Guidelines for Dual Certification in Acute-Care and Primary-Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Programs

In increasing numbers, pediatric nurse practitioner (PNP) students seek educational programs that prepare them for dual certification in acute care and primary care. In 2008, an AFPNP research team of faculty experts was convened to examine areas of commonality and distinction between acute-care and primary-care PNP programs. This team surveyed all acute-care and primary-care PNP programs in the country and conducted interviews with hospital-based PNPs who were practicing in roles that met a range of health-care needs across the acute-care and primary-care continuum. Based on the results of the survey and interviews, an AFPNP task force created guidelines for combined educational programs that prepare students for dual certification as acute-care and primary-care PNPs.