Acute Care PNP Exam Eligibility Requirements

Congratulations on taking the next step to Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Certification!

Once you complete your Acute Care PNP program and decide to sit for the Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner certification exam, you must submit a complete application to the PNCB.  The eligibility/application process includes:

1. Current, unencumbered state issued RN license
2. Graduate from an accredited academic program with a Master’s or Doctorate degree in nursing with a concentration in Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Acute Care
OR
3. Graduate of an accredited academic post-Master’s Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Certification program
4. Completion of the online application including payment – online payments are accepted
5. Official transcripts that document completion of all educational requirements – transcripts must be sent from the educational institution directly to PNCB.  Transcripts sent directly by the nurse practitioner will not be accepted
6. Documentation of current PALS certification
7. Additional documents as requested by the PNCB

Thinking about becoming an Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner?

Explore Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Programs

The PNCB website has a variety of resources and study aids available for candidates to use during preparation for certification testing including handbooks, outlines, tips and strategies for taking the exam along with reference lists and of course, sample questions.

Good luck to you as you undertake this most important next step in your professional career!  Access more extensive and complete information about the ACPNP Certification examination and its requirements here.

Explore Acute Care PNP Jobs!

To inquire about these jobs visit Melnic Consulting Group or contact: Jill Gilliland 800-886-7906 jill@melnic.com

Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Acute Care Certification

The demand for Acute Care Certification is rapidly increasing across the United States. Texas, Arizona, Virginia and Maryland have issued statewide mandates for hospitals to require Acute Care Certification for most, if not all inpatient positions. Of the 10 Children’s hospitals with high scores in three or more specialties and named to the Honor Roll by US News and World Report’s 2014-2015"Best Children’s Hospitals," all require Acute Care certification for critical care PNP roles at least 5 of them either require or strongly prefer Acute Care Certification for the majority of inpatient jobs.  In addition, a statement given by the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties recommends that Acute Care Nurse Practitioners care for the majority of inpatient patients.

Jill Gilliland, President of Melnic ConsultingGroup says, “Many of the leading children’s hospitals that Melnic partners with, now requests "Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioners" when seeking candidates for open PNP job opportunities. Those who are educated and certified in acute care have become highly preferred candidates for inpatient roles in today's job market.” 

The changing landscape for acute and primary care certification requirements can be an uncertain path to navigate. Melnic Consulting Group is here to provide insight and professional career guidance for PNP new grads and experienced PNPs looking to advance their careers.  Here are some study tips and materials for the PNCB board exams for AC and PC certifications.  

Wondering if you should get your Acute Care Certification?  We're happy to answer any questions you may have.  Please contact us.   

   
According to the (PNCB) Pediatric Nurse Certification Board, “the CPNP-AC role is designed to meet the specialized physiologic and psychological needs of children with complex acute, critical and chronic health conditions. CPNP-ACs respond to rapidly changing clinical conditions, including the recognition and management of emerging crises, organ dysfunction and failure.”

The National Council of State Boards of Nursing, the National Task Force Criteria and the APRN National Consensus Model include recommendations that all states require nurse practitioners to have congruence between education, national certification and clinical practice. While a few states may not currently require national certification for licensure, your employer may require certification or you may move to another state that requires it.

View the list of Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Programs currently recognized by the PNCB: 

Acute Care PNP Programs listed by state and city

View Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Acute Care Positions

Reference:  www.pncb.org

To inquire about these jobs visit Melnic Consulting Group or contact: Jill Gilliland 800-886-7906 jill@melnic.com

Cathy Haut Elected 2014 NAPNAP President Elect!

Congratulations!
Cathy Haut,
2014 NAPNAP President Elect

Congratulations to Cathy Haut, DNP, CPNP, CCRN, who was recently selected as the 2014 NAPNAP President Elect!

"Cathy is a passionate and dedicated leader who understands the impact that healthcare reform has on Pediatric Nurse Practitioners, as well as the opportunities it opens for growth and improvement," says Jill Gilliland, President of Melnic Consulting Group.  Cathy brings a unique perspective to NAPNAP as a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner certified and experienced as both an Acute Care and Primary Care provider.  She will be a phenomenal addition to the NAPNAP leadership team."

As NAPNAP President Elect, Cathy's goals include:

• Leading the collaboration of primary, acute, and specialty PNPs, while aligning with NAPNAP goals in the provision of seamless health care for children.  
• Strengthening and enhancing membership in NAPNAP through new and creative endeavors.  
• Teaming with other national organization leaders and policy makers to provide NAPNAP representation at all forums where child health is an initiative.  
• And creating a program that will provide mentoring opportunities for inexperienced PNP potential leaders.

Cathy received her MS as a CNS in 1993 and was Certificate as a PNP in 1997. In 2010, she completed the DNP program at the University of Maryland, and in 2012 she was a Fellow in the Leadership in Nursing Academic Programs (AACN). Cathy is certified in both primary and acute care (PNCB).

Cathy currently practices in two clinical areas, one is in primary care at Beacon Pediatrics in Rehoboth Beach, DE and the other in acute care in the PICU at the Herman and Walter Samuelson Children's Hospital at Sinai in Baltimore, MD, where she has practiced for the past 15 years. She teaches in both acute and primary care PNP programs at the University of Maryland School of Nursing. Cathy was the Program Director for the Acute and Primary care PNP programs at the University of Maryland from 2010 to 2013.  Her previous experience includes working for the PNCB for 10 years and as a Clinical Nurse Specialist in the NICU and pediatrics.

"I am excited about representing both acute and primary care nurse practitioners on the NAPNAP board," says Cathy Haut.  Cathy is committed to supporting the NAPNAP mission, working together as a team, and also having fun.  She has been on the board of the MD Chesapeake chapter since 1996, with positions including programs, treasurer and president.  Cathy also served on the National Conference committee and represented NAPNAP on revising the Scope and Standards of Pediatric Nsg document.  She has been a speaker at the NAPNAP conference for many years as well as a presenter of the acute care review course.  Melnic Consulting Group is thrilled that Cathy Haut is now on the NAPNAP board.  Congratulations Cathy!

To inquire about PNP jobs visit Melnic Consulting Group or contact: Jill Gilliland 800-886-7906 jill@melnic.com

NAPNAP 2014 Student Reception | Melnic Consulting Group

VIEW MORE PHOTOS!

As the 2014 NAPNAP Conference wound down, Melnic Consulting Group and national certification board, PNCB, co-hosted the NAPNAP student reception at the Sheraton Hotel in Boston.  This was a great opportunity for students, preceptors and faculty to mingle and relax while enjoying tasty food, drinks, and time together.  Jill Gilliland, President of Melnic Consulting Group, commented that, “we continue to be amazed at the energy and enthusiasm of the students as they prepare to become the PNP leaders of tomorrow.”  Melnic Consulting Group, along with PNCB, is proud to support the professional and educational advancement of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners throughout their careers and look forward to assisting them along the way.

Are you a PNP student graduating in 2014?  

Contact us today for help finding a job...it's Free!  

To inquire about PNP jobs visit Melnic Consulting Group or contact: Jill Gilliland 800-886-7906 jill@melnic.com

NAPNAP Student Reception - Melnic Consulting Group

Melnic Consulting Group was honored to co-sponsor the 6th Annual NAPNAP Student Reception

with PNCB.  The PNP student reception is given in honor of our most valuable resources - our future PNPs at every level of education - masters through doctoral.  In honor of NAPNAPs 40th Anniversary, we honor the faculty and preceptors who guide and mentor PNP students.  It is exciting to see so many PNP students participating in the NAPNAP conference and we are confident that the current PNP students will become NAPNAP leaders in the future.  The student reception was made possible through the generous support of the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board (PNCB) and Melnic Consulting Group - Leader in Pediatric Nurse Placement.  The highlight of the reception and the NAPNAP conference was the release of the new NAPNAP Career Guide that is now available at www.napnapcareerguide.com.

View NAPNAP Student Reception Pictures

View NAPNAP Student Reception Video

Melnic Consulting Group partnered with NAPNAP to develop the new NAPNAP Career Guide that is comprised of valuable and rich content for PNPs throughout the longevity of their careers.  “We believe that PNPs and NPs will find the NAPNAP career guide to be extremely useful at all stages of their careers.  It is very user friendly and filled with career development tools, tips for interviewing, sample resumes, and much more.  If you are looking for a new PNP job opportunity, be sure to click over to Melnic Consulting Group to view nationwide PNP job listings.”  - Jill Gilliland, President, Melnic Consulting Group. 

To inquire about PNP jobs visit Melnic Consulting Group or contact: Jill Gilliland 800-886-7906 jill@melnic.com

Acute Care Certification for Pediatric Nurse Practitioners



The demand for Acute Care Certification is rapidly increasing across the United States. Texas, Arizona, Virginia and Maryland have issued statewide mandates for hospitals to require Acute Care Certification for most, if not all inpatient positions. Of the 12 hospitals that were named top three in the ten identified pediatric specialties by US News and World Report’s 2012-2013 "Best Children’s Hospitals," at least 5 of them either require or strongly prefer Acute Care Certification for the majority of inpatient jobs.  In addition, a September 2011 statement given by the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties recommends that Acute Care Nurse Practitioners care for the majority of inpatient patients.

As a result, many of the leading children’s hospitals now request "Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioners" when seeking candidates for open PNP job opportunities. Those who are educated and certified in acute care have become highly preferred candidates for inpatient roles in today's job market.

The changing landscape for acute and primary care certification requirements can be an uncertain path to navigate. Melnic Consulting Group is here to provide insight and professional career guidance for PNP new grads and experienced PNPs looking to advance their careers.  Here are some study tips and materials for the PNCB board exams for AC and PC certifications. 

 

Wondering if you should get your Acute Care Certification?  We're happy to answer any questions you may have.  Please contact us.   

  
According to the (PNCB) Pediatric Nurse Certification Board, “the CPNP-AC role is designed to meet the specialized physiologic and psychological needs of children with complex acute, critical and chronic health conditions. CPNP-ACs respond to rapidly changing clinical conditions, including the recognition and management of emerging crises, organ dysfunction and failure.”

The National Council of State Boards of Nursing, the National Task Force Criteria and the APRN National Consensus Model include recommendations that all states require nurse practitioners to have congruence between education, national certification and clinical practice. While a few states may not currently require national certification for licensure, your employer may require certification or you may move to another state that requires it.
The PNCB currently recognizes the following Acute Care PNP programs listed by state and city:

AL - Birmingham University of Alabama at Birmingham - Advanced Practitioner of Nursing: Acute & Continuing Care Pediatrics
AL - Mobile
University of South Alabama College of Nursing - Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Program - DNP
AR - Little Rock
University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences - Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Program
CA - San Francisco
University of California, San Francisco - Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
DC - Washington
Catholic University of America - Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Program
GA - Atlanta Emory University - Pediatric Nurse Practitioner - Acute Care Program
IL - Chicago
Rush University - Acute Care PNP Program 
MA - Boston Northeastern University - Acute Care PNP Program
MD - Baltimore University of Maryland - Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Acute Care Program
MI - Detroit Wayne State University College of Nursing - Advanced Practice Nursing with Women, Neonates, and Children - AC PNP Specialty
NC - Durham
Duke University- Pediatric Acute/Chronic Care Nurse Practitioner Program
NE - Omaha Creighton University - Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Program
NJ - South Orange Seton Hall University- Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Acute Care Program
OH - Akron University of Akron - Child and Adolescent Health Nursing PNP/AC
OH - Cincinnati University of Cincinnati College of Nursing - Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner MSN Program
OH - Columbus Ohio State University - Pediatric Nurse Practitioner - Acute Care Program
OH - Dayton Wright State University - Acute Care - PNP Program
PA - Philadelphia University of Pennsylvania - Pediatric Acute/Chronic Care Nurse Practitioner Program
PA - Philadelphia
University of Pennsylvania - Pediatric Oncology Nurse Practitioner Program
PA - Philadelphia University of Pennsylvania - Pediatric Critical Care Nurse Practitioner Program
TN - Nashville Vanderbilt University - Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Program - Acute Care Track
TX - Arlington
University of Texas at Arlington - Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Program
WI - Milwaukee
Marquette University - Advanced Practice Nursing: Pediatric Acute Care PNP

View Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Acute Care Positions

Reference:  www.pncb.org

To inquire about Acute Care programs or PNP jobs visit Melnic Consulting Group or contact: Jill Gilliland 800-886-7906 jill@melnic.com

Pediatric Nurse Certification Board Exam PNCB

Pediatric Nurse Certification Board Exam PNCB

Studying for the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board (PNCB) Exam
While it's normal to fear taking the PNCB Exam, the key is not to panic and to remember you have been taking and passing exams all through school to get to this point in your career. Following are some suggestions that will help you prepare.

Allow Enough Time to Prepare Properly
Give yourself at least six – eight weeks to study. Create a schedule of topics you will study each day and stick to your schedule. This will prevent you from, focusing on the more familiar material first and having to cram the material you are less familiar with as the exam gets closer. After two hours of study, your retention will start to decline, so plan to only study two hours a day, and be sure to take a break after the first hour. more...


To inquire about pediatric nurse practitioner jobs visit Melnic Consulting Group or contact:Jill Gilliland800-886-7906jill@melnic.com