FNP Competencies
The National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties (NONPF) has identified core competencies for all nurse practitioner graduates. The competencies are guidelines for entry into practice upon graduation from a NP educational program that ensures graduates have the knowledge, skills, and abilities that are essential to independent clinical practice. These competencies are the foundation of all NPs and should be demonstrated upon graduation regardless of the population focus of the program. They are acquired through mentored patient care experience with emphasis on independent and interprofessional practice; analytic skills for evaluating and providing evidence –based, patient centered care across setting; and advanced knowledge of the health care delivery system. Listed below are a few examples of the competencies I have gained from academic and clinical experience that I will incorporate into my practice as a family nurse practitioner.·
- Obtains and accurately documents a relevant health history for patients of all ages and in all phases of the individual and family life cycle using collateral information, as needed.
- Performs and accurately documents appropriate comprehensive or symptom-focused physical examinations on patients of all ages (including developmental and behavioral screening, physical exam and mental health evaluations).
- Identifies health and psychosocial risk factors of patients of all ages and families in all stages of the family life cycle.
- Identifies and plans interventions to promote health with families at risk.
- Assesses the impact of an acute and/or chronic illness or common injuries on the family as a whole.
- Distinguishes between normal and abnormal change across the lifespan.
- Assesses decision-making ability and consults and refers, appropriately.
- Synthesizes data from a variety of sources to make clinical decisions regarding appropriate management,
consultation, or referral. - Plans diagnostic strategies and makes appropriate use of diagnostic tools for screening and prevention, with
consideration of the costs, risks, and benefits to individuals. - Formulates comprehensive differential diagnoses.
- Manages common acute and chronic physical and mental illnesses, including acute exacerbations and injuries across the lifespan to minimize the development of complications, and promote function and quality of living.
- Prescribes medications with knowledge of altered pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics with special populations, such as infants and children, pregnant and lactating women, and older adults.
- Prescribes therapeutic devices.
- Adapts interventions to meet the complex needs of individuals and families arising from aging, developmental/life transitions, co-morbities, psychosocial, and financial issues.
- Assesses and promotes self-care in patients with disabilities.
- Plans and orders palliative care and end-of-life care, as appropriate.
- Performs primary care procedures.
- Uses knowledge of family theories and development stages to individualize care provided to individuals and families.
- Facilitates family decision-making about health.
- Analyzes the impact of aging and age-and disease-related changes in sensory/perceptual function, cognition,
confidence with technology, and health literacy and numeracy on the ability and readiness to learn and tailor interventions accordingly. - Demonstrates knowledge of the similarities and differences in roles of various health professionals proving mental health services, e.g., psychotherapists, psychologist, psychiatric social worker, psychiatrist, and advanced practice psychiatric nurse.
- Evaluates the impact of life transitions on the health/illness status of patients and the impact of health and illness on patients (individuals, families, and communities).
- Applies principles of self-efficacy/empowerment in promoting behavior change.
- Develops patient-appropriate educational materials that address the language and cultural beliefs of the patient.
- Monitors specialized care coordination to enhance effectiveness of outcomes for individuals and families.
For more information regarding Competencies for Nurse Practitioners visit http://www.nonpf.org/?page=14