The Nurse Family Partnership (NFP) has proven to be a Godsend for so many mothers in need of child support, shelter from abuse, escape from addictions including, smoking and alcohol. This is what Sarah had to say about the NFP, "The NFP helped me at a point in my life when I didn't know where to turn to and they helped me get back on my feet and keep running." She was desperate and terrified when she found out that she was pregnant at 17 years. She did not work and she had no idea about what happens during and after pregnancy. Someone referred her to NFP in the nick of time for which she is so grateful. Sarah is just one among the thousands that NFP is helping today.
What is NFP?
NFP or the National Family Partnership is a nonprofit organization which runs on the funding from the state and willing donors. Their goal is to build stronger communities by helping the vulnerable members such as single moms or mothers who need help during their pregnancy and for the subsequent bringing up of their baby. The NFP will provide guidance and help till the baby is two years old.
How does NFP work?
NFP has many valuable nurses that work in conjunction with new moms who are vulnerable and have nowhere to go. This is a health program for the mom and child that becomes a life changing partnership focused on creating stability and self-sufficiency.
Principles of the NFP
The NFP is centered on certain core principles such as:
Relational: The success of this program depends on the relationship the nurse builds with the new mom. This is critical for the mom to trust the nurse and to show results.
Client-centered: The nurse makes sure that all instruction and methods followed are catered to the client's needs such as Spanish leaflets for a Hispanic mom who cannot communicate in English. Age appropriate instructions and diet for the child.
Multi-dimensional: The program engages all aspects of the mom's life such as involving the family in the care of the baby, factoring in the daily schedules, any community interactions etc. It is a holistic approach that looks at the person's life as a whole.
Strengths-Based: This program is based on providing adult instruction for life skills, parenting, nonviolent disciplining of the child and building on the knowledge and learning that the adult receives. NFP believes in instruction through the teaching mode.
How can you qualify for NFP?
The NFP selects vulnerable moms in the community who are low-income or do not have any source of income and will work with them. This partnership usually begins by the 16th week into the pregnancy.
NFP Outreach
Today, NFP has reached out to 505 counties serving 23,935 families who are currently enrolled in this program. Overall, NFP has serviced a total of 167,071 families since it started in 1996.
How can you help the NFP?
You can also help NFP help others in need by donating through the NFP website. Your generosity will help someone rebuild their lives. You can also help by becoming a nurse as nurses are the glue that holds NFP together. Currently, the NFP requires a lot more nurses to expand its reach to more underserved areas.
The basic program that is required to qualify for the RN licensing exam needed for a nurse to practice is the Associate Degree in nursing program. This license will enable a nurse to practice in the state the exam was taken. The future for a nurse is always green. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, a registered nurse in 2010 earned $31.10 per hour and $64,690 annually.
If you are interested in becoming a nurse, you can go to the nearest community college for information about the nursing programs they offer.
Author Bio: Ralph Coleman is a established counselor who writes relevant information for students who are aspiring to pursue veritable online degree programs such as medical assisting, criminal justice, nursing, , radiologic technology, business administration etc.