Pediatric Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner
With the rapid career advancement programs around, it is really a common question for a registered nurse to ask himself or herself why is it necessary to get such certification. There are a number of benefits that can be attained through specializations, aside from a different work set-up and responsibilities, registered nurses are compensation more than the usual rate of a registered nurse. Most of the administration and employers give a bigger weight on the papers and certification accomplished by a registered nurse. Although clinical experience is still indispensable, getting a certification from one of the specialties being offered matters a lot.
Getting a certification actually starts with a self-assessment. A registered nurse with a desire to move forward in his or her career ladder should try to analyze what are his or her strengths and weaknesses. Aside from that, he or she should also consider the resources that he or she is about to use in getting that certification. For instance, when a registered nurse decides to take the certification for pediatric nurse practitioner, the most fundamental idea is that a registered nurse genuinely cares for children and the alterations in the growth and development of children.
Aside from the firm decision, being familiar of the concept in pediatrics and its set-up must also be considered. Previous exposures to pediatric wards as well as acute care units can sharpen the skills of a nurse practitioner. Most part of the work involves taking into consideration the growth and development of children and how the nurse should manage to intervene when alterations occur such as hospitalization, procedures and operations to the child. This external factor does not only influence the child’s development but also the impact on the family. So it is therefore a must that a candidate in pediatric nurse practitioner should be willing to counsel and teach the parents as they are also partners in delivering effective nursing care.
In order to be a pediatric advanced nurse practitioner, he or she must take examinations under agencies recognized to be creditors of such organizations. The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board is responsible in giving the examination. It is very important for the nurse to consider the content of each accrediting program since it is the gauge of the certification. Online resources are actually available for further instructions.
A certification of eligibility must be attained in order to reach the test proper. After that, the process of review of concepts of pediatrics must be done. Comprehensive review of the concept will equip the candidate to face unique situations given. Since the examination is multiple choice, critical thinking must therefore be honed by taking practice tests similar to the actual examination. The questions usually revolve on the concepts starting from assessment such as physical examination and knowing what deviates from the normal growth and development. Management and evaluation of treatment plans made are also included on the examination. Therapeutic interventions and procedures are also included in order to check the ability of the candidate to solve nursing problems. Last but not the least, ethical issues are also important to consider since dealing with children are very crucial.
The test preparation actually starts with continued professional nursing education. One of the programs being offered is a Masteral degree concentrating in pediatric nursing. Concepts include the following: pharmacology, pathophysiology, ethics and delivery of primary health care. Upon finishing the degree, there are some states that would require clinical hours of exposure in a specific pediatric unit.
Duties of a pediatric advanced registered nurse practitioner generally involve children. They would assess first the growth and development of children, taking notes the difference between the bodies of an adult from a child. They also work in various settings from ambulatory to acute care settings. Surgical interventions to children also need specialized training. Pediatric nurse practitioner actually undergoes special training in order to assist in surgeries such as cardiac surgeries. Rehabilitation is also an important aspect of the work. Taking the child into the journey of restoration from a physical defect actually affects him or her psychologically. The influence of pediatric nurse practitioners to children can actually affect them until adulthood.
According to the United States Bureau of Labor, there are more working opportunities for pediatric nurse practitioner in the coming years. The demand is large enough and clinical experiences are sought after among these people. The average earning of these nurse practitioners can reach $70,000 annually making it an attractive job for registered nurses who has a heart for children.
As stated above, there are numerous reasons why registered nurses should opt to be certified as a pediatric advanced registered nurse practitioner. As it promise a better pay, the personal growth of an aspiring nurse is the top motivation after all.
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Daisy Jane Antipuesto RN MN
Currently a Nursing Local Board Examination Reviewer. Subjects handled are Pediatric, Obstetric and Psychiatric Nursing. Previous work experiences include: Clinical instructor/lecturer, clinical coordinator (Level II), caregiver instructor/lecturer, NC2 examination reviewer and staff/clinic nurse. Areas of specialization: Emergency room, Orthopedic Ward and Delivery Room. Also an IELTS passer.
