Importance of a PNP Orientation Program



New Pediatric Nurse Practitioners are transitioning from an RN role to a PNP role that involves a whole new level of decision making and responsibilities.  With this transition, new PNPs very often experience feelings of decreased confidence, anxiety and frustration.  To help the PNP through this critical transition it is extremely important for the PNP to go through an orientation program that will guide them through the process and offer support during this time of uncertainty.  The program should offer new PNPs time to do outside learning and knowledge based training before transitioning to an independent full patient load.  It takes 4-12 months for this transition for specialty care PNPs.

As a new PNP, a clearly defined and structured orientation program is something you should look for when considering a new pediatric nurse practitioner job and a new pediatric healthcare facility.  Be sure to ask extensive questions about the PNP orientation process when interviewing with a potential new employer.  Some questions to ask include: 

• Is there a PNP Orientation Coordinator?
• Do you assign new PNPs a mentor?  (Ideally a PNP or physician from a different department)
• Do you provide coaching and support?
• Is there a clear understanding of the PNP scope of practice and role across all team members?
• Do you provide procedural and didactic guidance?
• Are there job-shadowing and training opportunities? 

These are valid and appropriate questions to ask a potential employer.  A PNP orientation program is extremely important to your success, confidence, and comfort in your new role.  If an employer does not currently have an orientation program, but recognizes the importance of instating a new process, do not write them off.  If they are open to developing a program, this may be your big chance to be on the founding team of their new PNP orientation process.  There is an industry wide recognition for the need of PNP orientation programs, and assisting in the development and implementation of a new program could be a huge resume booster.   

To learn more about PNP Orientation Programs contact Melnic Consulting Group's President, Jill Gilliland 800-886-7906 jill@melnic.com.  

Visit our website for Pediatric Advanced Practice Nursing Jobs Melnic Consulting Group

AANP's Angela Golden Responds to New York Times

The American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) launched a national campaign to raise public awareness of the critical role nurse practitioners play in our country’s healthcare system.  With their continued effort and commitment to educate the public on the high-quality, patient-centered healthcare option that nurse practitioners provide, AANP President, Angela K. Golden, responded to a New York Times article titled "Doctor Shortage Likely to Worsen with Health Law" with a letter to the editor.

On August 2nd, The New York Times published Golden’s letter which includes the following responses:

• Nurse practitioners can play a critical role in addressing the country’s growing physician shortage.
• With advanced degrees, they are skilled diagnosticians and clinicians who treat acute and chronic illness and prescribe medications.
• Four decades of research show that nurse practitioners provide high-quality, cost-effective, comprehensive, patient-centered primary health care with excellent outcomes.
• In a growing number of states, a nurse practitioner can own and operate an autonomous, independent practice, not requiring any physician involvement. But in too many states, antiquated laws prevent us from practicing to the full extent of our advanced education and clinical training.
• Elected officials in affected states should work to remove these unnecessary barriers. Doing so will instantly increase access to quality health care, improve outcomes and make health care more affordable for all Americans.

With President Obama’s new healthcare law, expansion of health insurance is expected to increase to 32 million Americans over the next 10 years.

The topic of a physician shortage has become a significant area of discussion and concern.  Jill Gilliland, President of Melnic Consulting Group says, “Pediatric Nurse Practitioners are an effective alternative to physicians as independent practitioners. Their high competency level allows them to be collaborative team members, and they play a key role in providing a solution to busy practice environments.”

The AANP aims to raise public awareness through the web, print, television, radio and community involvement.  Learn how you can get involved!

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

Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Role Clarity

Role clarity of the Pediatric Nurse Practitioner is a barrier for many PNPs in the workplace, and often causes confusion and misunderstanding among co-workers and patients. 

At the NAPNAP Conference in San Antonio, TX, Molly Stenger, CPNP from Cincinnati Children’s Medical Center presented her poster on the role clarity of the pediatric nurse practitioner in the emergency department.  Watch the below video to see how she confronted this barrier and overcame the PNP role clarity obstacle at Cincinnati Children’s Medical Center. 

Looking for a PNP job in the Emergency Department?  Check out these PNP career opportunities:

PNP Emergency Department, Wilmington, DE
PNP Emergency Department, Dallas, TX
PNP Emergency Department, Plano, TX
PNP Emergency Department, Philadelphia, PA

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