What does a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner do?
Published 4 min read
A pediatric nurse practitioner is a registered nurse who has completed a master's or doctoral degree program in nursing with a focus on pediatrics. These advanced-practice nurses provide primary, acute, and specialty care to infants, children, and adolescents. They may also provide care to young adults up to age 21.
Pediatric nurse practitioners work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, private practices, and schools. They may also work in research or policy roles.
Pediatric Nurse Practitioner job duties include:
- Providing primary and specialty care to infants, children, and adolescents
- Diagnosing and treating common childhood illnesses
- Prescribing medication and performing minor medical procedures
- Counseling families on health promotion and disease prevention
- Coordinating care with other health care providers
- Conducting research to improve the quality of care for children
- Serving as a patient advocate
- Providing emotional support to families
- Educating parents, children, and other health care professionals about pediatric health conditions
Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Job Requirements
A pediatric nurse practitioner (PNP) is a registered nurse who has completed graduate-level coursework and training in the diagnosis and management of childhood illnesses. PNPs must have a bachelor’s degree in nursing and must be licensed to practice in their state. In addition, they must complete a master’s or doctoral degree program in pediatric nursing, which takes 2-3 years to complete. Some states also require PNPs to pass a national certification exam. PNPs typically work in hospitals, clinics, or private practices, and they may also provide home health care services.
Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Skills
- Patience
- Empathy
- Compassion
- Flexibility
- Communication
- Organization
- Observation
- Detail Oriented
- Multi-tasking
- Problem Solving
- Critical Thinking
Related: Top Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Skills: Definition and Examples
How to become a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
A pediatric nurse practitioner (PNP) is a registered nurse who has completed advanced education and training in the care of children from birth to young adulthood. PNPs are prepared to provide comprehensive primary health care services to children, including preventive care, acute and chronic disease management, and health promotion and counseling.
To become a PNP, you must first complete a bachelor’s degree in nursing and pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN). After working as a registered nurse for several years, you will then need to complete a master’s or doctoral degree program in pediatric nursing. Once you have completed your educational requirements, you will need to obtain certification from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board (PNCB).
The demand for pediatric nurse practitioners is expected to grow in the coming years as more parents seek out alternative primary care providers for their children. If you are interested in a career that offers both challenge and rewards, then becoming a PNP may be the right choice for you.
Related: Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Resume Example
Related: Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Interview Questions (With Example Answers)