Bridging Educational Procedural Gap Via Analysis of Procedures Performed by Pediatric Nurse Practitioners in Clinical Practice: A Cross Sectional Survey

Kristen M Brown; Stephanie Key; Deborah W Busch; Margaret Quinn; Elizabeth Hawkins-Walsh; Shawna S Mudd

doi:10.1016/j.pedhc.2024.12.003

Bridging Educational Procedural Gap Via Analysis of Procedures Performed by Pediatric Nurse Practitioners in Clinical Practice: A Cross Sectional Survey

J Pediatr Health Care. 2025 Jan 6:S0891-5245(24)00405-X. doi: 10.1016/j.pedhc.2024.12.003. Online ahead of print.

Authors

Kristen M Brown, Stephanie Key, Deborah W Busch, Margaret Quinn, Elizabeth Hawkins-Walsh, Shawna S Mudd

PMID: 39772329
DOI: 10.1016/j.pedhc.2024.12.003

Abstract

Introduction: The complexity of healthcare is dynamic and requires educators to evaluate how to prepare pediatric nurse practitioners (PNPs). The research team sought to evaluate procedures currently being performed by primary and acute care PNPs in clinical practice and determine how this aligns with the educational preparation recommended for certification.

Method: A cross-sectional survey of primary and acute care PNPs were evaluated through an online survey.

Results: There were 2,265 surveys completed (Primary Care PNPs [n = 1925, 85%] and the Acute Care PNPs [n = 229, 10%]). Several positive associations were discovered among the procedures being performed by both AC and PC PNPs. This indicates that both AC and PC PNPs commonly performed these three same procedures.

Discussion: There were correlations with the recommended procedures for the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board (PNCB) pediatric certification examinations and the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties entry-level competencies. However, there were noted differences in the recommended procedures.

Keywords: Acute care; curriculum; primary care; procedural training; simulation.