The Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP) concentration prepares professionals for advanced training in quality nursing care for children, adolescents and infants. Upon completion of the LLU School of Nursing PNP program, graduates will be equipped with the skills necessary to act as a primary care provider for patients under the age of 18.
The School of Nursing’s Pediatric Nurse Practitioner program teaches students to provide the treatment procedures, therapies and medication necessary for the child, as well as ordering specific lab and diagnostic testing, such as x-rays, blood tests and laboratory tests when needed. (The PNP program emphasizes preventative care for patients under 18 years of age.)
Pediatric Nurse Practitioners get great satisfaction knowing that they make a difference, by identifying and caring for their patient problems, giving them counseling and information to the family or patient. This helps the patient and family deal with often, very stressful and difficult situations. They use data received from diagnostic tests, clinical exams, verbal communication, medical records and other sources to make decisions that are evidence based and meet their patients care requirements.
Nursing students will also be trained to give immunizations and manage their patient’s health problems, such as juvenile diabetes and other conditions. As a PNP, nurses will work in consultation and collaboration with physicians.
They provide education, support and health care counseling to the families of their patients and answer any questions or address any concerns the family has regarding the child.