Pediatric nurses and nurse practitioners both work in healthcare settings that focus on treating children and keeping them healthy from infancy to adulthood. However, while these nursing positions do have many similarities, they differ when it comes to specific education requirements and responsibilities.
If you’re interested in becoming a nurse who specializes in pediatrics, it can help to know more about the differences between these two nursing positions. That’s especially true if you’re at a crossroads in deciding whether to pursue a career as a pediatric nurse or as a pediatric nurse practitioner (PNP). Read on to learn more about each of these positions and the key differences between a pediatric nurse and a nurse practitioner.
What Is a Pediatric Nurse?
A pediatric nurse is a registered nurse (RN) who works with children from the time they are babies until the time they become adults at the age of 18. Pediatric nurses work closely with doctors, parents, and their young patients to ensure that the patients maintain optimal overall health as they prepare to enter adulthood.
Some of the key responsibilities of a pediatric nurse include:
- Providing parents with tips on how to care for their children when they are ill or when they need help managing chronic conditions like diabetes and asthma
- Recording patients’ health information and vital signs, such as weight and heart rate, during appointments
- Performing physical exams on patients
- Providing patients with medication and administering treatments
- Helping children stay calm and feel more comfortable when they are scared or confused during appointments and treatments
Pediatric nurses work in a variety of healthcare settings in which children are treated, including community hospitals, pediatric walk-in clinics, and private practices.
What Is a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner?
Like a pediatric nurse, a PNP works with children from infancy until the age of 18 (or to the age of 21 in some healthcare systems). However, PNPs are typically required to complete additional years of schooling to earn a master’s degree or doctorate in nursing, while pediatric nurses are required to earn an associate or bachelor’s degree. Also, unlike pediatric nurses, PNPs can prescribe medication with or without a physician’s approval, depending on the state in which they practice.
Some of the key responsibilities of a PNP include:
- Evaluating and diagnosing illnesses and medical conditions in children
- Ordering and interpreting the results of diagnostic tests, including lab tests
- Developing treatment plans for patients
- Prescribing pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments
- Collaborating with other healthcare professionals to deliver high-quality, comprehensive care
PNPs deliver healthcare to children and teens in settings that include private practices, community clinics, hospitals, emergency rooms, and specialty clinics.
Nurse vs. Nurse Practitioner in Pediatrics: What’s the Difference?
There are several major differences between pediatric RNs and PNPs, especially among education levels, salaries, and prescribing abilities.
The differences between a pediatric nurse and a nurse practitioner are:
- Pediatric RNs must have either an associate degree or a bachelor’s degree in nursing. PNPs must earn either a master’s degree or a doctorate in nursing.
- PNPs can be primary care providers, while pediatric RNs cannot and work only under the supervision of physicians.
- The average annual salary of a pediatric RN in the United States is $67,500, while the average annual salary of a PNP in the United States is $115,000.
- Pediatric RNs can administer medications to patients, but they cannot prescribe medications. PNPs can prescribe medications, though some states may require physician approval beforehand.
- PNPs can diagnose and treat patients and order tests. Pediatric RNs cannot order tests, diagnose conditions, or develop treatment plans.
- Some PNPs are qualified to run private practices.
Which Title Should You Pursue?
Pediatric nursing can be a highly rewarding career regardless of your qualifications or education level, as it allows you to work closely with young patients and help them grow from babies into healthy adults.
If you feel passionate about the idea of working in pediatrics but aren’t sure whether you want to be an RN or PNP, you can start by pursuing a career as an RN and decide later whether you want to continue your education to become a PNP.
Both nursing positions come with their own pros and cons. Being an RN may be less demanding and require fewer years of education than a PNP. However, your salary may be lower and your ability to develop treatment plans for patients will be limited. Compared to pediatric RNs, PNPs have greater autonomy and independence in practicing medicine and delivering care. Additionally, they may be able to step into roles as primary care providers for children in certain subspecialties or in regions that are experiencing physician shortages.
As you progress in your nursing career, you can gain greater insight into which nursing position is ideal for you.
Resource Links
- “What is a Pediatric Nurse?” via NurseJournal
- “Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Career Overview” via NurseJournal
- “Levels of Nursing Explained” via University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences
- “Registered Nurse vs. Nurse Practitioner: What’s the Difference?” via Regis College