Where Have All the PNPs Gone?
The IPN, partnering with the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, is currently conducting a national survey of undergraduate nursing programs “to explore the challenges, gaps, and successes within undergraduate pediatric nursing education, including an exploration of the perspectives of nursing faculty regarding the future of pediatric nursing residency programs.”7 The results of this survey will be presented at the Third Annual Invitational Forum for Pediatric Nursing in October.
When I was deciding on a career, I knew I wanted to work with children. I became a nurse so I could become a PNP, and my decision was supported by my nursing mentor, who directed me to follow my passion. Just as I was encouraged, we need to encourage nursing and NP students to go where their passion lies. Let them follow their heart—if they want another specialty, OK. But if they love pediatrics, support that passion.
We need to honor our roots and not abandon the pediatric nurse practitioner role. Where would we be without it?
References
1. Kaiser Family Foundation. The uninsured: a primer (2009). www.kff.org/uninsured/7451.cfm. Accessed September 16, 2011.
2. US Department of Health and Human Services. Healthy People 2020. www.healthypeople.gov/ 2020/about/disparitiesAbout.aspx. Accessed September 16, 2011.
3. Health Resources and Services Administration. The registered nurse population: findings from the 2008 National Sample Survey of Registered Nurses. bhpr.hrsa.gov/healthworkforce/rnsurvey2008 .html. Accessed September 16, 2011.
4. Society of Pediatric Nurses. Position statement on child health content in the undergraduate curriculum (2007).
5. National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners. PNP programs information: pediatric nurse practitioner school list. www.napnap.org/ForStudents/PNPSchoolListing.aspx. Accessed September 16, 2011.
6. Sperhac A, Wyatt JS. Securing the future of children’s health. Pediatric Nursing. 2010;36(1):8-9.
7. Institute of Pediatric Nursing. www.ipedsnursing.org/ptisite/control/index. Accessed September 16, 2011.
