If you are interested in becoming an independent licensed advanced practice provider in a role that has medical and nursing functions, you should consider becoming a family nurse practitioner (FNP). An FNP is prepared to care for patients of all age groups in primary care. Primary care is focused on wellness, screening, early identification, prevention and management of illness rather than providing only illness care, where patients must become ill before providing care. Family nurse practitioners hold positions in specialty and primary care outpatient settings.?