NRNP 6541 Week : Getting Started with Pediatrics Discussion

Brief Introduction

I completed the nursing program in 2006, and I have been working as a Registered Nurse for 18 years. I offer expertise in several areas including Neurosurgery, Medical Surgical, home care, labor & delivery, and medical aesthetics. Currently, I have the position of Nurse Professor specializing in Women’s Health/Maternal-Newborn. Additionally, I work part-time as a Medical Aesthetic Nurse. I am the parent of three children, aged 12, 14, and 20. Raising children is advantageous for comprehending pediatric content.

Strengths and Challenges

Regarding nursing practice skills, I possess fewer strengths and face more challenges when it comes to working with pediatric patients. My primary challenge is my lack of experience in the pediatric setting. I have feelings of insecurity and inadequacy when it comes to the pediatric content. Another challenge that is concerning is my inability to emotionally distance myself from caring for children. Being a mother of three and an aunt, it is difficult to refrain from sympathizing or empathizing with parents and children who are going through health problems. Although Family Nurse Practitioners (FNPs) are authorized to deliver healthcare services to children; however, the majority of FNPs state that less than 25% of their patients are pediatric cases (Gigli et al., 2019). FNPs without pediatric education and certification necessitate a more extensive orientation, which leads to decreased provider efficiency, and a lack of confidence in their ability to care for children, leading to a decision that they are not well-suited for the job, resulting in either firing or resignation (Gigli et al., 2019).  Another challenge in the field of pediatrics is the continuous evolution and transformation of nursing and medical science. The present patterns indicate consistent declines in the quantity of pediatric nurses and insufficient quantities of pediatric nurse scientists with PhD qualifications jeopardize the well-being of the children (Harrison et al., 2020). There is a crucial objective to unify the nursing profession and prioritize the expansion of pediatric nurses and nurse scientists, intending to deliver safe and effective care (Harrison et al., 2020). My strengths are empathy, attentiveness, discipline, communication skills, and a strong desire to learn and advance as a clinician. Effective communication, the ability to understand and share feelings with others, deep concern for other’s well-being, the ability to analyze and evaluate information, the ability to find solutions to problems, attention to detail, honesty and ethical behavior, the act of supporting and speaking up for others, and a strong desire for continuous learning are all essential qualities of a good nurse (ANA, 2023).

Career Goals and Objectives

One of my goals in this class is to enhance my expertise in pediatric content. I aim to acquire proficiency in managing pediatric illnesses, comprehending the growth and development process from infancy to adolescence, and effectively navigating cultural differences among pediatric patients and their families. While I may not exclusively specialize in pediatric patients as a family nurse practitioner, it is crucial to have a comprehensive understanding of adult, pediatric, and women’s health. An extensively knowledgeable and skilled family nurse practitioner is an exceptional healthcare professional.

References

American Nurses Association (2023). What Are the Qualities of a Good Nurse? 

https://www.nursingworld.org/content-hub/resources/becoming-a-nurse/qualities-of-a-go

od-nurse/

Gigli, K.H., Beauchesne, M.A., Dirks, M.S. & Peck, J.L. (2019). White Paper: Critical Shortage 

of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners Predicted. 

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pedhc.2019.02.008

Harrison, T.M., Steward, D., Tucker, S., Fortney, C.A., Militello, L. K., Smith, L.H., Thrane, S.,

Tubbs-Cooley, H.L. & Pickler, R.H. (2020).  The future of pediatric nursing science. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.outlook.2019.06.020