Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
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Pediatric Nurse Practitioners are advanced practice registered nurses who provide primary and acute care to children from birth to adolescence. They are able to perform physical exams, diagnose and treat illnesses and injuries, prescribe medications, and provide health education and counseling to patients and families. PNP's work in many healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, and schools.
Education and Training
To become a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, you must first earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from an accredited nursing program. After earning your BSN, you must pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) to become a registered nurse (RN). Once you are an RN, you can then apply to a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program with a specialization in Pediatric Nurse Practitioner. MSN programs typically take two to three years to complete and include both didactic and clinical coursework.
Skills and Knowledge
Pediatric Nurse Practitioners must have a strong foundation in nursing knowledge and skills. They must also be able to work independently and as part of a team. Other important skills and knowledge for PNP's include:
