Emerging role of the pediatric nurse practitioner in acute care.

The pediatric nurse practitioner role in the tertiary setting is one of several emerging roles gaining recognition in the various groups of advanced practice nursing programs today. The advanced practice nurse (APN) who is a pediatric nurse practitioner (PNP) in an acute care setting helps to provide cost-effective, quality patient care for critically and chronically ill children who are in these settings. The foundation of advanced practice nursing in this role incorporates the general role expectations of advanced nursing preparation, including case management, clinical pathway development, consultation and education, research, and collaboration, with the specific knowledge and skills of the pediatric nurse practitioner to function effectively with sick children in the acute care areas.