A pediatric nurse practitioner is a registered nurse who has completed nursing education as well as in the general training of the diagnosis and management of various medical conditions that are associated with infants, children and adolescents. They can act as caregivers or diagnose and treat chronic conditions, injuries and infections as well as perform physical examination and rehabilitation of kids whose abilities have been lost. They also provide education support and health care counseling to the families of their patients and answer any questions or concern about the child. There are different programs for those who wish to be pediatric nurses.
Diploma Degrees takes about three years and is usually conducted within hospitals. The student is awarded a diploma in Nursing and after completion can apply for licensure as a registered Nurse. Associate Of Science in Nursing is usually awarded in community colleges or nursing schools. Students taking this course can earn a bachelors degree in about two years a practice called bridging.
Bachelor of Science In Nursing
It is a program that can be competed in four years of full time study. It encompasses both general education courses and classes in nursing. Some clinical experiences is a must and is usually carried out in the last two years of the program. Most of the courses here are focused on the development of critical thinking and problem solving skills. Core courses include community nursing, health assessment, nursing ethics and research. Students who are in the clinical experience component gain experience in different areas such as adult health, mental health nursing and childbearing families. It is important as they are required to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in a set patient situation.
Masters Of Science In Nursing
This program is usually completed in 2 years if undertaken full time. Students have to complete the core courses before they enroll in Masters of Science In Nursing. It focuses in research methods in nursing and advance practice in nursing. Students are also provided with instruction on the completion of their Master degree thesis. Core courses in Masters of science in Nursing with focus on Pediatric care emphasizes on diagnostic reasoning, clinical pharmacology, prevention of diseases, maintenance of health and critical thinking. Thesis completion and a series of clinical experiences are carried out during the final year of enrollment. Some programs require both the clinical experience and completion of research project. The student must have a bachelors degree in Nursing from any accredited institutions and must hold a registered nurse (RN) license in the state where the practicum will be completed.
Though Masters of Science Degree in Nursing is the prerequisite for certification as a Pediatric Nurse practitioner, other colleges and universities offer post master options.