The role of the FNP and the nurse educator are very different in the way their expertise is utilized for the greater good of the community. The FNP provides direct care to a population of people, whereas the nurse educator facilitates learning by imparting knowledge through lectures, demonstrations or hands on learning.
The practice setting is also different for the category of each provider; NEs work mainly in nursing schools, colleges or universities, hospitals or other healthcare facilities.
Their responsibilities rest largely on educating nursing students and current nurses to prepare to them meet the challenges of the profession. They educate nurses on the latest trends in nursing care as well as assisting them in remaining current with their nursing skills and licensing.
The FNPs can be found in hospitals, clinics, nursing homes and doctors' offices; some FNPs have even ventured out to set their own up independent practices.
The similarities in their roles revolve around providing education to improve health and wellness. NEs provide education to seasoned, new and aspiring nurses while FNPs provide education to patients and families.
Both sets of practitioners are required to have a master's degree or higher to practice under the competencies of their profession. The FNP and the NE are required to maintain their continuing education credits to be eligible for biennial license renewal (Florida Board of Nursing, 2017).
Reference
Florida Board of Nursing. (2017). Florida Board of Nursing - Licensing, Renewals & Information.