NRNP 6541 Getting Started With Pediatrics
Strengths and Challenges
I have been a nurse for five years and have worked in a medical-surgical unit and the Operating Room. My strengths include my willingness and determination to learn new concepts, gain hands-on experience performing health assessments, and learn about developmental conditions and diseases seen in the pediatric population. My challenges consist of my limited knowledge of caring for pediatric patients. However, during my first clinical rotation, I was able to care for pediatric patients 21 and younger. In addition, when caring for pediatric patients who cannot voice their concerns, the parents will provide a clue to the symptoms the patient is experiencing. My career goals include graduating with my Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) degree and passing the boards. My plan to become an FNP was to move away from bedside nursing and the hospital by working in a clinic.
Objectives and Goals
My objectives for this class are to appropriately diagnose pediatric patients based on health assessment and diagnostic tests, formulate a treatment plan, and provide referrals to other specialties. The class focuses on building confidence in assessing, diagnosing, and treating acute and chronic conditions in pediatric populations (Walden University, 2024). This course aligns with my objectives and goals in developing my knowledge of common diseases affecting pediatric patients, diagnosing, and creating a treatment management plan. The following eleven weeks will help to develop my strengths and work on my challenges in caring for the pediatric population. I’ll learn about the well-child visits, health promotion, disease prevention, vaccinations, and congenital conditions.
Roles and Responsibilities of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners
Although there has been a rise in nurse practitioners, there remains a disparity in pediatric nurse practitioners who can provide high-quality care to patients with chronic illnesses and high acuity (Armstrong et al., 2023). As a family nurse practitioner, I will come across pediatric patients, so it is important for me to gain knowledge about diseases afflicting this population and implement care to help manage their conditions. Pediatric Nurse Practitioners have positive outcomes when working with children with complex developmental conditions and initiating treatments, resulting in improved quality of life, continuity in care management, and increased satisfaction in care (Brandon et al., 2023). Nurse Practitioners have roles and responsibilities to adhere to in providing patient-centered care. Nurse practitioners have a scope of practice that includes diagnosis, treatment, diagnostic tests, referrals, and prescribing medications (Inwood et al., 2021). Furthermore, Nurse Practitioners educate parents and patients and work as a collaborative team with other multidisciplinary roles.
References
Armstrong, A., Bowman, A., Goreth, M., Trabosh, T., & Gigli, K. (2023). Career choices and experiences in role transition: A multistate survey of pediatric-focused hospital-based nurse practitioners. Journal of Pediatric Health Care, 37(3), 319–327. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pedhc.2022.12.005
Brandon, E., Green, P., Palozzi, L., Kassam-Lallani, D., Lauzon, A., Nenadovic, V., Puthen, R., Rudden, L., & Ballantyne, M. (2023). Nurse practitioners in a canadian pediatric rehabilitation hospital: A description of roles and scope of practice. Journal of Pediatric Health Care, 37(5), e1–e10. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pedhc.2023.04.011
Inwood, A., Philips, L., Sellars, F., Shevill, E., McCosker, J., O’Grady, B., Nkwenty, E., Gordon, K., Reilly, C., Buys, J., & Bradford, N. (2021). Clinician experience, perceptions, and acceptance of paediatric complex care nurse practitioner roles. Collegian, 28(3), 303–309. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.colegn.2020.09.007
Walden University. (2024). NRNP 6541- primary care of adolescents and children. Walden University. Retrieved February 24, 2024, from https://academics.waldenu.edu/catalog/courses/nrnp/6541
ORDER A PLAGIARISM-FREE PAPER HERE
Primary care of children from newborns to those on the cusp of adulthood requires considerable knowledge, as well as the finesse to manage parents and families of all types, and the changing needs, attitudes, and independence of young people as they grow and mature. Considering that this week—in fact, this entire first module—is focused on growth and development, it is fitting for you to reflect on your current and anticipated growth and development in advanced nursing, and specifically, in pediatric care. When you made your decision to pursue training as a Family Nurse Practitioner, how did pediatrics factor in your thinking? Is the opportunity to work with children and adolescents a strong motivator, or does it rank for you as more of a concern?
As you get started with this course, take time to reflect on your present capacity as you prepare to immerse yourself in the requirements of pediatric care as a nurse practitioner. How can you benefit most from this course, and how can it further you along the professional path you have chosen or in achieving your career goals?
This Discussion can be a catalyst for self-assessment and offer valuable insights from your colleagues. It is also an opportunity to get to know them and to introduce yourself, in anticipation of further interaction as you engage in the course i-Human Assignments.
RESOURCES
Be sure to review the Learning Resources before completing this activity.
Click the weekly resources link to access the resources.
To prepare:
- Review this week’s Learning Resources, and particularly Chapters 5, 6, 8, and 14 of the Burns’ Pediatric Primary Care text.
- Consider the roles and responsibilities of a nurse practitioner providing pediatric primary care. Work to define the strengths you bring to the position of Family Nurse Practitioner and the challenges you face.
- Reflect on this course and what you expect to learn and do, such as by reviewing the course description, outcomes, and course introduction. Consider how the next 11 weeks can help build your strengths and address your challenges.
- Also consider your career goals and objectives and how this course can support and/or further them. Be detailed in your thinking.
BY DAY 3 OF WEEK 1
Post a brief introduction of yourself that includes an explanation of your strengths and challenges as they apply to pediatrics and the role of a Family Nurse Practitioner. Also explain your career goals and objectives, and how your work in this course can help to accomplish those goals and objectives as a Family Nurse Practitioner. Use your research to support your explanations by providing credible and scholarly sources.
Read a selection of your colleagues’ responses.
BY DAY 6 OF WEEK 1
Respond to at least two of your colleagues’ posts on two different days by offering suggestions or resources to help your colleagues in addressing their professional strengths, challenges, or career goals and objectives. Use your research to support your suggestions. Provide at least 3 credible and current scholarly sources.
Note: For this Discussion, you are required to complete your initial post before you will be able to view and respond to your colleagues’ postings. Begin by clicking on the Reply button to complete your initial post. Remember, once you click on Post Reply, you cannot delete or edit your own posts and you cannot post anonymously. Please check your post carefully before clicking on Post Reply!