Is Becoming a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Worth it – (Pros VS. Cons)
Written By:
Darby FaubionDarby Faubion BSN, RN
Darby Faubion is a nurse and allied health instructor with over 20 years of clinical experience. Darby lives in Louisiana and loves exploring the state’s rich culture and history. Darby has a passion for caring for veterans and a special interest in those affected by post-traumatic stress disorder. In her quest to make a difference for veterans, she founded a non-profit called “Operation Battle Buddy.” Read Full Bio »» BSN, RN
Are you a registered nurse who loves caring for children? Does the idea of having a career that allows you to have a more active, independent role in pediatric care interest you? If so, have you considered becoming a pediatric nurse practitioner? When you consider returning to school or transitioning your career, it is natural to have questions. Maybe being a pediatric nurse practitioner has crossed your mind, but you wonder, "Is becoming a pediatric nurse practitioner worth it?"
As you continue reading, I will share 25 reasons why becoming a pediatric nurse practitioner is worth it and also 7 reasons why it may not be the right career for you. You will find information in this article, including examples of how much programs cost and how long they take, ideas about potential jobs, and tips for maximizing your income potential. When you finish reading, you will have information to guide you as you decide whether to pursue a career as a pediatric nurse practitioner.
What is a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner?
A pediatric nurse practitioner (PNP) is a registered nurse who has earned a graduate degree as either a Master of Science in Nursing or a Doctor of Nursing Practice and specializes in caring for infants, children, and adolescents. Most pediatric nurse practitioners care for patients up to the age of 18. Pediatric nurse practitioners may provide acute or primary care or specialize in both.
What Types of Degree Options are Available to Become a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner?
Suppose you want to become a pediatric nurse practitioner. In that case, you can choose from three primary degree options: a Master of Science in Nursing, a Doctor of Nursing Practice, or a Post-Graduate Certificate. Your current degree level, the degree you wish to obtain, and the amount of time you can commit to becoming a pediatric nurse practitioner determine which degree path is most appropriate to help achieve your goals.
How Long Does a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Degree Take?
It can take 12 months to more than four years to earn a degree as a pediatric nurse practitioner. The factors determining how long it takes you to become a PNP include your desired degree (MSN, DNP, or post-graduate certificate), your current education level and whether you enroll as a part-time or full-time student.
For example, Duke University offers Acute and Primary Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner programs with the option to pursue an MSN, DNP, or Post-Graduate Certificate. You can earn your MSN and specialize as a pediatric nurse practitioner in
two and a half years. The BSN-to-DNP option takes
three and a half years to complete. Most students complete the Post-Graduate Certificate in
12 months.
The University of Pittsburgh offers post-baccalaureate and post-master's DNP pathways for students desiring to become primary care pediatric nurse practitioners. The BSN-to-DNP program takes
three years to complete. Students in the post-master's DNP program typically graduate in
two years.
How Much Does a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Degree Cost?
The cost of pediatric nurse practitioner degree programs can vary significantly. Post-graduate certificate programs are the least expensive among these programs, with most ranging from $15,000 to $25,000. MSN and DNP programs cost from $30,000 to more than $300,000. Important factors to consider about program costs when choosing a program are whether you will pay in-state or out-of-state tuition and if there are scholarships, grants, or other options for financial assistance.
Johns Hopkins University offers a DNP Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner program. Tuition for the program costs $57,518 per year. The program takes approximately four years to complete, making the cost average of tuition and mandatory fees
$230,072. This estimated cost includes tuition, health fees, matriculation fees, and health insurance. If you purchase your own health insurance, you can reduce the cost you pay to the school by $4,500 yearly. Additional expenses, including room and board, books and supplies, loan fees, personal and travel expenses, add an average of $34,000 annually to the program's cost.
Maryville University offers MSN, DNP, and post-master's certificate options for students desiring to become pediatric nurse practitioners.
Tuition is calculated at $813 per credit for post-master's certificate and MSN students and $897 per credit for DNP students. The MSN pediatric nurse practitioner pathway requires 44 credits, making the program cost $35,772. Students in the post-master's certificate program complete 32 credits, which means tuition costs $26,016. The DNP program includes 65 credits, totaling $58,305.
What are the Admission Requirements for a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Degree?
The admission requirements for pediatric nurse practitioner programs are determined by the schools that offer the programs. Each school must set admission criteria based on state and federal guidelines. Although requirements may differ among schools, general criteria for admission are similar. The following are examples of admission requirements for most pediatric nurse practitioner programs.
• Have a current, unrestricted license to practice as a registered nurse.
• Have a cumulative college GPA of at least 3.0.
• Have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing or Master of Science in Nursing degree earned at an accredited nursing school
• At least one year of relevant nursing experience (Acute Care PNP students may be required to have experience in pediatric intensive care)
• Two or three letters of recommendation
• Prepare an Admission Essay or Statement of Intent
• Participate in an admission interview.
Why Becoming a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner is Worth It? – the Pros
(The following are the 25 reasons why becoming a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner is worth it in 2024.)
REASON #1: You will have more autonomy.
One of the top reasons why becoming a pediatric nurse practitioner is worth it is the increased level of independence you will have in practice. Although practice authority determining the amount of physician oversight needed varies among states, pediatric nurse practitioners still have more autonomy than registered nurses.
REASON #2: The job outlook for pediatric nurse practitioners is excellent!
According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, nurse practitioners will see an increase in jobs of at least
40% between 2021 and 2031. This growth, much faster than the average growth for all occupations, is promising for nurses desiring to become pediatric nurse practitioners.
REASON #3: You become part of a larger professional network.
When you become a pediatric nurse practitioner, your professional circle becomes larger. Having a broader professional network has several benefits. First, you can utilize your professional peers to learn about their approaches to patient care. Also, as your professional network grows, you have a greater chance of hearing about job opportunities, which could lead to your dream job!
REASON #4: As a pediatric nurse practitioner, you can work in a field you are passionate about.
Everyone wants to find the perfect job. If you love children and want to make a difference in their lives, health, and long-term outcomes, you can accomplish that as a PNP. Working in a field you are passionate about makes your job feel less like "work." If caring for children is your true passion, then becoming a pediatric nurse practitioner is worth it.
REASON #5: Pediatric nurse practitioners earn excellent incomes!
One of the top reasons why becoming a pediatric nurse practitioner is worth it is the significant pay raise. Registered nurses with an associate degree earn an average of $74,000 yearly, and baccalaureate-prepared RNs earn approximately $80,000. The average annual income for pediatric nurse practitioners is $96,260, with many PNPs earning much higher incomes.
REASON #6: You can become a nursing instructor.
If you are passionate about what you do and like the idea of teaching others, you could become a nursing instructor. Being a pediatric nurse practitioner means you have the advanced practice degree needed to teach in a college or university setting. As a nursing instructor, you may teach various classes or specialize in pediatric care courses. Either way, you can use your knowledge and skills to influence the future of nursing, which is an excellent reason why becoming a pediatric nurse practitioner is worth it.
REASON #7: You can use your degree to take advantage of travel opportunities.
If you want to provide patient care but do not want to be tied down to one job or a specific work setting, you could consider taking on travel nursing opportunities. As a traveling pediatric nurse practitioner, you can choose to work prn or work for a travel agency full-time. The income potential for PNPs who work as travel practitioners is excellent. Travel nurse agencies offer competitive salaries and stipends to help cover the cost of travel and lodging.
REASON #8: You can participate in research related to pediatric health.
As a pediatric nurse practitioner, you can leverage your knowledge, skills, and passion for pediatric care to perform research. When you perform research related to pediatric illnesses and diseases, you can use what you learn to create, advocate for, and implement changes related to pediatric care, improving patient outcomes.
REASON #9: You will enjoy a challenging but rewarding career.
A day in the life of a pediatric nurse practitioner is anything but boring. The number of patients you see daily will vary depending on where you work. PNPs who work in clinic settings may see three or four patients each hour. Your patients will have varying degrees of illness, disease, or injury. These factors contribute to a challenging workday. However, seeing patients recover or the relief on a worried parent's face makes the challenge worth the reward.
REASON #10: You can specialize in primary or acute care or offer both acute and primary care services.
Another great thing about becoming a pediatric nurse practitioner is you can choose the type of pediatric care you wish to provide. If you like working in a more fast-paced environment caring for acute, critically-or chronically-ill children, becoming an acute care PNP may be a good option. Conversely, if you prefer having a more steady routine, caring for the same patients from birth to adulthood, primary pediatric care could be a better option. Primary Care PNPs provide well-child and preventive care for common acute and chronic conditions, typically in a clinic setting. If you want the best of both worlds, you can specialize in both acute and primary pediatric care.
REASON #11: There are several options for earning your degree to become a pediatric nurse practitioner.
If you want to become a pediatric nurse practitioner, you can enroll in a campus-based or
online pediatric nurse practitioner program. Having options for how you earn a degree makes deciding to go back to school easier.
REASON #12: You can become a leader in pediatric care.
As a pediatric nurse practitioner, you will have the knowledge and skills needed to lead an interdisciplinary team in pediatric care. Your influence and guidance can help drive best practices and promote better patient outcomes. If you want to take a leadership role in providing pediatric care, becoming a pediatric nurse practitioner is worth it.
REASON #13: You can choose a subspecialty.
Another one of the top reasons why becoming a pediatric nurse practitioner is worth it is that you are not limited to primary or acute care. As a pediatric nurse practitioner, you can choose a subspecialty for your practice. A few examples of subspecialty options include pediatric oncology, neurology, endocrinology, and cardiology. The options to specialize are endless, and you may choose to pursue more than one specialty/subspecialty certification.
REASON #14: You can help address the need for qualified pediatric health practitioners.
There are around 4,400 licensed pediatricians and approximately
230,000 nurse practitioners in the United States. Of those professionals, 6,780 work as pediatric primary care nurse practitioners, and 1,480 work as pediatric acute care nurse practitioners. According to the
U.S. Census Bureau, more than 73.1 million people aged 18 or under are in the country. That means there is one pediatric healthcare provider for every 5,774 people in the U.S. When you become a pediatric nurse practitioner, you become part of the solution for addressing the critical shortage of qualified pediatric healthcare providers. The difference you make is one of the biggest reasons why becoming a pediatric nurse practitioner is worth it.
REASON #15: You can mentor other nurses and pediatric care providers.
Your knowledge and skills as a pediatric nurse practitioner make you a perfect candidate for mentoring others. You may work closely with nursing students preparing for their licensure or certification exams, help on-board and orient new nurses, or participate in training and mentorship programs for your healthcare organization. Mentoring is an excellent option if you enjoy teaching others but do not want to work in a classroom setting!
REASON #16: You will use evidence-based practice to improve patient outcomes.
Evidence-based practice is essential for delivering high-quality patient care. As a pediatric nurse practitioner, you will learn to use evidence-based research data and practices to develop appropriate care plans based on each patient's needs. When you implement evidence-based practices into the care you provide, your patients are more likely to experience improved outcomes.
REASON#17: There are no "cookie-cutter" patients.
Pediatric nurse practitioners take care of patients from birth to 18 years old from diverse backgrounds who have varying degrees of health and wellness. No two patients are the same. The diversity among your patients and their families will challenge you to learn and grow, making you a more effective care provider. Additionally, the differences in the patients you care for enrich your life and personal and professional experiences.
REASON #18: You can open your own practice.
The increased level of independence that comes with being a pediatric nurse practitioner creates opportunities to be your own boss. As a pediatric nurse practitioner, in many states, you can open your own practice, which is one of the main reasons becoming a pediatric nurse practitioner is worth it.
REASON #19: You become an advocate for children.
Pediatric nurse practitioners fill many roles. One of the most important things you will do in this role is to advocate for children. You may work to improve the availability of healthcare services to children in underserved communities, lobby for changes in healthcare related to pediatric care, or speak up on behalf of children who are abused or neglected. Your knowledge and clinical skills coupled with compassion and empathy make you an excellent advocate for young clients.
REASON #20: You can develop long-lasting relationships with clients.
One of the awesome things about being a pediatric nurse practitioner is caring for patients from birth to adulthood. Caring for clients for such a long period means you can develop long-lasting, trusting relationships. The bonds that pediatric nurse practitioners develop with clients often result in patients who are grown up later bringing their own children for care because of the trust they developed over the years as patients.
REASON #21: You have the option of working in various settings.
If you like having options in your career path and work settings, becoming a pediatric nurse practitioner degree is worth it. As a pediatric nurse practitioner, you can work in hospitals, clinics, home health settings, and private practices. You may also choose non-clinical settings, such as being a nurse researcher, educator, or author.
REASON #22: Becoming a pediatric nurse practitioner is worth the return on investment.
As you consider options for your professional career, comparing the cost of earning a degree to your earning potential is important. The average income for pediatric nurse practitioners is $96,260 annually. The cost of pediatric nurse practitioner programs varies significantly, ranging from $15,000 to more than $300,000. Even if you pursue the most expensive programs, you can expect to break even in three to five years. Factor in the fact that, with continued experience, your income usually increases, and you can deduce that the return on investment is well worth the cost of earning a degree to become a PNP.
REASON #23: Pediatric nurse practitioners have high job satisfaction rates.
According to data from U.S. News & World Report, nurse practitioners are ranked as one of the best healthcare jobs in the nation. Some of the reasons pediatric nurse practitioners are happy with their jobs include the increased level of independence, earning potential, long-term job security, and the satisfaction of making a difference in the lives of children. If you are looking for a healthcare career with a high job satisfaction rate, you may feel becoming a pediatric nurse practitioner is worth it.
REASON #24: Being a pediatric nurse practitioner comes with increased job security.
The current need for qualified pediatric healthcare providers, coupled with a growing population, indicates good job security for pediatric nurse practitioners. Whether you work for yourself or for another practitioner or healthcare organization, as long as children are born and need medical care of any type, the likelihood of you finding a job with long-term job security is good. Long-term job security is another of the biggest reasons why becoming a pediatric nurse practitioner is worth it.
REASON #25: You become a source of education and support for parents.
If you have children or are close to someone else who does, you know that having a sick child can be stressful. As a pediatric nurse practitioner, you can alleviate some of the stress parents feel by offering education and support. You may teach parents about their child's diagnosis, treatment options, medication regimens, and expected outcomes or offer support and encouragement as they learn to care for their children. The sense of accomplishment that comes from supporting your patients and their families is one of the many reasons why becoming a pediatric nurse practitioner is worth it.
Why Becoming a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner May Not Be Worth It for You? – the Cons
(Now that we have discussed the 25 reasons why becoming a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner is worth it, I want to share a few reasons why you could feel becoming a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner may not be worth it.)
REASON #1: Being a pediatric nurse practitioner can be emotionally draining.
The roles of pediatric nurse practitioners vary, depending on whether you choose primary or acute care and if you have a subspecialty. You may have patients who are victims of abuse or neglect, which opens a whole world of emotions for you to deal with while trying to remain objective for them. Some of your patients may have chronic, debilitating, or life-threatening illnesses. Unfortunately, you may also face situations when your patients die. The emotional toll of the job could make you feel becoming a pediatric nurse practitioner is not worth it.
REASON #2: You may face communication barriers, which makes caring for children challenging.
Effective communication is crucial if you want to provide quality care to patients based on their individual needs. One of the biggest obstacles to overcome in pediatric care is communication barriers. You may care for patients who are too young to articulate their feelings, so you must rely on your assessment skills and objective reports from parents or other caregivers. This challenge becomes even more of an issue when there is no active caregiver for the child to give you a history. If you struggle to build rapport with adults who can communicate more easily, communicating with children may pose an even greater challenge.
REASON #3: It is easy to become emotionally attached.
While compassion and empathy are important characteristics for any successful nurse, we must realize where to draw the line and not let unhealthy emotional attachments form. As a pediatric nurse practitioner, you may care for patients with injuries, chronic illnesses, or who are victims of abuse. It is easy to become overwhelmed with compassion and allow your emotions to take over. However, the only way to be an effective care provider is to know where the line between professionalism ends and personal emotions begins so you can stay focused. If you tend to let your emotions get the best of you or have trouble creating professional boundaries, you may struggle in your job and find a pediatric nurse practitioner degree is not worth it.
REASON #4: Most programs take at least two years to complete.
Depending on your current degree and your professional goals, you could spend at least two years in school to become a pediatric nurse practitioner. Your program will include classroom and clinical time and independent study time. If you want a degree you can earn quickly, you may feel getting a pediatric nurse practitioner degree is not worth it.
REASON #5: Parents can be demanding.
Pediatric nurse practitioners not only care for patients but must also care for and deal with their patient's parents. Parents do not want to see their children sick or hurting and want what is best for them. Many parents experience fear and anxiety and do not know how to cope. As a result, they may appear demanding or angry. As a professional pediatric healthcare provider, you must learn ways to deal with parents during what could possibly be the most trying times. If you do not have the self-control and willingness to deal with demanding parents, becoming a pediatric nurse practitioner may not be the best career move.
REASON #6: Some of your patients may die.
It is hard enough dealing with the death of an adult or elderly patient, but pediatric deaths take provider grief to a whole new level. No matter how good a pediatric nurse practitioner you are or how much you thought a patient was improving, if you stay in the profession long enough, some of your patients will die. It is essential for pediatric nurse practitioners to develop healthy coping mechanisms and have a healthy outlet for the emotional toll that patient death causes. If you do not cope well with death, you may want to reconsider whether becoming a pediatric nurse practitioner is worth it.
REASON #7: It is easy to experience burnout.
Being a pediatric nurse practitioner has many advantages. However, it also has a downside. The role involves hard work, some long hours, and emotional cases, and can easily lead to feeling burnout. As a pediatric nurse practitioner, you must learn to create a healthy work/life balance. Practicing self-care and taking time to unplug and unwind is essential for maintaining emotional, mental, and physical well-being, which can help combat burnout. If you struggle with creating a healthy balance in your life, the risk of burnout could make you feel becoming a pediatric nurse practitioner is not worth it.
What are the 3 Main Reasons Behind the Demand for Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Degree Holders?
There are several factors that contribute to the need for qualified pediatric health providers. The following are three of the main reasons for the demand for pediatric nurse practitioners.
1. Shortage of pediatric healthcare providers:
With a growing population, more infants, children, and adolescents need healthcare providers knowledgeable in their care. Pediatric nurse practitioners fill the need for qualified pediatric care providers.
2. Current PNPs reaching retirement age:
As more currently licensed pediatric nurse practitioners reach retirement age, there is an increase in the number of jobs left vacant. Without qualified PNPs to take on these jobs, more patients go without care, which is why there is such a strong demand for pediatric nurse practitioners.
3. An increase in the number of childhood diseases and illnesses:
More than 40% of American children suffer from some type of chronic illness or disease today. Adding to that issue is the increase in the number of acute illnesses, especially since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. As more children are diagnosed with acute and chronic illnesses, the need for healthcare providers, like pediatric nurse practitioners, increases as well.
What is the Starting Salary for New Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Degree Holders?
The average beginning salary for new pediatric nurse practitioners is $64,810 per year. This pay equals $31.16 per hour, $1,246 per week, or $5,400 per month.
Hourly | $31.16 |
Weekly | $1,246 |
Monthly | $5,400 |
Annual | $64,810 |
(Source: Payscale.com) |
What is the Average Salary for Experienced Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Degree Holders?
According to PayScale, the average salary for a pediatric nurse practitioner is $46.28 per hour, $1,851 per week, or $8,020 per month. This income is equivalent to $96,260 annually.
Hourly | $46.28 |
Weekly | $1,851 |
Monthly | $8,020 |
Annual | $96,260 |
(Source: Payscale.com) |
Is the Cost of a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Degree Worth the Return On Investment (ROI)?
Pediatric nurse practitioners earn more than $96,000 per year, on average. Completing a PNP degree can cost $15,000 to $300,000 or more, depending on the type of degree you pursue. Pediatric nurse practitioners who complete the most expensive programs can see a return on investment with the average annual PNP salary within just a few years. The more experience you have, and depending on your work setting, you can earn a higher income. With all these factors considered, it is safe to assume that the cost of a pediatric nurse practitioner degree is worth the return on investment.
What are the 3 Best Jobs You Can Get With a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Degree?
Job options for a pediatric nurse practitioner are endless. Where you work and your role depends on whether you want to work in primary or acute care and if you choose a subspecialty. The following are three of the best jobs you can get as a pediatric nurse practitioner.
1. School Pediatric Nurse Practitioners:
If you need a job with great hours, weekends and holidays off and no night shifts, a school pediatric nurse practitioner job could be the perfect option! PNPs who work in schools may administer medications, evaluate students when they become injured or ill to determine if they need to go home or see an outside physician and perform wellness checks, including vision and hearing screenings.
2. Pediatric Convenient Care Clinics:
Some pediatric nurse practitioners work in convenient care or after-hours clinics. These settings are similar to a regular practitioner's office but offer extended hours for service. Patients who come to these clinics may be experiencing an acute illness or injury that needs medical attention but does not warrant emergency care.
3. Pediatric Intensive Care Unit Manager:
Pediatric nurse practitioners specializing in acute care may work as a unit manager or supervisor in a pediatric ICU. In this role, you will supervise nursing staff in the management and administration of care for acutely or critically ill pediatric patients.
Bonus! 3 Tips to Make More Money With a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Degree
The earning potential of pediatric nurse practitioners is excellent. There are also several things you can do to boost your salary or create a side stream of income. Here are three tips to earn more money as a pediatric nurse practitioner.
1. Become a freelance writer.
If you enjoy writing or like the idea of sharing your knowledge and experiences with others, doing some freelance writing is an excellent way to add an extra boost to your income. You may write for popular nursing websites, magazines, a local paper, or a blog.
2. Consider earning additional certifications.
The more certifications and education you have, the more marketable you become. Additional certifications could open the door to new job opportunities or increased pay at your current job.
3. Become a traveling pediatric nurse practitioner:
As a traveling pediatric nurse practitioner, you can earn an excellent income plus additional stipends to help cover the cost of travel and lodging while you are on assignment. Many PNPs who take on travel nursing eventually transition and make travel nursing their only job because the income is so high.
So, is Becoming a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Worth Your Time and Money – My Final Thoughts
If you are considering a career as a PNP, it is natural to wonder, "is becoming a pediatric nurse practitioner worth your time and money?" Taking the time to weigh the advantages and disadvantages is essential to making the right decision.
In this article, we discussed 25 reasons why becoming a pediatric nurse practitioner is worth it and also 7 reasons why it may not be the right career for you. If you consider these reasons carefully and compare the pros and cons of becoming a pediatric nurse practitioner, you can make a decision about your education and career and choose a path to help you achieve your goals.
Frequently Asked Questions Answered
1. What Is The Best Age To Pursue A Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Degree?
There is no specific age that it is "best" to pursue a pediatric nurse practitioner degree. If you feel you are mentally ready to take on graduate studies and want to become a PNP, there is no time like the present!
2. How Hard Is It To Get Into A Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Degree Program?
Admission to pediatric nurse practitioner programs is often competitive. Candidates must meet admission criteria established by the school, including having a minimum GPA, completing prerequisites, and having work experience. Be sure to verify the admission requirements with each school where you plan to apply before doing so.
3. Do I Need Work Experience To Get Into A Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Degree Program?
Most pediatric nurse practitioner programs require applicants to have at least one year of relevant work experience before applying. This requirement may vary among schools, so be sure to verify the work requirements for any school that interests you.
4. What Is The Minimum GPA To Get Into A Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Degree Program?
The minimum GPA to get into a pediatric nurse practitioner program is usually 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Since this requirement may vary among schools, it is important to verify
GPA requirements with each school before you apply.
5. Are Online Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Degree Programs Worth It?
Yes! Online pediatric nurse practitioner degree programs are worth it! For some students, an online program is the only feasible option to achieve the PNP degree.
Online pediatric nurse practitioner programs can be a cost-effective way to earn your degree while studying when and where you want.
6. Are Scholarships And Grants Available For Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Degree Programs?
Yes, there are
several scholarships and grants available for pediatric nurse practitioner degree programs.
7. Is It Hard To Complete A Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Degree?
Graduate nursing programs, like pediatric nurse practitioner degree programs, can be hard to complete. This degree requires you to learn advanced nursing skills, apply theoretical knowledge and evidence-based practices to patient care, and complete a rigorous clinical practicum. However, despite the challenges, if you are dedicated to earning your degree, you can succeed!
8. Can Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Students Have A Life?
Pediatric nurse practitioner students are busy, but it is possible to create a healthy school/life balance and enjoy things outside of school.
9. Can I Work Part-Time And Successfully Complete The Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Degree Program?
Many pediatric nurse practitioner students work part-time while in school and succeed. Careful planning of your school and work schedules can help alleviate the stress of working while in school.
10. Can I Work Full-Time And Successfully Complete The Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Degree Program?
It may be more difficult to work full-time while in a pediatric nurse practitioner program, but it is not impossible. Consider the amount of time you need to dedicate to school and work to come up with a schedule that works best for you. If you need to work full-time, going to school part-time may be a better option.
11. Do Students Fail In Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Degree Programs?
Some students fail in pediatric nurse practitioner degree programs. The reasons students are unsuccessful vary, and you should not base your likelihood of success on someone else's performance.
12. Will I Ever Regret Getting A Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Degree?
Whether you will regret getting a pediatric nurse practitioner degree is a personal opinion. Overall, most PNPs report satisfaction with their career choice.
13. How Much Does A Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Graduate Make Per Hour?
The average hourly pay for pediatric nurse practitioners is $46.28.
14. How Much Does A Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Graduate Make Per Year?
Pediatric nurse practitioner graduates earn an average annual salary of $96,260.
15. Will Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Graduates Be Paid Less In The Future?
The demand for pediatric nurse practitioners and projected job outlook would suggest PNPs getting paid less in the future is unlikely. In fact, these factors could arguably indicate it is more likely that pediatric nurse practitioners will be better compensated in the future.
16. Are All Pediatric Nurse Practitioners Successful In Their Careers?
Unfortunately, all pediatric nurse practitioners are not successful in their careers. The reasons some PNPs are unsuccessful vary. Therefore, it is important to consider your circumstances independently and not base your chances of success on someone else's opinions or experience.
17. Are Pediatric Nurse Practitioners Happy With Their Jobs?
Most surveys indicate pediatric nurse practitioners are happy with their jobs.
18. Can A Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Become Rich?
The average annual income for pediatric nurse practitioners is $96,260. While this income may not be enough to ensure getting rich, with proper financial planning and money management, you can grow your wealth. I recommend talking to a financial advisor to come up with a plan to meet your financial goals.
19. What Are Some Of The Best Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Degree Alternatives?
One of the awesome things about nursing is there are unlimited opportunities! For example, some of the best pediatric nurse practitioner degree alternatives include certified pediatric registered nurse, family nurse practitioner, and pediatric intensive care nurse.
Darby Faubion BSN, RN
Darby Faubion is a nurse and Allied Health educator with over twenty years of experience. She has assisted in developing curriculum for nursing programs and has instructed students at both community college and university levels. Because of her love of nursing education, Darby became a test-taking strategist and NCLEX prep coach and assists nursing graduates across the United States who are preparing to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX).