What is a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner?

A pediatric nurse practitioner works with children to provide checkups, immunizations and care of illnesses and injuries. Pediatric nurse practitioners are registered nurses who hold master's degrees and have received a certification. They treat a wide range of ages, from newborns to adolescents.

Education

Pediatric nurse practitioners have received a bachelor's degree in nursing and have received a state certification to practice as a registered nurse. During the course of study, nurses will take courses in: microbiology, chemistry, anatomy, physiology, nutrition and psychology. Nursing courses will cover a variety of topics such as: administering shots, prescribing medication, diagnosing illnesses and treating injuries. Nurses also receive training in patient confidentiality and adhering to a strict code of ethics.

Places of Employment

A variety of medical offices and hospitals hire pediatric nurse practitioners. Pediatric nurse practitioners may also work in schools, community health offices or in a specialty practice.

Job Duties

Pediatric nurse practitioners see children who are ill and who are well. They see newborns through adolescents. Most accept children up to age 18, but some may see young adults to age 21. Routine physicals, immunizations and developmental screenings are some of the things they commonly see children for. Children who are ill or injured may also visit a pediatric nurse practitioner for treatment. Pediatric nurse practitioners may prescribe medications or order diagnostic tests. They are responsible for documenting the visit in the patients' charts and educating them on making choices that lead to a healthy lifestyle. Pediatric nurse practitioners will also manage patients who suffer from chronic conditions.