Do I have to have pediatric experience to be a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner?

Dear Nurse Beth Advice Column - The following letter submitted anonymously in search for answers. Join the conversation!

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Hello Nurse Beth,

I received my BSN in 2021 in August and started working on a telemetry unit in September 2021. Prior to applying to residencies I was unable to get a job on a ICU floor, the first job offer I got was for a tele floor at Baylor University Medical Center.

I have always wanted to work with pediatrics but did not realize that I wanted to be a PNP until after 6 months of working on my unit. My main goal was any ICU unit. I enrolled in a PNP-PC master's program but to date have no pediatric experience. Because it has been almost a year since I became an RN, I am ineligible to apply to pediatric nurse residency programs. Baylor Scott and White does not have any nearby pediatric hospitals either. I have been applying for months and have yet to get a job in pediatrics. I have applied to many pediatric clinics and inpatient hospitals but have no luck.

I lack any pediatric experience that is preferred or required and cannot be taken on as a new grad. I finally started to apply to home health and was recently offered a job so I took it. I have 2.5 - 2.0 years until the master's program is over and I want to have pediatric experience so I can hopefully find a job closer to completion of the program and not have to work as an RN years after being able to be a NP. Is HH a good option for experience that can be put on a resume or will it not really benefit me? My hope is that I can gain pediatric experience so I can then apply again to a PICU or at least peds ED or med-surg even. I am very unsure of how I can build a resume for myself if I was applying as a PNP with the experience I have so far therefore I want to the best course for me. Thank you for listening!

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Specializes in Tele, ICU, Staff Development.

Dear Unsure,

Pediatric Nurse Practitioners (PNPs) specialize in providing care to children, from infants through adolescents.  

Prospective employers of Nurse Practitioners do not necessarily value RN experience. Is that good news or bad news? For you, it can take the pressure off of trying to land a pediatric job, knowing that it may not help your resume. It would help you to feel more comfortable working with the pediatric population and their parents-but you will gain clinical experience in your program.

Prospective employers may, however, look at the quality and ranking of your program/school. Some NPs make valuable connections with doctors and others while they are in school that help them land a job after licensure. Never underestimate the power of networking!

Do look into joining the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners (NAPNAP) local chapter to connect and network.

Best wishes,

Nurse Beth

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