Analysis of education and previous nursing experience of certified PNPs in the United States.

BACKGROUND: Educational programs to prepare nurse practitioners (NPs) were historically built upon foundational nursing experience. Originally prepared as certificate programs in 1965, the educational requirements for nurse practitioners (NPs) rapidly shifted from certificate programs to the Master's degree (DellaBella, 2015; Fairman, 2008). As Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree programs increase in number, it is unknown whether this foundational nursing experience has changed, or if it differs by certification type for pediatric nurse practitioners (PNPs). This study aimed to evaluate the educational preparation and prior nursing experience of primary care and acute care certified PNPs. METHODS: A national survey of members of the Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Certification Board (N = 17,530) was completed (Mudd et al., 2022). A sub-analysis of this data was conducted (n = 1974). RESULTS: There was no statistical evidence among either primary or acute care PNPs of an association between previous nursing experience and type of degree preparation (Master's or DNP). There was only a weak association between educational preparation and experience among acute care nurse practitioners. Most respondents were prepared at the Master's level, and 85% of all respondents had >1 year of nursing experience prior to returning for additional PNP education. DISCUSSION: This study adds to the literature as it describes the educational preparation and foundational nursing experience of primary and acute care PNPs. It can serve as a benchmark as the move to the DNP continues for Advanced Practice Registered Nurse preparation.

An Innovative Educational Intervention for Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Faculty to Meet Social Justice Curriculum Standards.

The association between adverse childhood experiences and negative health outcomes is a public health concern, particularly affecting disadvantaged groups and contributing to health disparities. Pediatric nurse practitioners are well-positioned to address this issue, emphasizing the importance of incorporating social justice concepts into nursing education to develop a pediatric workforce with the necessary skills to curb health disparities. However, evidence-based approaches to incorporating these concepts into pediatric nursing education are limited. To address this gap, we describe an innovative educational intervention that harnesses the power of narratives to empower future pediatric nurse practitioners as champions of social justice and health equity.

Through the Looking Glass: Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging: A Call for Action from the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners.

In response to growing health disparities, social inequities, structural racism, and discrimination, the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners established a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Taskforce. In 2020, this group transitioned into a national committee to infuse equity across the organization and empower pediatric-focused advanced practice registered nurses as agents of change to address health disparities. Emphasizing the critical need for understanding health disparities in the context of racism and discrimination, this committee champions a paradigm shift, transcending educational initiatives, advisory roles, advocacy efforts, leadership strategies, and community services to illuminate an equitable future for all children and families.

Developing a NAPNAP Research Agenda to Guide Future Research and Quality Improvement in Pediatrics: Process, Challenges, and Future Directions.

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to develop a revised pediatric Research Agenda that highlights the clinical and research priorities for pediatric-focused advanced practice registered nurses and is culturally sensitive and inclusive. METHOD: The National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners (NAPNAP) Research Committee developed the Research Agenda 2021-2026 by conducting a cross-sectional study that surveyed the membership on their research and clinical priorities in June 2020. Twenty-four priorities were identified within seven areas of focus. RESULTS: Among the 7,509 National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners members, 273 (3.6%) responded to the email and 199 completed the survey. DISCUSSION: This revised Research Agenda is a bold and innovative guide for grant funding, publications, continuing education offerings, conference planning, and abstract submissions for posters and podium presentations aimed at improving pediatric health care. A discussion of the process and considerations for the future development of pediatric Research Agendas is described.

Facilitators and Barriers to Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Practice in the United States: A Systematic Review.

INTRODUCTION: The pediatric nurse practitioner (PNP) workforce was designed to improve child health equity. We aimed to systematically review the evidence on facilitators and barriers to PNP practice. METHOD: We included empirical studies on PNP practice in the United States and excluded studies with non-identifiable PNP data. We applied Joanna Briggs Institute tools to appraise studies and applied critical interpretive synthesis principles to synthesize. RESULTS: The final sample is 26 studies, mostly published before 2013 and observational. Prescriptive privileges, training program availability, organizational climate, and telehealth are facilitators. Mandated physician supervision, reduced pediatric curricula, geographically disparate training programs, and poor data infrastructure are barriers. The sample is limited by a moderate to high risk of bias. DISCUSSION: Evidence suggests modifiable factors impact PNP practice and could have important implications for child health equity. We offer a theoretical model to guide robust research studying the PNP workforce and health equity.

Return-to-Play Post-COVID-19 in 2023: A Pediatric Case Report.

As pediatric-focused nurse practitioners continue to grapple with the impact the COVID-19 pandemic has had on youth since 2020, they are simultaneously faced with navigating what it looks like to ensure the success and health of children moving forward from the pandemic. Despite the relaxation of COVID-19 guidelines in many schools and athletic programs across the country, ensuring a safe return-to-play post-COVID-19 infection must continue to be a priority for pediatric-focused nurse practitioners. Here, we present the case of a 13-year-old female who was seen in a primary care clinic after reporting dizziness and shortness of breath with activity post-COVID-19 infection. After further workup, it was determined her symptoms were most consistent with shortness of breath and dizziness related to coughing induced by activity.

An Educational Quality Improvement Project to Enhance Culturally Appropriate Care by Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Students Using a Multimodal Approach.

INTRODUCTION: Cultural identity has a profound impact on the health of children. The delivery of culturally appropriate care is key to patient-centered care. To combat health inequities children face, nursing faculty must prepare students to provide culturally appropriate care. METHOD: We conducted a quality improvement educational intervention to enhance pediatric nurse practitioner students' educational preparation in providing culturally appropriate care. The setting for this project was a large academic institution. This study aimed to evaluate a multimodal approach to educating nurse practitioner students on culturally appropriate care. A three-phase intervention was used to explore the impact of the multimodal approach. RESULTS: Surveys were used to explore the impact of each modality on the student's knowledge and confidence in delivering culturally appropriate care. Results suggest that a multimodal approach is an effective modality. DISCUSSION: Experiential learning opportunities are imperative to enhance the delivery of culturally appropriate care.

Sobrevivendo ao processo de morte e morrer de crianças e adolescentes: vivências de profissionais de enfermagem / Surviving the death and dying process of children and adolescents: experiences of nursing professionals / Sobrevivir al proceso de morir en niños y adolescentes: experiencias de los profesionales de enfermería

Objetivo: compreender como os profissionais de enfermagem de uma Unidade de Terapia Intensiva Pediátrica vivenciam o processo de luto decorrente da morte de crianças/adolescentes. Método: pesquisa qualitativa, realizada em hospital público, do estado de São Paulo, com doze profissionais de enfermagem, por meio de entrevista aberta com a questão norteadora "Conte-me, em detalhes, como você tem enfrentado o luto após a morte de uma criança e/ou adolescente na Unidade de Terapia Intensiva Pediátrica". Resultados: emergiram seis categorias que foram organizadas em dois eixos temáticos. Conclusão: Os profissionais de enfermagem revelaram diversas crenças facilitadoras e estratégias de enfrentamento do processo de morte e morrer. Recomenda-se que as instituições de saúde ofereçam atendimento de saúde mental para os profissionais de saúde

Objective: to understand how nursing professionals in a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit experience the grieving process resulting from the death of children/adolescents. Method: qualitative research carried out in a public hospital in the state of São Paulo, with twelve nursing professionals, using an open-ended interview with the guiding question "Tell me, in detail, how you have coped with grief after the death of a child and/or adolescent in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit". Results: six categories emerged and were organized into two thematic axes. Conclusion: Nursing professionals revealed various facilitating beliefs and strategies for coping with the process of death and dying. It is recommended that health institutions offer mental health care to health professionals

Objetivos:comprender cómo los profesionales de enfermería de una Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos Pediátricos viven el proceso de duelo resultante de la muerte de niños/adolescentes. Método: investigación cualitativa realizada en un hospital público del estado de São Paulo, con doce profesionales de enfermería, utilizando una entrevista abierta con la pregunta orientadora "Cuénteme, detalladamente, cómo ha enfrentado el duelo tras la muerte de un niño y/o adolescente en la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos Pediátricos". Resultados: surgieron seis categorías que se organizaron en dos ejes temáticos. Conclusión: Los profesionales de enfermería revelaron diversas creencias y estrategias facilitadoras para afrontar el proceso de morir y morir. Se recomienda que las instituciones sanitarias ofrezcan atención de salud mental a los profesionales de la salud

Sucesso da punção intravenosa periférica após capacitação dos profissionais de enfermagem para o uso da transiluminação / Puncture Success after training nurses in the use of transillumination / Éxito de la punción venosa periférica después de la formación de profesionales de enfermería en el uso de la transiluminación

Objetivo: avaliar o índice de sucesso na primeira tentativa de cateterização intravenosa periférica em crianças após capacitação de profissionais de enfermagem para o uso de transiluminação. Método: estudo observacional, prospectivo, comparativo do tipo antes e depois, realizado com enfermeiros e técnicos de enfermagem que foram capacitados para a cateterização guiada pela transiluminação e observados executando 35 procedimentos antes e 35 após a capacitação, no período de novembro de 2018 a maio de 2019, após aprovação do mérito ético do protocolo de pesquisa. Os dados foram analisados de forma descritiva e analítica. Resultados: o índice de sucesso na primeira tentativa foi de 62,9% antes e 65,7% depois (p=0,803). Os técnicos de enfermagem executaram mais a punção antes da capacitação e os enfermeiros depois (p<0,01). Conclusão: a capacitação de profissionais para realizar a punção guiada pela transiluminação aumentou o índice de sucesso na primeira tentativa de punção intravenosa periférica, sem diferença estastiticamente significativa(AU)

Objective: to evaluate the puncture success in the first attempt in children after training nursing professionals in the use of transillumination. Method: observational, prospective, comparative before-and-after study, carried out with nurses and nursing technicians were trained for transillumination-guided catheterization and observed performing 35 procedures before and 35 after training, from November 2018 to May 2019, after approval of the ethical merit of the research. Data were analyzed descriptively and analytically. Results: success in the first attempt was 62.9% before and 65.7% after (p=0.803). Nursing technicians performed more punctures before training and nurses after (p<0.01). Conclusion: the training professionals to perform transillumination-guided puncture increased success in the first attempt at peripheral intravenous puncture, without significant statistical difference(AU)

Objetivo: evaluar la tasa de éxito en el primer intento de cateterización venosa periférica en niños después de capacitar a los profesionales de enfermería en el uso de la transiluminación. Método: estudio observacional, prospectivo, comparativo de antes y después, realizado junto a enfermeros y técnicos de enfermería capacitados para cateterización guiada por transiluminación y observados realizando 35 procedimientos antes y 35 después del entrenamiento, de noviembre de 2018 a mayo de 2019, previa aprobación del mérito ético del protocolo de la investigación. Los datos se analizaron de forma descriptiva y analítica. Resultados: la tasa de éxito en el primer intento fue del 62,9% antes y del 65,7% después (p=0,803). Los técnicos de enfermería realizaron más punciones antes del entrenamiento y los enfermeros después (p<0,01). Conclusión: la formación de profesionales para realizar la punción guiada por transiluminación aumentó la tasa de éxito en el primer intento de punción venosa periférica, sin diferencia estadística significativa(AU)

Pediatric nurse practitioner workforce shortage threatens child health equity: Key contributors and recommendations.

ABSTRACT: The pediatric nurse practitioner (PNP) workforce shortage has begun to limit access to providers participating in Medicaid and/or the Children's Health Insurance Program, threatening child health equity in the United States. The following are key contributors: an emphasis on adult-focused NP programs and subsequent reduction in undergraduate pediatric content, common practice of student advisement to choose family NP programs, decreased PNP student enrollment leading to nonurban pediatric program closures, an acute shortage of PNP preceptors, and invisibility of the PNP workforce in national workforce data and strategic planning. We outline feasible action steps that nurses, NPs, educators, physicians, and policymakers can take to support PNP workforce growth to advance child health equity in the United States.

Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Knowledge of and Attitudes Toward Human Trafficking: A Psychometric Evaluation.

INTRODUCTION: Human trafficking is an urgent health threat. This study sought to psychometrically validate the novel Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Knowledge and Attitudes Toward Human Trafficking scale. METHOD: Using data from a 2018 study of pediatric-focused advanced practice registered nurses (n = 777), this secondary analysis examined dimensionality and reliability of the survey. RESULTS: The Cronbach α for scale constructs was < 0.7 for knowledge and 0.78 for attitudes. Exploratory and confirmatory analyses identified a bifactor model for knowledge with relative fit indexes within standard cutoffs, root mean square error of approximation = 0.03, comparative fit index = 0.95, Tucker-Lewis index = 0.94, and standardized root mean square residual = 0.06. The attitudes construct indicated a 2-factor model with root mean square error of approximation = 0.04, comparative fit index = 0.99, Tucker-Lewis index = 0.98, and standardized root mean square residual = 0.06, within standard cutoffs. DISCUSSION: The scale is a promising tool in advancing nursing response to trafficking but needs further refinement to increase utility and uptake.

Five-year follow-up of an interdisciplinary oral health education program: Clinical practice behaviors in working pediatric nurse practitioners.

ABSTRACT: Many interdisciplinary oral health education programs have been implemented for pediatric primary care providers (e.g., pediatric nurse practitioner [PNP]) to raise awareness and gain skills related to the prevention of early childhood caries (ECC). However, no studies have evaluated if these educational programs provided to PNPs during their training resulted in clinical practice behavior changes. A 33-item survey was designed on a web-based platform (Survey Monkey) and distributed to 71 PNP graduates. The survey included demographics, current clinical practice, clinical practice behaviors, and perceived barriers to practice. Descriptive statistics were used to assess the survey items and thematic analyses on the open-ended questions. The survey response rate was 70% (50/71 PNPs). Most practicing PNPs were in acute care or specialty clinics (n = 33; 66%) where oral health was not part of the focused visit. Majority used knowledge learned in assessment and anticipatory guidance skills. However, only 14% of primary care providers were applying fluoride varnish with 10% billing for this procedure. Barriers to application were time, available supplies, COVID protocols, lack of support staff, or not billing due to minimal reimbursement. Many primary care-trained PNPs were practicing in acute or subspecialty areas where prevention of ECC is not viewed as part of their focused visit. Pediatric nurse practitioners working in primary care demonstrated some clinical practice changes. However, areas for improvement are time to perform a risk assessment and application of fluoride varnish, access to these supplies, and standard billing and insurance reimbursement for these preventable services.

Intimate Partner Violence and Children: Essentials for the Pediatric Nurse Practitioner.

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a public health problem of epidemic proportions. IPV often starts early in adolescence and continues throughout an individual's lifespan. IPV is defined as abuse or aggression occurring in the context of a romantic relationship that is perpetrated by a current or former partner. IPV victims often experience severe psychological trauma, physical injury, and even death. The direct recipient of the violence is often not the only individual impacted. Children are often peripheral victims of IPV. It is vital that pediatric health care providers, including pediatric nurse practitioners, recognize that IPV is indeed a pediatric health care crisis requiring strategies for both identification and intervention. This continuing education article will discuss IPV and its impact on children from conception to adolescence while exploring implications for practice.

Dispositivos anticaídas en cuidados intensivos pediátricos: descripción de una experiencia exitosa de innovación liderada por enfermería en un hospital de cuidado terciario en Colombia / Anti Falls Device in Pediatric Intensive Care: Description of a Successful Innovative Experience Led by Nursing Personnel in Tertiary Hospital Care in Colombia / Dispositivo antiqueda em terapia intensiva pediátrica: descrição de uma experiência bemsucedida de inovação liderada pela enfermagem em um hospital de cuidado terciário na Colômbia

Introducción. Las caídas son eventos adversos que ponen en riesgo la integridad de quien las sufre. A pesar de la evidencia limitada sobre su efectividad, se han implementado algunos dispositivos de limitación de movimiento restrictivos y no restrictivos para prevenir caídas en niños críticamente enfermos en cuidados intensivos. Este artículo tiene como objetivo describir el diseño de un arnés preventivo y no restrictivo de movimiento para caídas intrahospitalarias en niños denominado "canguro-anticaídas", creado por profesionales de enfermería en una unidad de cuidados intensivos cardiovasculares pediátricos de la Fundación Cardioinfantil ­ Instituto de Cardiología. Tema de reflexión. A través de un enfoque reflexivo se presenta una descripción del dispositivo, los materiales, el método de uso, el personal que lo administra, los criterios de elegibilidad, la implementación del dispositivo, el alcance y la percepción del personal y los familiares respecto a su uso. Conclusiones. La prevención de caídas en población pediátrica hospitalizada en unidades de cuidados intensivos es uno de los pilares de la seguridad del paciente. La construcción de un dispositivo anticaída aplicado a esta población es una estrategia novedosa diseñada por el personal de enfermería para responder a la mejora continua de la calidad de la atención institucional. Palabras clave: Niños; Accidentes por Caídas; Prevención de Accidentes; Profesionales de Enfermería Pediátrica; Restricción Física; Difusión de Innovaciones; Unidades de Cuidado Intensivo Pediátrico

Introduction. Falls are adverse events that risk the integrity of those who suffer from them. Despite the limited evidence of its effectiveness, some restrictive and non-restrictive movement limitation devices have been implemented to prevent falls in critically ill children in intensive care. This article aims to describe the design of a preventive and non-restrictive movement harness for intra-hospital falls in children called "kangaroo- antifall", created by nursing professionals in a pediatric cardiovascular intensive care unit at the Cardioinfantil Foundation-Cardiology Institute. Reflection topics. Through a reflective approach, a description of the device materials, method of use, personnel who administer it, eligibility criteria, implementation of the device, scope, and perception of personnel and family members regarding its use are presented. Conclusions. One pillar of patient safety is fall prevention in pediatric populations hospitalized in intensive care units. The construction of an anti-fall device applied to this population is an innovative strategy designed by nursing staff to answer the continuous quality improvement of institutional care. Keywords: Child; Accidental Falls; Accident Prevention; Pediatric Nurse Practitioners; Restraint, Physical; Diffusion of Innovation; Intensive Care Units, Pediatric

Introdução. As quedas são eventos adversos que colocam em risco a integridade de quem sofre. A pesar das evidências limitadas sobre a sua eficácia, alguns dispositivos restritivos e não restritivos de limitação de movimento foram implementados para prevenir quedas em crianças gravemente doentes em cuidados intensivos. Este manuscrito tem como objetivo descrever o desenho de um arnês preventivo e sem restrição de movimento para quedas intra-hospitalares em crianças denominado "canguru-proteção contra quedas", criado por profissionais de enfermagem de uma unidade de terapia intensiva cardiovascular pediátrica da Fundação Cardioinfantil ­ Instituto de Cardiología. Tema de reflexão. Através de uma abordagem reflexiva, são apresentadas a descrição do dispositivo, materiais, método de uso, pessoal que o administra, critérios de elegibilidade, implementação do dispositivo, abrangência e percepción do pessoal e familiares sobre seu uso. Conclusões. A prevenção de quedas em populações pediátricas internadas em unidades de cuidados intensivos é um dos pilares da segurança do paciente. A construção de um dispositivo anti-queda aplicado a esta população é uma nova estratégia desenhada pela equipe de enfermagem para responder à melhoria contínua na qualidade do atendimento institucional. Palavras-chave: Crianças; Acidentes por Quedas; Prevenção de Acidentes; Profissionais de Enfermagem Pediátrica; Restrição Física; Difusão de Inovações; Unidades de Terapia Intensiva Pediátrica

Evaluating the Practice of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners: Is It Time for Dual Primary and Acute Care Preparation?

This survey aimed to evaluate contemporary pediatric nurse practitioner (PNP) practice as it relates to the competencies of both the primary and acute care population focus and settings of practice to guide curriculum revisions. The design of the study was a cross-sectional survey of PNPs certified by the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board. There were 2,265 surveys completed. Regardless of the certification type, PNPs report providing care across settings and integrating the competencies of both the primary and acute care PNP into practice. This warrants further consideration by programs to prepare future PNPs for dual primary and acute care certification.

Health Care Transition Planning: Educational Needs of Pediatric Nurses and Pediatric Nurse Practitioners.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose was to identify the educational needs of pediatric nurses and pediatric nurse practitioners providing direct care to transition-aged youth with chronic illness and disability and to identify strategies to develop health care transition planning (HCTP) expertise. METHOD: Mixed-methods descriptive analyses were performed on survey data extracted from a larger national study exploring the provision of HCTP activities performed by nurses of two pediatric nursing professional organizations. RESULTS: Items querying educational needs were completed by 1,162 pediatric nurses serving in advanced practice and staff roles. Twenty percent reported having specialized HCTP education. Of which more than half received it outside of the workplace. Factor analysis revealed two constructs explaining 73.4% of the variance in nurses' reported level of knowledge. DISCUSSION: HCTP education and the development of nurse-led services to facilitate optimal health care transitions outcomes are necessitated. Academia and service have a shared responsibility in educating nurses.