Pediatrics Nurse Practitioner Primary Care/Acute Care

Pediatrics NP Primary Care/Acute Care Program

We are pleased to announce the newly approved Pediatrics NP Primary Care/Acute Care program and the Pediatrics Post Master’s Acute Care program. We will also continue to offer our well-established Pediatrics NP Primary Care Program.

Pediatric Nurse Practitioners (PNPs) assess, diagnose, and treat infants, children, adolescents, and young adults. PNP students in each of our programs are educated on principles of growth and development and the analysis, interpretation, and application of evidence-based clinical practice guidelines and clinical research, to determine treatment plans. PNPs are educated to be leaders in pediatric healthcare and to advocate for all patients and their families. 

Our program prepares RNs with baccalaureate degrees and at least one year of experience in an acute care pediatrics setting to excel as pediatric nurse practitioners. Our combined Pediatric Primary Care/Acute Care program will educate students to practice in acute care settings, primary care settings, and specialty settings caring for the pediatric/adolescent and young adult populations with chronic illnesses.

Students graduate with an MS degree and are eligible to take the national certification examination offered by the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board (PNCB). Students are eligible to become certified as:

  1. Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner - Primary Care (CPNP-PC) 
  2. Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner- Acute Care (CPNP-AC). 

By 2024, the PNCB will require graduates from all PNP programs to take and pass the certification examination within five years of graduation. The PNCB requires annual educational activities and/or clinical practice documentation to maintain certification. 

NYU Meyers PNP graduates are employed throughout the United States and recognized as leaders in pediatric healthcare. PNPs are strong advocates for healthcare policies designed to improve the health and well-being of infants, children, adolescents, and young adults.


Highlights

  • The Pediatrics Acute Care courses are presented using a hybrid model with online interactive, synchronous educational instruction and two on-campus meetings at mid-semester and at the end of each semester. An immersion clinical experience during the January winter intersession or the final summer session is required for a minimum of 2 consecutive weeks.
  • Direct contact and interactions with expert pediatric faculty throughout the program.
  • Interactive educational experiences supported by the principles of problem-based learning to develop critical thinking and case analysis skills.
  • Clinical placements with expert certified PNPs in primary, specialty care, and acute settings.    
  • Individualized attention to developing personal strengths and goals.
  • Engage in clinical simulation experiences with Standardized Patients to assure mastery of core competencies relevant to pediatric clinical practice.
  • Opportunities for interprofessional education and clinical practice.
  • Graduates have entry-level expertise in the delivery of evidence-based healthcare.
  • Graduates are prepared to be effective team members in population-based quality improvement projects.


Goals

  • Promote the highest quality of care for infants, children, adolescents, and young adults regardless of the acuity level of care needed: primary, specialty, or acute.
  • Analyze the physical, emotional, behavioral, social, and economic impact of treatment planning on culturally diverse clients using patient-centered, family-centered frameworks.
  • Participate in collaborative practice with other healthcare professionals in designing a comprehensive approach to acute and chronic care of infants, children, adolescents, and young adults.
  • Critique clinical practice guidelines, relevant research, and quality improvement studies to determine best practices for the care of infants, children, adolescents, and young adults who present for primary, episodic, or acute care healthcare visits.
  • Evaluate leadership and advocacy roles of PNPs in influencing health policy and healthcare delivery systems on children and families across diverse settings.
  • Develop professional writing and scholarly presentation skills.
  • Demonstrate a commitment to lifelong learning to maintain clinical competence in an ever-changing healthcare environment.
  • Examine and implement the principles of telehealth and telemedicine in pediatric practices.
  • Apply the principles of population health and culturally sensitive health care to all pediatric/adolescent/young adult populations with emphasis on meeting the needs of the medically underserved urban and rural communities for all acuity levels of care: primary, specialty, or acute.
  • Analyze, implement, and evaluate the outcomes of evidence-based practices for infants/children/adolescents/young adults for all acuity levels of care.
  • Implement the findings from quality improvement (QI) projects to continuously improve care at all acuity levels.


Practicum opportunities

  • Clinical placements are arranged by faculty for each student to achieve their personal and professional practice goals.
  • Students have placements in pediatric primary and acute care clinical practices; in pediatric specialty practices, e.g., pediatric pulmonary, cardiovascular, oncology, endocrine, musculoskeletal settings, and in hospitals.
  • Students have one-to-one experiences in clinical settings with expert pediatric nurse practitioners who guide and evaluate student learning in conjunction with the Program Director to ensure individual student success in each clinical course and upon graduation.


Program outcomes

  • Preparation to successfully sit for the primary care and acute care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner national certification examinations offered by the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board.
  • Meet NYS and all state requirements for licensure as a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner.
  • Meet State and Federal requirements to obtain a DEA number upon graduation.
  • Meet State requirements to obtain prescription privileges upon graduation.
  • Prepared to practice as a PNP within the licensure authority of any individual state board of nursing: evaluating patients; diagnosing, ordering, and interpreting diagnostic tests; and initiating and managing treatment plans, including prescribing medications. 

Core Courses (12 credits)

Course Number Course Title Credit Term
NURSE-GN 2005 Intro Stats Health Profs 3 Fall, Spring, Summer

The syllabus for N41.2005 is intended for graduate students in nursing. The course provides the foundations necessary to understand elementary biostatistics and applications of biostatistics in the medical literature. It will concentrate on the interpretation and comprehension of graphical and statistical techniques that are essential components to medical research. The ability to understand basic arithmetic and high school algebra is required.

NURSE-GN 2303 Research in Nursing 3 Fall, Spring, Summer

This graduate research course is designed to develop the role of the advanced practice nurse, midwife, educator, administrator, or informatics specialist as a competent research consumer. An evidence-based practice paradigm is used to promote acquisition of information literacy and critical appraisal skills which, combined with clinical judgment and patient preferences, support evidence-based decision making.

NURSE-GN 2041 Issues and Trends in Nursing and Health Care 3 Fall, January, Spring

In this course, students analyze current political, social, and economic issues and trends that affect health care delivery, nursing, and health policy. The course focuses on the United States and includes global issues that affect health care systems and delivery of care. Students develop strategies for collaborating with individuals and organizations in efforts to enhance health equity and the quality of care for patients and populations of diverse racial, ethnic, gender, and other identities. The course covers credentialing of advanced practice nurses and its importance in providing high quality care. Throughout the course, students are encouraged to develop and pursue their professional goals in terms of participation and leadership in professional organizations, engaging in civic participation, and obtaining and using health policy evidence and information to advance health equity. Coursework entails individual and group assignments in both synchronous and asynchronous modes. This is a required core course for all master’s students at NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing and open to other NYU graduate students with permission of the instructor.

NURSE-GN 2011 Apn: Pop Focus Care 3 Fall, Spring, Summer

The Population-Focused Care course explores advanced practice nursing at community and population levels. Nursing contributions to core public health functions and essential public health services are considered in the context of theoretical frameworks for health communication and behavioral change to develop programs to improve the health of populations. Data sources for community health assessment and epidemiologic analyses are examined. Cultural and political competencies are also addressed.

Advanced Core Courses (12 credits)

Course Number Course Title Credit Term
NURSE-GN 2050 Advanced Pathophysiology 3 Fall, Spring

This course provides students with the opportunity to deeply explore core pathophysThis course provides students with the opportunity to deeply explore core pathophysiological concepts that provide a strong foundation for advanced practice. The aim is to expand on knowledge of the pathogenesis of health problems across the life span. Pathophysiology is integrated with a developmental perspective to facilitate an in-depth understanding of functional and dysfunctional integration of organ systems in the human. Clinical situations designed to illustrate specific concepts are presented during the lecture and in-class student discussions.iological concepts that provide a strong foundation for advanced practice. The aim is to expand on knowledge of the pathogenesis of health problems across the life span. Pathophysiology is integrated with a developmental perspective to facilitate an in-depth understanding of functional and dysfunctional integration of organ systems in the human. Clinical situations designed to illustrate specific concepts are presented during the lecture and in-class student discussions.

NURSE-GN 2021 Clinical Pharmacotherapeutics Across the Lifespan 3 Fall, Spring

The goal of this course is to prepare the advanced practice nurse to prescribe pharmacotherapies that improve patient care outcomes. . The student will learn to integrate his/her knowledge of basic pharmacology and pathophysiology with advanced pharmacotherapeutic principles to enhance treatment decisions and prescribe medications for the prevention and treatment of disease. Various methodologies will be used to allow the student practice in incorporating patient history, assessment, and diagnoses with consideration of the best, safest and most effective pharmacy The goal of this course is to prepare the advanced practice nurse to prescribe pharmacotherapies that improve patient care outcomes. . The student will learn to integrate his/her knowledge of basic pharmacology and pathophysiology with advanced pharmacotherapeutic principles to enhance treatment decisions and prescribe medications for the prevention and treatment of disease. Various methodologies will be used to allow the student practice in incorporating patient history, assessment, and diagnoses with consideration of the best, safest and most effective pharmacy options. An emphasis on critical analysis of the evidence according to evidence-based principles and subsequent application of the evidence into the medical and treatment plans will be fostered. Critical decision analysis will assist the student to evaluate and revise treatment plans to improve patient care.

NURSE-GN 2024 Advanced Physical Assessment Across the Lifespan - Pediatrics 3 Spring

This course provides the student the opportunity to develop advanced comprehensive history taking and physical assessment skills. Selected nursing models and concepts will be used in the collection of an expanded clinical database through history taking and physical assessment. The course contains lecture content, laboratory application and clinical hours in the outpatient setting.

NURSE-GN 2013 Contemp Clin Pract Roles 3 Spring, Summer

The role of the Advanced Practice Nurse, (APN) with a systematic introduction to direct client care and practice management is explored. Introduction to the role of the advanced practice nurse, and the Nurse Practitioner (NP) as clinician, advocate educator, collaborator, and leader is initiated. Autonomous and collaborative practice will be emphasized. Concepts applicable to working with culturally diverse and underserved individuals and families through skills related to leadership, communication, change management, evidence based practice, and ethical decision making are addressed. Selected nursing models will be used to support role implementation in a variety of settings including those for the delivery of primary care, acute care, ambulatory care and long term health care.

Primary Care Population Component (15 credits)

Course Number Course Title Credit Term
NURSE-GN 2032 Nursing Strategies: Infancy, Childhood and Adolescence 3 Fall

This course examines theoretical concepts, research evidence, and learning models related to growth and developmental patterns experienced by children and adolescents, as well as their application to primary care settings. Interventions by advanced practice nurses that promote optimal health and well-being are applied to commonly encountered issues of growth and development throughout infancy, childhood, and adolescence. Social, political, cultural, and legal-ethical issues that influence growth and development and health care are explored. A clinical component allows the student to apply theoretical foundations inclinical settings.

NURSE-GN 2062 Pediatric Primary Care and Practicum I 3 Summer

This course emphasizes the normal patterns of health promotion and health maintenance. Assessment, diagnosis, and management of common pediatric problems are examined in the context of primary care provided to well infants and children. Theoretical concepts, research evidence, and clinical-practice- models-related issues encountered in the primary care of infants and children are examined as well as their application to primary care and advanced practice-nursing interventions. Interventions by advanced practice nurses that promote optimal health and wellbeing are applied to commonly encountered issues of growth and development throughout infancy, childhood, and adolescence. Social, political, cultural, and legal-ethical issues that influence primary pediatric health care are explored. Emphasis is on mutual clinical decision making using an evidence based, interdisciplinary care model for the well child in primary care settings. This course has a minimum of 145 hours of supervised clinical experiences in ambulatory care settings.

NURSE-GN 2063 Pediatric Primary Care and Practicum II 3 Fall

The nursing process and role of the advanced practice nurse is applied in the clinical setting as a framework for managing health care of children and adolescents and their families. Students participate in client care management, including advanced assessment, health promotion, developmental appraisal, disease prevention, and management of common problems using an evidence-based practice model. Case studies integrate the concepts of diagnostic reasoning, the acquisition of advanced practice skills, and appropriate use of technology and research application in the primary care setting. This course has a minimum of 270 hours of supervised clinical experience in ambulatory care settings.

NURSE-GN 2064 Apn:Children and Adolescents III 3 Spring

This course focuses on the diagnosis and management of episodic and acute health problems of children by the advanced practice in primary care settings. Focus is on applying critical thinking and clinical decision-making competencies to formulate differential diagnoses and develop management plans for children and their families. Students learn the role of clinician, educator, advocate, and interdisciplinary consumer of research to design and analyze therapeutic interventions that are aimed at decreasing health disparities and improving the overall health and well-being of underserved communities. Students learn an evidence-based practice model of care to assure children and families the highest quality care, and they learn from an interdisciplinary model of care to promote their best practice model of care. Concepts include health promotion; health education; anticipatory guidance; cultural, legal, and ethical issues; family involvement in the client?s care; and leadership strategies.

NURSE-GN 2065 APN: Pediatric Primary Care and Practicum III 3 Spring

This course focuses on comprehensive primary care of children and families in ambulatory settings. Students synthesize knowledge to develop and evaluate management plans for children with complex and chronic health problems. Combining advanced practice skills in health assessment and diagnosis, students develop treatment plans and facilitate the client?s entry into and utilization of the health care system. Students combine the roles of clinician, educator, advocate, and interdisciplinary consumer of research design, and they implement therapeutic interventions that are aimed at decreasing health disparities and improving the overall health and well-being of underserved communities. An evidence-based practice model of care is utilized to decrease health disparities among vulnerable populations and improve their health and wellbeing. The course also emphasizes the leadership role of the advanced practice nurse in the provision of primary care to children.

Acute Care Population Component (11 credits)

Course Number Course Title Credit Term
NURSE-GN 2237 Pediatric Nurse Practitioner: Acute Care Nursing I 2 Fall

This online course focuses on the assessment, diagnosis, and evidence-based management of children across the entire pediatric age spectrum, from birth to young adulthood, presenting with complex acute and critical illnesses and cared for by pediatric nurse practitioners inacute care settings. Students apply critical thinking and clinical decision-making competencies to formulate differential diagnoses and develop care management plans for pediatric populations and their families. A systems approach is emphasized for identification and management of emerging health crises and organ dysfunction for children who are physiologically unstable, technologically dependent, and/or highly vulnerable to complications. In Acute Care I, students will investigate six systems as well as pediatric oncology and principles of palliative care. Concepts include analysis of the continuum of care from disease prevention to critical care to restoration of maximum health and/or palliative care for children with acute and complex diseases and disorders. Concepts include cultural, legal, ethical issues, interprofessional practice, safe practice, basic principles of quality improvement, and leadership strategies within the acute care delivery system.

NURSE-GN 2238 Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Acute Care I: Advanced Procedures 2 Fall, Spring

This course offers students opportunities to learn advance practice skills asynchronously, in a bi-weekly synchronous seminar with virtual simulations, and, during the course, in a 2.5-day immersion experience focusing on procedural skill development for the preparation of acutecare pediatric nurse practitioners. This course accompanies the advanced practice Acute Care Pediatric Nursing I course. In the immersion experience, students will learn the principles of each technical skill, practice the skills using high tech mannequins and equipment in the Clinical Learning Simulation Center(CSLC), and then demonstrate competency in each of the assigned skills. This course will focus on the skills needed for six systems presented in Acute Care Pediatric Nursing I, as well as skills specific to pediatric oncology. Compassionate communication techniques while speaking with children and their parents before, during, and after procedures will be practiced by the students during each procedure performed in the CSLC.

NURSE-GN 2239 Pediatric Nurse Practitioner: Acute Care Nursing II 2 Spring

This online course focuses on the assessment, diagnosis, and evidence based management of children across the eintre pweiatric age spectrum, from birth to your adulthood, presenting with compleze acte and critical illnesses and cared for by pediatric nurse practitioners in acure care setrings. Students apply critical thinking and clinical decision-making competencies to formulate differential diagnoses and develop care management plans for the pediatric population and their families. A systems approach is emphasized for identificaiton and management of emerging health crises and organ dysfunction for children who are physiologically unstable, technologically dependent, and/or highly vulnerable to complications. In Acute Care II, students will invesitgate five systems as well as emergency management, toxicology, prinicples of sedation, and child maltreatment. Concepts include analysis of the continuum of care from disease prevention to critical care to restoration of maximum health and/or palliative care for children with acute and complex diseases and disorders. Concepts include cultrual, legal, ethical issues, interprofessional practice, safe practice, basic principles of quality improvement, and leadership strategies within the acute delivery system.

NURSE-GN 2240 Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Acute Care II: Advanced Procedures 2 Spring, Summer

This course focuses on procedural skill development for the preparation of acute care pediatric nurse practitioners and accompanies the advanced practice Acute Care Pediatric Nursing II course. Students will learn the principles of each technical skill, practice the skills using high tech mannequins and equipment in the Clinical Learning Simulation Center (CSLC), and demonstrate competency in each of the assigned skills by the end of the semester. This course will focus on the skills needed for five systems presented in Acute Care Pediatric Nursing I, as well as emergency management, toxicology, principles of sedation, and child maltreatment. Using compassionate communication techniques while speaking with children and their parents before, during and after procedures will be practiced by the students during each procedure performed in the CSLC.

NURSE-GN 2241 Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Acute Care Practicum 3 January, Summer

This course focuses on comprehensive care management including the assessment, diagnosis, and evidence-based management of the entire spectrum of pediatric patients with complex acute and critical illnesses in acute care settings. Students apply critical thinking and clinical decision-making competencies and synthesize knowledge to develop and evaluate management plans for children with complex acute care health problems. Students combine advanced practice skills in health assessment, diagnosis, and evidence-based clinical decision making to develop treatment plans for pediatric patients with complex health care problems. In addition, students participate in the identification and management of emerging health crises and organ dysfunction for children who are physiologically unstable, technologically dependent, and/or highly vulnerable to complications. Students become a member of the interprofessional team in the care management of pediatric patients with medically complex health care problems. This course also emphasizes the leadership roles of the acute care pediatric nurse practitioners in the provision care for acutely ill pediatric patients. Students who have completed their clinical hours and all acute care coursework and are taking this course for the final time will complete a comprehensive exam at the end of this course in order to be eligible for graduation.

NURSE-GN 2241 Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Acute Care Practicum 3 January, Summer

This course focuses on comprehensive care management including the assessment, diagnosis, and evidence-based management of the entire spectrum of pediatric patients with complex acute and critical illnesses in acute care settings. Students apply critical thinking and clinical decision-making competencies and synthesize knowledge to develop and evaluate management plans for children with complex acute care health problems. Students combine advanced practice skills in health assessment, diagnosis, and evidence-based clinical decision making to develop treatment plans for pediatric patients with complex health care problems. In addition, students participate in the identification and management of emerging health crises and organ dysfunction for children who are physiologically unstable, technologically dependent, and/or highly vulnerable to complications. Students become a member of the interprofessional team in the care management of pediatric patients with medically complex health care problems. This course also emphasizes the leadership roles of the acute care pediatric nurse practitioners in the provision care for acutely ill pediatric patients. Students who have completed their clinical hours and all acute care coursework and are taking this course for the final time will complete a comprehensive exam at the end of this course in order to be eligible for graduation.

NURSE-GN 2241 Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Acute Care Practicum 3 January, Summer

This course focuses on comprehensive care management including the assessment, diagnosis, and evidence-based management of the entire spectrum of pediatric patients with complex acute and critical illnesses in acute care settings. Students apply critical thinking and clinical decision-making competencies and synthesize knowledge to develop and evaluate management plans for children with complex acute care health problems. Students combine advanced practice skills in health assessment, diagnosis, and evidence-based clinical decision making to develop treatment plans for pediatric patients with complex health care problems. In addition, students participate in the identification and management of emerging health crises and organ dysfunction for children who are physiologically unstable, technologically dependent, and/or highly vulnerable to complications. Students become a member of the interprofessional team in the care management of pediatric patients with medically complex health care problems. This course also emphasizes the leadership roles of the acute care pediatric nurse practitioners in the provision care for acutely ill pediatric patients. Students who have completed their clinical hours and all acute care coursework and are taking this course for the final time will complete a comprehensive exam at the end of this course in order to be eligible for graduation.