I am currently a BSN looking to take my career to the next level. What I would like to do is become a PNP working with a pediatric group, or family health group, but also teaching classes for new parents. As an ER nurse I have learned that new parents receive brief training on infant care, however there are no classes for basic health child care. I'd like to start a class that taught parents how to treat a fever, when to seek medical attention, basic first aid etc. My question is can I do this as a PNP, or do I need to obtain some sort of education certificate? Any advice would be appreciated!

Thanks!!

What an admirable goal. I am sure that your experience in the ED has provided you with an accurate perspective on the need for educating the lay public. You don't actually have to have any specialized credential to teach this content.

However, I am also assuming that you want to be able to make a living. Have you considered how you would be paid for teaching? Currently, reimbursement for education via insurance plans or Fed funding is pretty much limited to specific disease categories such as diabetes or cardiac rehab. Is this something you think people will pay for out of their own pockets? Have you considered developing a class & offering it through your local community 'continuing adult education' methods? The down side - the people that you probably really want to reach are the least likely to seek out the class.

I would also advise you to look carefully into the actual work life of PNPs. In my area, they mostly function in clinic environments & average in come is not too great. Paperwork consumes a lot of their time, and patient care is pretty much limited to very routine situations.

Keep an eye out for changes as a result of Health Care Reform - there is supposed to be additional funding for community health centers - these may also provide a venue to the type of teaching you are interested in. In the meantime, I would encourage you to improve your skills & knowledge related to adult education - it's a whole other discipline and you will probably enjoy learning about it.

Good luck!