What's an NP?

A nurse practitioner is a registered nurse (RN) who has additional education and training in a specialty area such as family practice or pediatrics. Pediatric and family practice NPs can provide regular health care for kids.

Nurse practitioners (also referred to as advanced practice nurses, or APNs) have a master's degree in nursing (MS or MSN) and board certification in their specialty. For example, a pediatric NP has advanced education, skills, and training in caring for infants, children, and teens.

Licensed as nurse practitioners and registered nurses, NPs follow the rules and regulations of the Nurse Practice Act of the state where they work. If accredited through the national board exam, the NP will have an additional credential such as Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (CPNP) or Certified Family Nurse Practitioner (CFNP).

An NP who specializes in pediatrics can:

• document health history and perform a physical exam
• plan a child's care with parents and the child's health care team
• perform some tests and procedures
• answer questions about health problems
• treat common childhood illnesses
• change the plan of care with a child's doctor as needed
• teach families about the effects of illness on a child's growth and development
• teach kids about self-care and healthy lifestyle choices
• write prescriptions
• order medical tests
• teach other health care members and local groups about child health care
• provide referrals to community groups