Training Information & Types Of Pediatric Nurse Degrees
There are 3 major degree paths that aspiring pediatric nurses can pursue.
These programs are
- A Bachelor of Science in Nursing
- An Associate Degree in Nursing
- A licensed practical nursing diploma program
Bachelors programs usually take 4 years to complete and prepare students to receive their RN license.
Associates and diploma programs are normally geared towards students getting their LPN license.
There is also the option of pursuing a Master of Nursing degree and a Doctorate of Nursing Practice degree.
These two post-graduate degrees are usually reserved for practicing nurses who are working towards becoming a licensed nurse practitioner .
Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Acute Care
Acute care pediatric nurse practitioners provide immediate medical assistance to children and adolescents who are afflicted with acute injuries or illnesses, such as broken bones or communicable diseases. Earning this certification will prove ones viability for nurse practitioner positions in high-pressure acute care settings, such as pediatric intensive care units, surgery units, emergency departments, and specialty clinics.
Understanding The Role Of Acute Vs Primary Care Pediatric Nps
Primary care pediatric NPs are focused on well child care and the prevention/management of common pediatric illnesses and chronic conditions. Their work puts them in family practice and community health clinics where they address the unique psychological, physical, and physiologic needs of children and focus on health maintenance and promotion, as well as disease assessment and management. PCPNPs provide their pediatric patients with the full range of primary healthcare services that include assessing, screening, evaluating, and diagnosing.
On any given day, you may find PCPNPs performing a well-baby checkup on a newbornassessing an adolescent for signs of concussion after falling off a bikeoverseeing a diabetic childs wellness planprescribing antibiotics for a strep throat infection in a toddleror counseling a young adult on sexually transmitted diseases.
Much of the work of PCPNPs is focused on patient and family education, and their national certification and state license allow them to order and read diagnostic tests and prescribe medication. These advanced nursing practitioners are valuable additions to private practices, ambulatory and home healthcare settings, community clinics, schools, hospitals, and specialty clinics, and many operate their own practices.
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Working As A Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
After graduating and obtaining licensure, pediatric NPs can find jobs at pediatric offices, hospitals, and school health clinics. Both acute and primary care pediatric nurse practitioners make an average annual salary of $115,000, according to the American Association of Nurse Practitioners’ 2019 compensation survey.
- Pediatric Offices
- Pediatric NPs examine and treat students with illnesses or injuries at schools they also administer immunizations.
Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Responsibilities & Duties
PNPs have a wide variety of duties, such as:
- Performing well-child exams
- Acting as a liaison between patients, families, and physicians
- Educating patients and families in a multitude of health-related areas
- Providing resources to patients and families
- Screening and reporting concerns such as developmental delays, abuse, and neglect
- Collaborating with specialties as needed, referring appropriately
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How Many Years In College To Be A Pediatric Nurse
A pediatric nurse specializes in delivering care to patients under 18 years old. Nurses who choose this career path work in pediatricians offices, hospitals or in public health organizations. A nurse may specialize in pediatric care either by completing a bachelors program in nursing and becoming a registered nurse or by pursuing a masters degree in nursing to become a pediatric nurse practitioner. In either case, it is generally necessary to earn a bachelors degree in nursing before a nurse can specialize in pediatric care. Most nursing bachelors programs take either four or five years to complete and allow students to choose elective courses in pediatrics in their final years.
How To Become A Pediatric Nurse Practitioner: Education And Certification Requirements
To become a pediatric nurse practitioner, youll need to earn national certification and a state license to practice. This most often means starting your career with an RN license before later going on to earn an MSN or DNP in Pediatric Nurse Practitioner. Once you graduate, youll need to take and pass one of the following national certification exams:
- Primary Care Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
- Acute Care Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
While the MSN remains the minimum educational requirement to earn national certification as a pediatric nurse practitioner , many nurses have chosen to earn the DNP and with it a greater degree of respect in the interdisciplinary healthcare community, better professional opportunities, and larger paychecks. And for NPs with an MSN in another population focus, the DNP is the ideal path to becoming certified as a pediatric nurse practitioner.
There are three types of DNP programs that can put you on track to become a pediatric nurse practitioner, depending on the degree you currently hold:
- Post BSN-DNP: Consists of about 73 credits and three years of full-time study
- Post MSN-DNP: Consists of about 36 credits and two years of full-time study
- Direct Entry DNP: Consists of between 65-80 credits and four and a half years of full-time study designed for students who have earned a bachelors degree in another field and includes the MSN, RN licensure, and the DNP.
The DNP includes three, major components:
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Msn In Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
The PNP Primary Care role focuses on the total health and wellness of children from infancy through adolescence using a family-centered approach to care. PNP-PCs provide preventive care, diagnose and manage common pediatric illnesses and chronic conditions, provide health education, and counsel families on healthy lifestyles.
PNP-PC programs focus on developing the clinical skills needed to meet the specialized physiologic, psychological, social, and developmental needs of children. The curriculum also provides specialized training in health promotion, risk reduction, and disease prevention techniques to reduce illness and improve childrens wellness.
How Long Does It Take To Become A Pediatric Nurse
| What degree program are you most interested in? |
The pursuit of becoming a pediatric nurse practitioner holds enormous job potential, particularly with todays high demand for advanced healthcare professionals. Merely 8.3 percent of nurse practitioners specialize in pediatrics, broadening the demand for the unique skill set of PNPs, who can benefit from reduced competition for the same job. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that overall job opportunities for all nurse practitioners, including pediatric nurse practitioners, were expected to increase by 35 percent between 2014 and 2024.
PNPs can enjoy not only a rewarding, often fun work environment surrounded by children and families but also high earning potential. According to Discover Nursing, pediatric nurse practitioners in the United States typically earn between $63,000 and $85,000 a year.
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Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Duties
Some of the day-to-day responsibilities of pediatric nurse practitioners include:
- Conducting pediatric wellness exams
- Counseling parents on immunizations and administering them to children
- Performing developmental assessments and screenings for certain conditions
- Diagnosing and treating common childhood illnesses and injuries
- Caring for chronic conditions like type 1 diabetes, epilepsy, and others
- Educating parents on how to raise healthier children and foster appropriate development
How Long Does Nurse Practitioner School Take To Complete A Bsn To Msn
Now that youve earned your BSN you may be asking yourself, how long does nurse practitioner school take? This can vary, but typically BSN to MSN programs are about 15 to 24 months full time or 24 to 48 months part-time.Boston CollegeDuke UniversityWestern Governors University BSN to MSN Online Program
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How Many Years Of School To Be A Pediatric Nurse
According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, registered nurses in the United States earned an average pay of $73,300 in 2019, and job growth for nurses is expected to expand by 7 percent between now and 2029. Minimum educational requirements for pediatric nursing degrees include at least two years of formal study as well as many weeks or months of on-the-job training.
Contents
Explore The Best Pediatric Np Programs Programs And School Info
A private university based in Nashville, Tennessee, Vanderbilt offers undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees. Vanderbilt also provides pediatric nurse practitioner programs meant for nurses interested in providing quality care to children from infancy through adolescence. The university is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges , while the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredits the nursing programs.
Admission requires a minimum of a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale and a complete academic record of all post-secondary institutions attended. Other requirements include three letters of recommendation and a statement of purpose. Additionally, students must complete specific prerequisite courses from accredited colleges or universities with a minimum C grade.
Students taking the program pay an average of $1,790 for tuition per credit. Full-time students can qualify for financial aid offered us a partial scholarship.
- Program: Pediatric nurse practitioner
- Accreditations: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Tuition: $1790 per credit
- Admission Requirements: 3.0 GPA, a complete academic record, three letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose.
- NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 97%
- School Site:Tuition | Financial aid
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Nine Where Can I Learn More About Pediatric Nursing Careers
To learn more about pediatric nursing careers, its a good idea to explore the resources offered by the various professional associations. Here are a few to start with:
- Pediatric Nursing Certification Board – provides certification services for nursing professionals who care for pediatric populations.
- National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners – the professional association for all pediatric-focused advanced practice registered nurses .
- American Academy of Pediatrics – although its an organization of 66 ,000 pediatricians, there is much to be learned about the field via this enormous group.
- Society of Pediatric Nurses – dedicated to advancing the specialty of pediatric nursing through excellence in education, research and practice
- Institute of Pediatric Nursing – a standing committee created by the PNCB to promote a unified voice for pediatric nursing
Additionally, Nurse.org is an invaluable resource for everything you need to know about a career as a pediatric nurse. Youll find the answers to many of your questions in these articles:
Obtain A Master’s Degree
After completing an undergraduate nursing program and obtaining an RN license, aspiring nurse practitioners must then complete a Master of Science in Nursing . Common areas of study for this degree include primary care practitioner, family nurse practitioner, women’s health practitioner and neonatal medicine.
An MSN program can take anywhere from two to three years to complete. Common courses in a Master of Science in Nursing program include health care ethics, clinical practicum, health care policy and advanced concepts in pharmacology.
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What Is The Difference Between A Pediatric Nurse And A Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
Children represent the future, and Pediatric Nurse Practitioners have a direct impact on the quality of their lives and health. A career as a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner provides generous compensation, respect from other professionals, and high levels of job satisfaction and personal rewards. Those who choose this profession will find that the investment of time involved will be well worth it, giving them the opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of their patients and their patients families.
How Are The Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Clinical Experiences Coordinated
The Pediatric Nurse Practitioner concentration requires clinical experiences with faculty approved preceptors in a variety of settings to include primary care and specialty practice. Old Dominion University School of Nursing has a Student Clinical Services Coordinator who assists the Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Program Director and the student to locate appropriate clinical sites, and ensures that the appropriate agreements are in place. Pediatric Nurse Practitioner students are strongly encouraged to identify potential clinical sites for these experiences prior to the beginning of the program.
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What Is An Np
An NP is a licensed Advanced Practice Registered Nurse who has successfully completed an MSN program that provides clinical and didactic training and instruction in a designated NP specialization, such as adult-gerontology, family, neonatal, pediatric, psychiatric mental health, or womens health care. While licensing requirements for NPs vary by state and by specialization, all 50 states have a process by which NPs are recognized as APRNs with advanced training in a clinical specialization. This process typically involves earning an MSN degree in that specialization receiving a national certification in that specialization from the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners , the American Nurse Credentialing Center , the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board , or the National Certification Corporation and then applying for a state NP license.
Gain Experience In Nursing Preferably In Pediatrics
Advanced Practice Nursing programs are extremely competitive, and the committees deciding on who will gain entry are looking for the most dedicated applicants who will prove to be a credit to the profession. One of the best ways to demonstrate your commitment to nursing practice is by gaining real-world experience that will both expose you to a wide range of patient populations, but which will also allow you to work with mentors and supervisors who can provide testimonials to your work ethic and talent.
Most programs require a minimum of one year of this type of experience and favor those who further demonstrate their commitment by pursuing certification in their chosen field of study. In the case of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners, this would best be demonstrated through the attainment of a Pediatric Nursing certification.
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Masters Degree In Pediatric Nursing
For nurses seeking to become pediatric nurse practitioners, it is necessary to pursue a masters degree in pediatric nursing. Masters programs may take one to two years to complete. The coursework involves science classes like advanced developmental physiology and pathophysiology, advanced physical assessment as well as advanced pharmacology. These classes build on the knowledge gained in the bachelors program. Masters programs also involve a greater emphasis on theory and research methods than bachelors programs. Masters students in pediatric nursing are also expected to engage in extensive clinical practice under supervision in a primary care setting.
References
How Many Years Are Required To Become A Pediatric Nurse
How many years are required to become a pediatric nurse? The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports registered nurses in the U.S. earned an average salary of $73,300 in 2019, and projected job growth for nurses is 7 percent from now until 2029. Pediatric nursing degree requirements include at least two years of education and several weeks or months of on-the-job training.
How many years does it take to become a pediatric nurse? Earn your Bachelor of Science in Nursing or your Masters Degree 4-5 years. Get licensed as a Registered Nurse. Gain invaluable experience working as a Registered Nurse 2 years. Take and pass the National Certification Examination for Certified Pediatric Nurse.
How do you become a pediatric nurse? Pediatric registered nurses make $1,513 per week, though salaries can range from $400 to $3,200 per week. In addition, pediatric registered nurses reported making $9,375 per year in overtime pay.
Why is point of care important? Point-of-care testing enables more rapid clinical decision making in the process of diagnosis, , treatment choice and monitoring, and prognosis, as well as operational decision making and resource utilization.
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What Is The Average Salary Of A Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
According to PayScale.com, the average annual salary for PNPs is about $87,855. The city/state of employment, employer, the nurse’s education levels, what credentials they hold, and how much experience they have are all key factors that will contribute to how much they can earn. On top of their annual salaries, PNPs can also expect to receive benefits packages which include things like medical insurance coverage, retirement plans, life insurance packages, and paid vacation/sick leave.
How Much Do Pediatric Nurse Practitioners Make per Year?
- $70,000 $109,000 annually
How Much Do Pediatric Nurse Practitioners Make per Hour?
- $47.37 average hourly wage
Option : Pediatric Nurse Associates Degree
There is also the option of attending a shorter 2-3 year Associate Degree in Nursing program. ADN programs are usually geared towards those working towards their LPN certification but associates program exist for those pursuing their RN license. Associates degree programs cover much of the same ground in nursing fundamentals as a bachelors degree. Associates degrees are meant to prepare students for entry-level positions in the nursing field. Many nurses start their careers with an ADN and then take advantage of employer tuition reimbursements to pursue their BSN or MSN in the future.
An ADN is also a good option for those who hold a degree in an allied health field who are seeking a career transition and want a quicker way to start working as a nurse. Generally, associates programs involve clinical rotations.
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