP Healthcare Advocacy in Action
Healthcare advocacy involves speaking up for populations and organizations. FNPs often serve specific populations with unique needs, meaning they must address the challenges and needs of patients and colleagues of various backgrounds. Examples of healthcare advocacy include:
- Supporting patients in making informed decisions about their healthcare by providing education, resources and guidance
- Collaborating with other healthcare professionals to develop and implement policies and protocols that improve patient care
- Advocating for improved access to care for underserved populations, including rural communities, individuals with disabilities and patients impacted by social determinants of health (SDOH)
- Promoting the importance of preventive care and the need for increased resources for public health initiatives
Empowering FNPs as Advocates
FNPs can leverage their position and knowledge to advocate for others and themselves in healthcare environments by developing strong communication skills and staying informed about current healthcare policies and legislation. Additionally, FNPs can utilize their advanced clinical knowledge to help guide and inform decision-making processes, ensuring that patient needs are met and best practices are followed.
Vulnerable Populations and FNP Advocacy
FNPs are particularly well positioned to advocate for vulnerable populations, including children, older adults and those with chronic health conditions. By developing an in-depth understanding of the health needs of these specific age groups and populations, FNPs can identify disparities in care and work to address them.
This may involve advocating for increased funding for community health programs, raising awareness about the challenges faced by these populations or developing innovative care models that better meet their needs. FNPs must have a solid grasp on SDOH, which often put individuals in a vulnerable space regarding healthcare. There’s been an increasing focus on SDOH in the past few years, making knowledge in this area a “must” within one’s FNP education and experience.
Preparing FNPs for Advocacy Through Education
Of course, FNPs aren’t expected to accomplish these objectives on their own. Instead, they need specific guidance in order to excel in their career and truly make an impact as healthcare advocates. Thankfully, there are educational programs that help FNPs rise to the occasion.
The online MSN – FNP program from WP prepares students to become effective healthcare advocates by offering relevant coursework that addresses key issues in healthcare advocacy. Some examples of these courses address the following topics:
- Population health: This course focuses on understanding the health needs of diverse populations and factors that contribute to health disparities. Students learn about strategies for improving population health and the role of the FNP in promoting health equity.
- Legislation and social policy: Students explore the relationship between healthcare policy, legislation and social issues. They examine the role of the FNP in influencing healthcare policy and learn strategies for effectively advocating for change.
- Advanced practice and nursing practice courses: Courses in this area provide students with an in-depth understanding of the health needs of specific age groups and populations, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to effectively advocate for improved care and access to services.
Are You Ready to Get Started?
Without a doubt, FNPs play a critical role in healthcare advocacy, working to improve care and outcomes for patients and colleagues alike. The online program at WP comprehensively equips graduates with the tools needed to recognize disparities and advocate for positive change in healthcare environments. Students can accelerate their career path in this program as well, as they can complete coursework in as few as 20 months.
Learn more about the William Paterson University’s online MSN – FNP program.
