The role of nurse practitioners in the American healthcare system has increased significantly in recent years. The nation depends on nurse practitioners' abilities to close the gap in healthcare delivery. Despite this expanding need, the number of nurse practitioners with a focus on pediatric care is still shockingly small. For nurses who are thinking about pursuing a Master's degree, this shortage presents high-demand career opportunities.
Pediatric nurse practitioner's role
From the time of birth until they are regarded as adults, children under the care of pediatric nurse practitioners receive crucial, patient-facing healthcare services. They provide care that ranges from well-checks and immunizations to diagnosing illnesses and treating chronic and acute conditions, seeing patients one-on-one. Pediatric nurse practitioners can collaborate with doctors but frequently work alone and serve as the child's primary care provider in many states.
Although the roles and responsibilities of pediatric nurse practitioners vary, one thing that always applies to them is the requirement that they are able to relate to, communicate with, and empathize with their patients. Children frequently meet them for the first time when seeking medical care, and they significantly impact their patient's confidence in the healthcare system going forward.
Demand for more Pediatric nurse practitioners
Pediatric nurse practitioners have become more prevalent over the past ten years, but not at the same rate as other nurse practitioner specialties. Less than 8% of the 270,000 nurse practitioners employed in the US are pediatric specialists, according to NAPNAP.
According to the organization, a total of 1,025 pediatric nurse practitioners are licensed annually. The number of employees is about 18,100. Researchers stated in the white paper that these figures indicate a pediatric nurse practitioner shortage is imminent.
Despite not tracking pediatric nurse practitioners separately from other NP specialties, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts a 26% increase in overall nurse practitioner employment between 2018 and 2028. Texas has one of the nation's largest populations and the third-highest number of nurse practitioners out of all the states in the US.
Pursuing a career as a Pediatric nurse practitioner
People who want to work in pediatrics as a specialty should first complete an accredited nursing program and earn a nursing degree. Students can pursue a bachelor's or associate's degree in nursing (BSN). For licensure, the NCLEX-RN must be passed with success.
Both traditional classroom programs and online nursing programs are available. The best program for each nurse should be chosen after weighing the advantages and disadvantages of each.
Working conditions
There are advantages and disadvantages to working as a pediatric nurse practitioner. As they may have a large patient load and many important decisions and diagnoses to make, pediatric nurse practitioners may experience stress. There is no room for error, just like with doctors, which can put much pressure on the PNP. Some pediatric nurse practitioners have to work graveyard or swing shifts, and some may have to be on call.
Taking care of children's patients can be emotionally draining. While taking care of ill adults can be challenging, taking care of ill children can be particularly heartbreaking. It can be difficult for nurses to comfort grieving families while also coping with their own loss when dealing with a terminal illness and the death of young patients.
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