Professional practice of pediatric nurse practitioners: Implications for education and training of PNPs

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to describe the characteristics of employment, the characteristics of children served, and the role functions of recent graduates of pediatric nurse practitioner (PNP) programs and to compare these characteristics across programs. Method: A 60-item multiple-choice survey tool was sent to graduates from 1996-1998 of 6 universities across the United States. Results: A total of 137 surveys were received for a return rate of 52%. Less than half of the respondents (44%) indicated that they were employed in a primary care practice. Seventy percent indicated they "often" or "sometimes" provided care to children with acute/critical conditions, and 77% reported caring for children with chronic conditions. Role functions of case management, staff development, consultation, administration, and implementation of research were performed "often" or "sometimes" by more than 50% of respondents. Findings were fairly consistent in 5 out of 6 programs surveyed. Discussion: Graduates of PNP programs are increasingly called on to provide care to children with complex health care needs in non-primary care settings. Role functions beyond the traditional areas required for pediatric primary care are now common practice. Educational programs should address these dynamic changes by assessing the adequacy of their curricula and clinical residencies in preparing graduates.