Nurse Practitioners (NPs) are an essential part of the health care system. As the health care industry continues to grow, more patients need healthcare, and more specialized nurses are needed. NPs are often thought of as “under paid doctors” or “assistants” but this isn’t the case. When a nurse chooses to enter into NP school they will choose to enter into a specialization such as pediatrics, and this will be their main course of study. Having had experience as a nurse they are able to form close bonds with patients, and they know how to listen to each individual patient’s needs. Often the bedside manners of NPs are preferred over doctors.
A pediatric nurse practitioner is a health professional who works in hospitals and private practices to help in the medical care of little children. They not only provide direct assistance to their young patients, they are also trained to give medications and therapy, under the direct supervision of a licensed physician. NPs can perform some procedures on their own, and assist doctors with others. If you are interested in becoming a pediatric nurse practitioner, you’ll need to undergo specific nurse training and education to qualify for these jobs. Before you start this nursing career, check out these tips to learn how to become a pediatric nurse practitioner.
- You will first have to earn your nursing degree from an accredited institution. If you've discovered a love of nursing and would like to become a pediatric nurse practitioner, you should know that it's now easier than ever to achieve this goal with an online nurse practitioner degree. Your nursing degree can be attained in one of three ways:
- BSN Registered Nurse: a four-year undergraduate degree leading to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. This is the most ideal educational path, as there are lots of opportunities for advancement and specializations for these nurse practitioners.
- Registered Nurse: a two to three-year program leading to an associate degree in nursing offered by many community colleges. This focuses on hands-on and practical training for the nursing profession.
- Licensed Practical Nurse: a one-year hospital diploma. Here you learn by doing. Aspiring nurses that take this program study nursing in a major hospital by working directly with professional nurses.
Those who take the shorter programs usually take additional units in order to obtain a bachelor’s degree later after doing some nurse practitioner work. You will also have to remember to take your continuing education credits. This is essential to keep your licensure up to date, as most NP programs require an up to date nursing licensure for admission into their programs.
No matter what course you decide to take, it’s very important that you check to see if the program is accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission, Inc. (NLNAC). - After graduation, go for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX). Once you have passed this licensure examination, you are qualified to apply for a job as a nurse at healthcare facilities.
- Work as a nurse for one year. At least one year of experience as a general nurse in a hospital or any health care facility is important for you to obtain a specialization in a specific field, such as pediatric nursing.
- Get training in pediatric nursing. If you are interested in becoming a nurse practitioner in pediatrics, you can apply for pediatric nurse practitioner programs, a list of which can be acquired from the National Student Nurses Association. This will give you further nurse training in the specialization of pediatric nursing. After completing a course in this program, you can apply for accreditation from nationally-recognized certifying bodies such as the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board.
- Get your doctorate degree. Becoming a pediatric NP is a long journey, as it was once optional to graduate with a doctorate in nursing whereas now it is mandatory. (NPs with a master’s degree in nursing are grandfathered in if you have already completed NP schooling, or are currently enrolled and will be graduating before 2015.) Don’t let this discourage you, because the job outlook for becoming a pediatric NP is excellent. NPs can work in doctors’ offices, hospitals, neonatal intensive care units, pediatric intensive care units, children’s emergency rooms and urgent cares. As the need for more healthcare services grows, so will the need for NPs.
- Take continuing education credits. Remember to stay up to date on any certifications, and continuing education credits offered to keep your licensure up to date.
- Know the salary range for these nursing jobs. The average salary for a pediatric NP is around $90,000—and neonatal NPs make on average $102,000.
While the road to becoming a pediatric NP may seem long and challenging it is very rewarding. You will be able to improve the life of children, and form bonds with the families of those with whom you work. The job outlook is wonderful, and you will never be bored.