For nurses who would like to work closely with children of all ages, online pediatric nurse practitioner programs offer the training and skills to be successful.

While studying nursing online, nurses can learn to become an important member of the health care team for children in their community. They specialize in the care of children from birth through the teen years and are often the first interaction that parents and kids have with the healthcare system

Being a pediatric nurse practitioner is all about children. One of their main roles is to take the relevant patient history and to perform checkups. During these checkups, the PNP ensures that the child is developing appropriately for his or her age and that there are no concerns. These concerns include speech and language development, behavioral issues, mental health issues or learning disabilities. The PNP is also extremely adept at performing well-baby and well-child checkups and ensuring that children have the proper immunizations at the right intervals.

Pediatric nurse practitioner online programs are perfect for aspiring nurse practitioners. Family nurse practitioner programs online teach nurses how to help families learn about childhood development as well as instruct parents and children about self-care and healthy lifestyle choices. Just like LPN to RN programs, pediatric nursing programs teach students how to treat common childhood illnesses in addition teaching parents and other caregivers how childhood illnesses can affect a child’s growth and development.

A PNP also has an important role in the community. The nurse practitioner can work closely with community organizations and other health team members to educate the public about issues related to children’s health. A nursing degree online is an integral part of the training a nurse needs to become this vital member of the community. In their role as community liason, the training for the nurse practitioner online program is one of the most important aspects of a nurse’s education.

One of the less-traditional roles of the pediatric nurse practitioner can be in a community-based clinic. In many parts of the country there is a severe shortage of pediatricians and general practitioners. These communities often have small health clinics and the presence of the PNP who can diagnose and treat illnesses as well as prescribe medications is critical to the welfare of all of the children in the area. Pediatric nurse practitioners can not only fill the role of hard-to-find pediatricians, but can also work with the community to start programs which benefit everyone. The PNP can also perform the very important role of referring parents, caregivers and children to specialists when needed.

Online pediatric nurse practitioner programs are the starting point for nurses who want to become part of the important team who work to ensure the health of children. PNPs work closely with pediatricians who also focus on the health of children. Depending on state requirements, the PNP can work independently of the pediatrician or as an integral member of the pediatric health care team.