A Job Task Analysis of the Expanding Role of the Pediatric Mental Health Specialist and the Nurse Practitioner in Pediatric Mental Health

Abstract

Lack of access to support, services, and providers for children and adolescents with mental health conditions is a serious problem in the United States. Fewer than half of the children who need services obtain them. To meet this demand, the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board launched a new specialty certification in 2011 for advanced practice registered nurses called the pediatric primary care mental health specialist (PMHS). In 2016, a job task analysis of the role of the PMHS and nurse practitioners practicing in pediatric mental health and developmental/behavioral pediatrics was conducted. Surveys were completed by 293 respondents. Demographic characteristics, tasks performed in practice, diagnoses made, assessment and screening tools used, and types of pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic interventions were obtained and are reported. The roles of the PMHS and nurse practitioner in pediatric mental health are well established and key to expanding services and access to children and their families.

Keywords: Developmental/behavioral pediatrics; job task analysis; nurse practitioner role; pediatric mental health; pediatric mental health specialist.