Children who are ill or injured require specialized care from nurses who are specifically trained to manage acute, chronic, and critical pediatric conditions. Pediatric nurse practitioners (PNPs) are advanced-practice registered nurses (RNs) who effectively and compassionately care for children in a variety of environments: in pediatric offices, school-based health centers, and other more general health care settings such as hospitals and urgent care clinics. Current registered nurses may advance their career into a personally and professionally rewarding pediatric role by completing a graduate-level online PNP program.
The Role of a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner is Always Evolving
The range of services that PNPs offer is just as extensive as the care needs faced by children. To ensure PNPs are cognitively equipped to adapt to whatever clinical situations they may encounter, online PNP educational programs instruct students on the most up-to-date methods.These methods may cover: performing pediatric health care maintenance, diagnosing and treating common childhood ailments, screening for and managing pediatric mental illnesses, performing physical wellbeing assessments, prescribing medications, providing counseling for children, advocating for healthy nutritional habits, and acquiring a background knowledge of other pediatric health care activities.
Online PNP Programs are a Realistic Option for Registered Nurses
Although baccalaureate registered nurses work in hospital pediatric departments, they are not qualified to take on specialized pediatric nursing roles until they successfully complete a master’s-level nurse practitioner degree program. Often, the responsibilities of a nursing position can leave minimal free time to pursue higher education. Fortunately, there is no longer a need for nurses to sacrifice their current career to advance their education. They can enroll in an online degree program. Online graduate degree programs provide maximum flexibility; removing the restrictions of time and location by hosting assignments, discussions, lectures, and other curriculum online. Additionally, these online programs provide the same quality of education as traditional on-campus nursing programs.
The National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners
The National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners (NAPNAP) is an organization that supports active pediatric nurse practitioners (PNPs). It provides clinical practice resources such as supportive literature, research assistance programs, and mentorship opportunities. To aid nurses who are currently enrolled in an online or offline graduate-level PNP program, NAPNAP also offers career resources, like a career guide and online job-finding portal.Through these and other resources, NAPNAP has guided pediatric nurse practitioners for more than 40 years, helping them channel their clinical knowledge and experience into services that help secure the long-term wellbeing of children.
Success in Pediatric Nursing Takes Patience, Persistence, and Understanding
The rewards of a pediatric nursing career can be tremendous. However, students who are considering pursuing an online master’s-level PNP program should also consider the pros and cons of a pediatric nursing career. Clinical pediatric nurses have the pleasure of providing care that keeps children happy and healthy. This role becomes even more rewarding as they see their child patients grow up in good health. Furthermore, PNPs may also become school nurses, providing a unique opportunity to educate, advocate for, and impact the lives of hundreds or even thousands of children. While pediatric care certainly allows nurses to make a positive impact on children and their families, there can be situations that are difficult to navigate. PNPs should be aware of the significant emotional investment they must make.
When PNPs are providing care to seriously or even terminally ill children—whom they may have been treating since early childhood— it can be emotionally taxing to maintain the level of professionalism and positivity that family members and medical colleagues expect. Even the most experienced pediatric nurses often struggle with this. Prospective PNPs should be prepared to adapt and widen their emotional perspective before committing to a career in pediatric nursing.
Pediatric Nursing Higher Education: An Empowering Force
The Master of Science in Nursing Pediatric Nurse Practitioner online program at Regis College represents an excellent educational path for pursing a PNP career. The degree program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).
After graduating from the program, nursing professionals are qualified to perform advanced-practice pediatric care in areas including pediatric hematology, pediatric oncology, pediatric emergency care, primary care, pediatric acute care, and pediatric primary mental health care. The MSN PNP program prepares students to take on larger roles in advancing the impact of pediatric nursing. With enough experience, graduates may enlist in efforts to lead and develop future generations of nursing professionals, and to transform pediatric nursing administration, education, mentorship, and more.
Learn More
Regis College’s Master of Science in Nursing PNP online program can do more than help you establish your reputation as an expert in health care; it can help you prove it daily. Specializing your MSN in pediatric nurse practice can open opportunities for leadership and advanced practice roles.
Recommended Readings
The Importance of Health Promotion for Family Nurse Practitioners
5 Resources for Nurse Practitioners for Disease Prevention and Health Promotion
Pediatric NP Job Roles and Responsibilities
Sources:
https://www.napnap.org/students
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/back-to-school-with-chronic-illness_us_59aeea71e4b0d0c16bb5280c
Online Versus Traditional Nursing Education: Which Program Meets Your Needs?
http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/838704