Getting Started with Pediatrics
Primary care of children from newborns to those on the cusp of adulthood requires considerable knowledge, as well as the finesse to manage parents and families of all types, and the changing needs, attitudes, and independence of young people as they grow and mature. Considering that this week—in fact, this entire first module—is focused on growth and development, it is fitting for you to reflect on your current and anticipated growth and development in advanced nursing, and specifically, in pediatric care. When you made your decision to pursue training as a Family Nurse Practitioner, how did pediatrics factor in your thinking? Is the opportunity to work with children and adolescents a strong motivator, or does it rank for you as more of a concern?
As you get started with this course, take time to reflect on your present capacity as you prepare to immerse yourself in the requirements of pediatric care as a nurse practitioner. How can you benefit most from this course, and how can it further you along the professional path you have chosen or in achieving your career goals?
This Discussion can be a catalyst for self-assessment and offer valuable insights from your colleagues. It is also an opportunity to get to know them and to introduce yourself, in anticipation of further interaction as you engage in the course i-Human Assignments.
Resources
Be sure to review the Learning Resources before completing this activity.
Click the weekly resources link to access the resources.
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Garzon, D. L., Dirks, M., Driessnack, M., Duderstadt, K. G., & Gaylord, N. M., (Eds.). (2025).
Burns’ pediatric primary care (8th ed.). Elsevier.
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Chapter 1, “Pediatric Primary Care” (pp. 1–5)
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Chapter 4, “Justice, Equality, Inclusion, and Diversity” (pp. 27–30)
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Chapter 5, “Pediatric and Family Assessment” (pp. 31–37)
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Chapter 8, “Developmental Principles and Theories” (pp. 83–90)
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Chapter 9, “Developmental Management of Newborns and Neonates” (pp. 91–102)
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Chapter 23, “Prescribing Traditional and Complementary Therapies” (pp. 320–328)
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Chapter 27, “Congenital and Inherited Disorders” (pp. 376–394)
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Mudd, S. S., Quinn, M., Busch, D., Key, S. M., Brown, K., Gilbert, G. E., & Hawkins-Walsh, E. (2023).
Evaluating the practice of pediatric nurse practitioners: Is it time for dual primary and acute care preparation?Links to an external site.
Journal of Pediatric Healthcare, 37(1), 74–84.
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U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (n.d.).
Healthy people 2030 objectives: ChildrenLinks to an external site.
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To prepare:
· Review this week’s Learning Resources, and particularly Chapters 10, 11, 13, and 18 of the Burns’ Pediatric Primary Care text.
· Consider the roles and responsibilities of a nurse practitioner providing pediatric primary care. Work to define the strengths you bring to the position of Family Nurse Practitioner and the challenges you face.
· Reflect on this course and what you expect to learn and do, such as by reviewing the course description, outcomes, and course introduction. Consider how the next 11 weeks can help build your strengths and address your challenges.
· Also consider your career goals and objectives and how this course can support and/or further them. Be detailed in your thinking.
By Day 3 of Week 1
Post a brief introduction of yourself that includes an explanation of your strengths and challenges as they apply to pediatrics and the role of a Family Nurse Practitioner. Also explain your career goals and objectives, and how your work in this course can help to accomplish those goals and objectives as a Family Nurse Practitioner. Use your research to support your explanations by providing credible and scholarly sources.
Read a selection of your colleagues’ responses.
By Day 6 of Week 1
Respond to
at least two of your colleagues’ posts on
two different days by offering suggestions or resources to help your colleagues in addressing their professional strengths, challenges, or career goals and objectives. Use your research to support your suggestions. Provide at least 3 credible and current scholarly sources.
