Reply To: Managing RN clinical practice to DNP Practice

[Arna Alyssa]

Hi Mayra,

Moving from the role of a Registered Nurse (RN) to a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) entails a substantial change in duties and professional jurisdiction. As a Registered Nurse (RN), the primary emphasis is executing medical orders, delivering hands-on patient care, and collaborating with fellow healthcare practitioners. On the other hand, a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) assumes a more independent position, encompassing diagnosing, formulating treatment strategies, prescribing drugs, and overseeing comprehensive patient care. The shift necessitates a change in perspective from carrying out care plans to developing them, which can provide difficulties. Just as with the change from being a CNA to an RN, there can be challenges when transitioning into a position of greater authority, when the ability to delegate and make decisions is crucial to the work.

The change also entails navigating novel challenges, including sophisticated clinical decision-making, handling intricate cases, and establishing patient-provider interactions from a distinct standpoint. Similarly to how newly graduated Registered Nurses (RNs) may face challenges when assigning tasks to others, newly graduated Family Nurse Practitioners (FNPs) may initially experience difficulties expressing their professional opinions and handling the added level of accountability. Nevertheless, the abilities acquired as a Registered Nurse (RN), such as analytical reasoning, advocating for patients, and effective communication, are highly essential in a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) position and can facilitate the transition. Receiving assistance from experienced colleagues, continuous education, and gaining confidence through hands-on experience can ease this transition, similar to how registered nurses gradually adapt to their responsibilities after becoming certified nursing assistants.