The pediatric nurse practitioner and the physician assistant: how are we different?

Changing health care needs over the past 30 years have created new roles for professionals in advanced health care practice settings. As new roles continue to evolve, educational preparation and clinical experiences must be considered when determining the most appropriate health care provider for a particular specialization. Although similarities exist between the PA and PNP, the extent of pediatric didactic and clinical experiences is limited in most PA programs. Only one program is identified by the American Academy of PAs as a child health PA program. PNP education provides the nurse in an advanced practice role with an extensive background in normal growth and development, family counseling, health promotion, and management of common pediatric problems and chronic illnesses. The PNP is a registered nurse who is experienced in the care of children before pursuing an advanced degree as a PNP. In comparison, many PAs are not required to hold a professional degree before enrollment in a PA program. Although students entering PA programs may have experience in health-related fields before enrollment, few are specialized in the care of children. The PA program is designed to prepare the student to assist the physician with diagnosis and treatment in primary care with limited exposure to pediatrics. In comparison, the PNP spends the entire educational program of study gaining expertise in the care of children from infancy to adolescence. Because of advanced educational preparation, the PNP is in a unique position to contribute substantially to the total care of the child and family.