Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Job Description [Updated for 2025]
In the evolving realm of healthcare, the demand for Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioners has never been more urgent.
As healthcare continues to advance, the need for skilled professionals who can care for, manage and monitor the health of our youngest patients grows.
But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner?
Whether you are:
- A job seeker keen to understand the core of this role,
- A healthcare recruiter striving to define the perfect candidate,
- Or just curious about the intricacies of pediatric acute care nursing,
You’ve come to the right place.
Today, we present a customizable Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner job description template, crafted for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.
Let’s dive right in.
Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Duties and Responsibilities
Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioners are Registered Nurses with specialized training to provide care for children and adolescents in acute care settings.
They work closely with physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to provide high-quality care to patients.
Their duties and responsibilities include:
- Evaluating and diagnosing the health condition of the patient
- Developing and implementing a plan of care for the patient in collaboration with the healthcare team
- Ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests
- Prescribing medications and other treatments as necessary
- Providing education and counseling to patients and their families on how to manage their health condition and promote wellness
- Performing procedures and providing treatment for acute and chronic health conditions
- Monitoring patient’s response to treatment and making necessary adjustments
- Collaborating with other healthcare professionals to ensure comprehensive patient care
- Documenting all patient interactions and interventions in the patient’s medical record
- Advocating for the health and well-being of pediatric patients
Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Job Description Template
Job Brief
We are looking for a compassionate and dedicated Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner to join our healthcare team.
You will be responsible for providing advanced nursing care to pediatric patients with acute, critical, and chronic illnesses in a hospital setting.
The ideal candidate should be comfortable conducting physical examinations, interpreting lab results, and collaborating with physicians to manage patient care.
You will be expected to provide family-centered care, educate patients and their families about their conditions and treatment plans, and keep detailed records of patients’ progress.
Responsibilities
- Provide direct care to pediatric patients in an acute care setting
- Perform thorough physical examinations and interpret medical history
- Order and interpret diagnostic tests and lab results
- Prescribe appropriate medications and treatments in accordance with patient health status
- Collaborate with physicians and other healthcare professionals to create comprehensive patient care plans
- Provide patient and family education and counseling
- Monitor patient progress and adjust treatment plans as necessary
- Document patient care in medical records accurately and timely
- Adhere to infection-control protocols and maintain a clean and safe work environment
- Stay updated on current pediatric acute care best practices and medical advancements
Qualifications
- Valid Nurse Practitioner (NP) license and Pediatric Nurse Practitioner – Acute Care (PNP-AC) certification
- Proven experience as a Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
- Excellent knowledge of emergency care and critical medical procedures
- Ability to handle stressful situations and make informed decisions
- Outstanding communication skills with the ability to interact effectively with children and their families
- Proficiency in clinical procedures and disease management
- Compassionate and patient-oriented
- Master’s Degree in Nursing from an accredited school of nursing
Benefits
- 401(k)
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Retirement plan
- Paid time off
- Professional development opportunities
Additional Information
- Job Title: Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
- Work Environment: Hospital setting. This role may require working in shifts, during weekends, or on holidays.
- Reporting Structure: Reports to the Lead Pediatrician or Nursing Director.
- Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
- Pay Range: $105,000 minimum to $160,000 maximum
- Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
- Employment Type: Full-time
- Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
- Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].
What Does a Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Do?
Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioners are specialized healthcare professionals who work predominantly with children and adolescents in need of immediate or high-level medical care.
These nurses provide comprehensive care, which includes assessing the patient’s condition, interpreting medical tests, prescribing medication, and executing necessary interventions.
They work closely with doctors and other medical professionals in a fast-paced, high-stress environment such as the pediatric intensive care unit, emergency department, or inpatient units.
Their role may also include educating the patient’s family about their child’s condition and the necessary steps for recovery or management at home.
Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioners possess the expertise to handle complex, life-threatening conditions in children and are equipped to make critical decisions regarding the patient’s health.
They are also responsible for ensuring the child’s comfort during their medical care experience and providing emotional support to both the patient and their family.
Their role extends to follow-ups where they monitor the child’s recovery and adjust the treatment plan as necessary.
Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Qualifications and Skills
A Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner must possess a variety of technical skills, soft skills, and in-depth knowledge to provide specialized care to children.
These include:
- Extensive clinical knowledge in pediatric acute care to assess, diagnose and manage patient care effectively
- Strong communication skills to accurately relay information to patients, their families, and other healthcare professionals
- Effective decision-making skills to make quick, informed decisions in high-stress situations
- Compassion and empathy to provide comfort and support to patients and their families during difficult times
- Excellent problem-solving skills to efficiently identify and address health issues in children
- Ability to work well within a team to ensure comprehensive care for patients
- Time management skills to balance patient care with administrative tasks effectively
- Physical stamina to work long hours, often under pressure, and manage multiple tasks simultaneously
- Advanced skills in pediatric pharmacology to administer medications safely and effectively
Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Experience Requirements
Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioners (PNPs) typically require extensive experience in the field of pediatric healthcare.
The journey often begins with obtaining a Bachelor’s degree in nursing and gaining Registered Nurse (RN) licensure.
With this, a candidate can gain foundational clinical experience, usually a minimum of two years, preferably in an acute or critical pediatric care setting.
Then, RNs often pursue a Master’s or Doctorate degree in nursing with a specialty in pediatric acute care.
This higher level education provides more advanced practical experience and specialized knowledge.
Upon graduation, they must pass the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board (PNCB) Acute Care exam to become certified as a Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner.
It is expected that PNPs will continue to learn and gain experience throughout their careers.
Some hospitals or healthcare centers may require PNPs to have specific years of experience or proficiency in certain procedures or treatments.
With more than 5 years of experience, a PNP may have the opportunity to take on leadership roles, such as a supervisor or manager of a pediatric department.
They could also consider teaching or mentoring roles, passing on their experience and knowledge to the next generation of PNPs.
Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Education and Training Requirements
Becoming a Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (PACNP) requires extensive education and training.
The first step is to acquire a Bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN) from an accredited institution.
Following this, one must pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) to become a Registered Nurse (RN).
Most prospective PACNPs gain experience working in pediatric care for a few years before pursuing further education.
This hands-on experience provides a deeper understanding of pediatric patient needs and allows for the development of essential nursing skills.
The next step is to enroll in a Master’s or Doctoral degree program specifically designed for Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioners.
These programs provide advanced training in pediatric acute care, including diagnosis and management of complex and high acuity health issues in children and adolescents.
Upon completion of this advanced degree, one must then pass the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board (PNCB) Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Certification Exam to become certified as a PACNP.
In addition, some states require Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioners to obtain a specific state license to practice.
Finally, to maintain certification and stay updated with the latest medical advancements, PACNPs are required to engage in continual education throughout their career.
It’s worth noting that some PACNPs may choose to specialize further in areas such as oncology, cardiology, or neonatology, which may require additional training and certification.
Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Salary Expectations
A Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner earns an average salary of $108,643 (USD) per year.
The salary can fluctuate based on factors such as level of experience, specialized training, geographical location, and the healthcare institution that they are employed by.
Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Job Description FAQs
What qualifications does a Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner need?
A Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner must have a registered nurse (RN) license, followed by a Master’s Degree in Nursing (MSN) or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree.
They should also complete a specialized pediatric acute care nurse practitioner program.
After education, they need to pass the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board (PNCB) exam to become a certified Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner.
What is the role of a Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner in a healthcare team?
Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioners provide advanced nursing care to children and teenagers suffering from acute, critical, and chronic health conditions.
They collaborate closely with physicians, registered nurses, and other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive care.
Their responsibilities may include physical examinations, diagnosis, treatment planning, and implementing health care strategies.
What skills are essential for a Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner?
Effective communication and critical thinking are essential skills for a Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner.
They should be able to make quick decisions in high-stress situations and have a compassionate and empathetic attitude towards patients and their families.
Moreover, they should possess in-depth knowledge of pediatric medicine, advanced nursing practices, and the ability to operate medical equipment.
What is the employment outlook for Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioners?
The demand for Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioners is expected to rise due to the increased emphasis on preventive care and the aging population.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that the employment of nurse practitioners will grow much faster than the average for all occupations.
How demanding is the role of a Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner?
The role of a Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner can be physically and emotionally demanding.
They often work long hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
They deal with seriously ill or injured children, which can be stressful.
However, the role is also rewarding as they play a critical role in the recovery and well-being of their patients.
Conclusion
And there you have it.
Today, we’ve revealed the true essence of what it means to be a Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner.
Surprised?
It’s not just about providing medical care.
It’s about molding the future of healthcare, one patient interaction at a time.
With our top-notch Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner job description template and real-life examples, you’re more than ready to leap forward.
But why halt here?
Immerse yourself further with our job description generator. It’s your next stepping stone to creating precision-crafted job listings or fine-tuning your resume to absolute perfection.
Remember:
Every patient interaction contributes to the bigger picture.
Let’s shape the future of healthcare. Together.
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