Doctor of Nursing Practice
Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
Why study to be a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner at the University of Florida ?
The Pediatric Nurse Practitioner is an advanced practice registered nurse who provides health care to children from birth through 21 years of age, and in specific situations, to individuals older than the age of 21 years. Pediatric nurse practitioners provide comprehensive health care to children through assessment, diagnosis, management, and evaluation of care. Pediatric nurse practitioners provide a wide range of pediatric health care services in a variety of health care settings. The pediatric nurse practitioner may consult with other members of the health care team, may coordinate care, and/or make referrals to other Nurse Practice Acts, licensure and regulatory mechanisms, work setting privileges and/or credentialing, and collaborative agreements, where necessary.
With the growing psychological, emotional and health problems facing a burgeoning generation of children, more than ever specialized health practitioners are needed to address these unique issues and their effects on children's overall health. Pediatric nurse practitioners provide this type of care for children and their families and their collaborative efforts with other members of the health care team ensure better patient care.
As part of a world-class health science center and network of interdisciplinary health care centers, the UF College of Nursing offers Pediatric Nurse Practitioner students access to a unique variety of clinical experiences ranging from work in acute care hospitals to family practices, as well as a wealth of expert pediatric nursing faculty and technological resources. Graduate students at UF have excellent opportunities to explore nursing research and science, be professionally involved with student and professional governance, and have access to clinical experiences with patients across the life and cultural span.
Program Description
The Pediatric Nurse Practitioner clinical track prepares nurses for careers in the delivery of primary care to children from birth through adolescence within a family context. Pediatric nurse practitioners provided parents and children with health promotion and maintenance services. They provide health assessment and diagnosis, well childcare, intervention for common childhood health problems, management of chronic problems and referral and collaboration for the management of common medical problems. Students have experiences in a variety of clinical settings, both rural and urban, and deliver a broad spectrum of care to children.
Pediatric nurses practitioners are eligible for national certification through the National Certification Board of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners and Nurses, Inc.
Application deadline for all graduate programs is March 15. (See below for more details)*
*Note: The March 15 deadline for the MSN program indicate the earliest date when the College will begin accepting students. After March 15, applications to the MSN program will be accepted until May 31st and students will be accepted on a space available basis.
Pediatric Nurse Practitioner applicants should refer to the Doctor of Nursing Practice page for admission criteria and application process information.
BSN to DNP- Full-Time Curriculum Plan and Part-Time Curriculum Plan
Post-master's Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PM-ACNP) certificate curriculum plans are developed for prospective students who have already earned an MSN and would like to pursue an additional specialty area in adult acute care. Plans are individualized based on the national certification requirements for eligibility to take the certification examination as well as previous MSN coursework completed by the prospective PM-ACNP student.
Contact information:
All general MSN program inquiries should be directed to
Cecile Kiley
Coordinator, Academic Support Services
UF College of Nursing
PO Box 100197
Gainesville, FL 32610-0197
(352) 273-6331
For specific information regarding this clinical track, contact:
Dr. Rose Nealis
Clinical Coordinator, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner program
nealirm@ufl.edu
(352) 273-6412