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Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP)
- Updated February 19, 2023
- by EveryNurse Staff
A pediatric nurse practitioner (PNP) is an advanced practice registered nurse who specializes in the care of infants, children, and adolescents. PNPs are experts in diagnosing and treating common illnesses and injuries in kids, as well as managing chronic conditions such as asthma and diabetes. Like all nurse practitioners, a PNP can provide primary care services, such as annual exams and sick visits, as well as specialized care for conditions unique to children.
What Is a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner?
A pediatric nurse practitioner (PNP) provides primary medical care to children from birth through adolescence. PNPs are experts in diagnosing and treating common illnesses and injuries in kids, as well as managing chronic and acute conditions such as ear, respiratory, and gastrointestinal infections. In addition, a PNP can provide preventive care services, such as well-child exams and immunizations.
Frequently Asked Questions About PNPs
- What is the difference between a doctor and a nurse practitioner?
- What is the highest-paid nurse practitioner specialty?
- What nurse practitioner specialties are in the highest demand?
- What is the scope of a nurse practitioner’s practice?
- How does the growing number of nurse practitioners affect hospitals?
- What are three tips to overcome challenges as a new nurse practitioner?
What Does a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Do?
As advanced practice registered nurses, PNPs can perform many of the same functions as a physician. PNPs provide a full scope of care to patients, including diagnosing and treating illnesses, ordering and interpreting lab tests and imaging studies, prescribing medications, and counseling patients on health and wellness. In addition, PNPs may also be involved in conducting research, teaching, and advocacy work.
In some settings, PNPs may be the only health care providers who are seeing pediatric patients. This means that they may perform a wide variety of different duties, from writing prescriptions and performing physical exams to counseling patients and families. PNPs also play a key role in the development of medical policies, quality improvement initiatives, and patient safety standards.
Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Job Description
The daily responsibilities of a pediatric nurse practitioner depend on the practice setting, but they typically include the following tasks:
- Assessing the health status of children and adolescents
- Evaluating and diagnosing common illnesses and injuries in children such as respiratory infections, ear infections, and fractures
- Developing treatment plans and prescribing medications
- Counseling patients and their families on topics such as nutrition, emotional health, and safety
- Educating parents, teachers, and school administrators about health issues
- Managing chronic conditions (including mental health concerns) such as asthma, diabetes, and obesity
- Performing screenings for developmental delays
- Developing wellness plans to promote healthy lifestyles
- Identifying community resources that support the well-being of children and adolescents
- Administering immunizations according to the recommended schedule
Important Facts About Pediatric Nurse Practitioners
- The pediatric population is defined as individuals aged 21 or younger at the time of their diagnosis or treatment.
- The primary clinical focus areas for PNPs are Primary Care, Acute Care, and Primary Care Mental Health.
- The most common practice settings for PNPs are private group practices, hospital outpatient clinics, and hospital inpatient units.
- According to a survey by the AANP, a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) is the highest-paid NP specialty, with a total income of $128,000, which includes base salary, productivity bonuses, and incentive payments.
- As an advanced practice registered nurse, PNPs hold either a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) from a pediatric nurse practitioner program.
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PNP Certification Options
Pediatric nurse practitioners have the option to specialize in a clinical focus area or earn a certification in a specific pediatric population. Certification represents a significant milestone in a pediatric nurse practitioner’s career and demonstrates that the NP has met the highest national standards for pediatric practice.
There are three types of certification for nurse practitioners offered by the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board:
Acute Care Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner – CPNP-AC
CPNP-ACs are experts in the care of acutely ill or injured children and adolescents. They are prepared to provide care in a variety of settings, including hospital outpatient clinics, emergency departments, and critical care units. Their patients may include those who are recovering from surgery or an illness, have a chronic condition, or are facing a life-threatening illness.
Primary Care Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner – CPNP-PC
CPNPs-PCs care for children and adolescents in their everyday lives, whether they are healthy or have a chronic condition. They provide preventive health services such as well-child exams and immunizations, as well as treatment of illnesses such as strep throat and ear infections. They also work with families to develop wellness plans and manage chronic conditions such as asthma and diabetes.
Primary Care Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner – CPNP-PC
PMHSs are specialists in the care of children’s emotional and behavioral health. They work with patients who have mental health concerns such as anxiety, depression, and ADHD, as well as those who have been diagnosed with a developmental disability or are coping with the impact of a serious illness. They have unique experience in early identification and intervention for behavioral, developmental, and other mental health conditions.
Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Salary
PNPs earn a competitive annual salary with the potential for bonuses and merit increases. According to a survey conducted in 2019 by the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP), PNPs reported annual base salaries between $108,500 and $124,000. Listed below are the median hourly wage, annual base salary, and total salary for each NP certification area.
| NP CERTIFICATION | HOURLY RATE * | ANNUAL BASE SALARY * | TOTAL INCOME * |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pediatrics – Primary Care | $61.50 | $108,500 | $115,000 |
| Pediatrics – Acute Care | $64.00 | $112,000 | $115,000 |
| Pediatrics – Primary Care Mental Health | $68.45 | $124,000 | $128,000 |
| * American Association of Nurse Practitioners, National Nurse Practitioner Sample Survey, 2019 | |||
Additional Resources for PNPs
- National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners
- Institute of Pediatric Nursing
- Society of Pediatric Nurses (SPN)
- Association of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Nurses
- National Association of School Nurses
- American Pediatric Surgical Nurses Association (APSNA)
- Association of Faculties of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners (AFPNP)
- Society of Pediatric Cardiovascular Nurses
Pediatric Nurse Practitioner FAQ
Although pediatricians and PNPs both practice within the field of pediatrics and there are many similarities between the two professions, there are also some key distinctions. Pediatricians are physicians who have completed medical school and a residency in pediatrics. They are certified by the American Board of Pediatrics and are able to prescribe medications. Pediatric nurse practitioners have a Master of Science in Nursing or clinical doctorate emphasizing pediatric nursing.
Decades of research demonstrate that NPs deliver healthcare that is equivalent to or better than care provided by physicians. However, there is no simple answer to this question. Ultimately, the decision of who provides care for a child should be made by the child’s parents in consultation with their health care providers. Some parents may feel more comfortable having their child seen by a pediatrician, while others may prefer that their child see a nurse practitioner.
A pediatric nurse is a registered Nurse (RN) who has completed an associate degree or bachelor’s degree in nursing, along with additional clinical training in pediatrics. A PNP is a nurse practitioner who has completed a master’s or doctoral program in nursing focusing on pediatrics. Both RNs and NPs are able to provide high-quality care for children, but NPs have additional training and experience in managing complex medical conditions and providing primary care.
Over the course of their education, PNPs receive extensive training in childhood growth and development, diagnosing and treating illnesses in children, as well as providing preventive care. This makes PNPs uniquely qualified to provide comprehensive care for children from birth through adolescence.
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