In a time of historic need for access to primary and preventative healthcare, especially in underserved rural and urban areas, it is exciting to witness the ability of nurse practitioners to fan out across the country and offer increased access to care for more Americans. With the shortage of primary care physicians throughout the United States, more and more nurse practitioners are starting independent practices to help fill the gap.
Much like a pediatrician, Pediatric Nurse Practitioners (PNP) work with patients from infancy to young adulthood, diagnosing illness, conducting exams, and prescribing medication. These nurses usually work alongside pediatricians in a hospital or outpatient facility, but some run their own private practices. Nurse practitioners are experts in health promotion and disease prevention. They order, conduct, supervise, and interpret diagnostic and laboratory tests, prescribe pharmacological agents and non-pharmacologic therapies, as well as teach and counsel patients, among other services.
Pediatric NPs can deliver much of the health care that kids require, consulting doctors and specialists as necessary. Educating kids and their families about normal growth and childhood development issues (e.g., toilet training, temper tantrums, biting) is a big part of the pediatric NP's role. Pediatric NPs can treat acute (short-term) illnesses such as upper respiratory infections, ear infections, rashes, and urinary tract infections. They can also specialize in and manage chronic illnesses such as asthma, allergies, diabetes, and many others.
Some parents might hesitate to choose a PNP, possibly worrying that the PNP is less extensively trained in children's health care. These feelings are largely unwarranted. The presence of PNPs in the practice can have many advantages. Parents often find that PNPs spend more time with them than doctors discussing health and child care issues. Plus, if a PNP encounters a more complex medical problem, he or she is trained to consult a doctor.
A nurse practitioner adds to the holistic nature of care given to the patients when working in a doctor’s office. Whereas a doctor approaches diseases from a problem-based approach, a practitioner nurse looks at the same disease from a nursing-based perspective. For example, a nurse practitioner might investigate the environment the patient is living in to determine whether environmental conditions contribute to health problems. Many patients prefer this approach to medical care.
A nurse practitioner adds to the feeling of patient satisfaction. According to a research done by American Academy of Nurse Practitioners, patient satisfaction was higher among patients treated by nurse practitioners than those treated by doctors. The researchers attributed the higher customer satisfaction to the fact that nurse practitioners often treat patients with more respect than doctors and are also more willing to listen to patient concerns.
Many nurse practitioners also seek multiple certifications to promote the holistic aspect of patient care. I am also a certified lactation consultant. A certified lactation consultant (LC) is a healthcare professional who specializes in the clinical management of breastfeeding. LCs have a unique body of knowledge and skill to provide breastfeeding and lactation care in routine and high-risk situations. The availability of LCs increases breastfeeding rates, which, in turn, improves the health outcomes of the community. By helping breastfeeding families to achieve their lactation goals, Lactation Consultants improve the care of parents and infants. Consequently, consumer satisfaction with the healthcare team increases.
Cindy Zeller is a Nurse Practitioner and Lactation Consultant with over 20 years of experience. The owner of Brighter Futures Pediatrics and Lactation Services, LLC, she is accepting new patients at her Woodsboro office. Macaroni Kid Frederick recently had the chance to visit and learn more about the lactation services offered at the practice. Click here to view our visit and interview.
