The Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Role

The scope of practice of the Pediatric Nurse Practitioner includes providing direct patient care management such as performing in-depth physical assessments, interpreting results of laboratory and diagnostic tests, ordering medications, and performing therapeutic treatments in a variety of settings (NAPNAP, 2004).

Pediatric Nurse Practitioner – Primary Care

The pediatric primary care nursing major prepares the graduate for advanced nursing practice as a PNP (pediatric nurse practitioner) who provides primary health care to children from birth through 21 years of age. Pediatric nurse practitioners provide care to children who are well or suffering from common acute or chronic health problems. Responsibilities include monitoring chronic diseases, ordering and interpreting diagnostic studies, prescribing medications and other treatments, providing health maintenance care and education, promoting positive health behaviors and collaborating with physicians and other health care professionals as needed.

Certification & Career Opportunities

Upon completion of this master's program, graduates are eligible to apply for specialty certification through national organizations including the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board (PNCB) and the American Nurses' Credentialing Center (ANCC).

Graduates are prepared to practice in a variety of pediatric primary care settings including urban, suburban and rural clinics and offices, pediatric outpatient departments, school based health clinics, health departments to name a few.

Practicum Hours

Clinical hours will be completed in numerous greater Cincinnati pediatric practices, clinics and outpatient sites. Experienced pediatric preceptors will work one-on-one with students and along with pediatric specialty faculty, will guide students through their practicum experience.

Program of Study

The plan of study for the program is determined upon a student’s acceptance and matriculation into the program and is based upon the student’s previous MSN coursework.

Program Courses

As mentioned above, the plan of study is highly individualized. For an idea of the courses that may be required, review the schema for the Pediatric NP - Primary Care DNP hybrid program.

Additional Resources

Additional information on the role of the Pediatric Nurse Practitioner may be found through national organizations such as:

• The National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners
• The Pediatric Nurse Certification Board
• American Nurses Credentialing Center
• The Association of Faculties of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners
• The National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties

Contact Info

Office of Student Affairs
College of Nursing
University of Cincinnati
PO Box 210038
Cincinnati, OH 45221-0038
(513) 558-3600