Becoming a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
Pediatric nurse practitioners (PNPs) offer healthcare services to children from infancy to young adulthood. This article delves into the roles of PNPs and the journey to becoming one.
What roles do pediatric nurse practitioners fulfill?
PNPs are crucial in healthcare settings like clinics, medical offices, and children's hospitals. Their main goal is to enhance child health through preventive measures, timely medical care, and family education. They are proficient clinicians managing tasks such as:
- Conducting developmental assessments to monitor growth - Performing routine health exams and school check-ups - Prescribing medications within their practice scope - Treating common childhood ailments and injuries using evidence-based methods - Keeping immunization records up-to-date - Administering key vaccines, although nurses typically handle this task
In various U.S. states, PNPs have full practice authority, allowing them to work independently of physicians.
Why are pediatric nurse practitioners needed?
With rising healthcare costs in the U.S., PNPs are vital in lowering expenses and improving healthcare accessibility. They also help address the shortage of primary care doctors. The Association of American Medical Colleges predicts a shortfall of 54,100 to 139,000 physicians by 2033. In states where PNPs have full authority, they can diagnose, treat, and perform procedures usually done by primary care doctors, making them indispensable to pediatric healthcare teams and communities.
How does one become a pediatric nurse practitioner?
Becoming a PNP requires advanced education, certification, and experience. Here's a simplified path to becoming a PNP:
Step 1. Obtain a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
BSN programs are four-year courses preparing students for nursing roles. They cover anatomy, physiology, nutrition, pharmacology, and nursing techniques, emphasizing critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills, supplemented by clinical rotations for hands-on experience.
Step 2. Become a licensed Registered Nurse (RN)
After passing the NCLEX-RN, students can apply for state licensure to work as RNs.
Step 3. Gain RN experience, ideally in pediatrics
Many NP programs require at least one year of RN experience in pediatrics for aspiring PNPs. This experience hones vital nursing skills and pediatric care insights.
Step 4. Complete a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program
MSN and DNP programs focusing on pediatric healthcare take about two to four years, providing advanced knowledge for primary and specialized pediatric care.
Step 5. Obtain certification
To become certified, candidates must pass the PNCB-administered exam, proving they meet the highest pediatric nursing standards. The PNCB offers two specialty certifications:
- Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner – Primary Care (CPNP-PC): For PNPs emphasizing preventive and ongoing care for children and young adults up to 21. - Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner – Acute Care (CPNP-AC): For PNPs focusing on acute care for young patients up to 21, often in ERs, hospitals, or specialty clinics.
What is the outlook for pediatric nurse practitioners?
Like other NP specialties, the demand for PNPs is expected to grow by 40% from 2021 to 2031. The BLS projects significant employment growth for NPs compared to other fields. As of May 2021, the average NP salary in the U.S. was $118,040, ranking them among the top earners in healthcare.
