Discussion 1: Getting Started with Pediatrics
Nurse practitioner’s role is crucial as they work with pediatric patients and their families to address barriers for example pediatric obesity. Researchers have found that obesity is quickly becoming a global epidemic, with approximately two thirds of adults in the United States being obese or overweight (Fruh et al., 2021). As a result of obesity, people are more likely to develop diabetes, coronary heart disease, hypertension, stroke, and some types of cancer. As obesity rates rise, nurse practitioners can play a vital role in facilitating healthy home habits by providing obesity management strategies. Pediatric nurse practitioners can assist families in creating healthier futures by addressing the obesity epidemic in the United States.
I have only worked with the adult population so far, and I look forward to learning about the pediatric population in the future.For the past seven years, I have been a nephrology nurse and have seen how dialysis can be very taxing for patients and their families.My goal is to provide patients with the tools to become healthier and reduce the risk of chronic diseases and other morbidities by empowering them to make healthy choices.
Regarding the pediatric population, my strengths would be patience and involving the whole family in decisions. To allow pediatric patients to express their concerns freely, patience is required as they sometimes have different communication methods. Through my own experience, I have noticed that my children were able to freely express themselves and their views positively when they were included in the decision-making process. Children who are actively involved in their own treatment are associated with decreased anxiety, and an increased sense of value, when health care professionals welcome their active engagement (Quaye et al., 2019).
Providing care to families that are treating abused children would be a challenge.The research shows that child maltreatment is a growing epidemic, and pediatricians are well positioned to identify potential victims as well as prevent maltreatment (Hornor, 2022).Preventing child maltreatment may be enhanced by using the standardized screening tools and resources available.
References
Fruh, S., Williams, S., Hayes, K., Hauff, C., Hudson, G. M., Sittig, S., Graves, R. J., Hall, H., & Barinas, J. (2021). A practical approach to obesity prevention: Healthy home habits. Journal of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, 33(11), 1055-1065. https://doi.org/10.1097/jxx.0000000000000556Links to an external site.
Hornor, G. (2022). Child maltreatment prevention: Essentials for the pediatric nurse practitioner. Journal of Pediatric Health Care, 36(2), 193-201. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pedhc.2021.09.006Links to an external site.
Quaye, A. A., Coyne, I., Söderbäck, M., & Hallström, I. K. (2019). Children’s active participation in decision‐making processes during hospitalisation: An observational study. Journal of Clinical Nursing, 28(23-24), 4525-4537. https://doi.org/10.1111/jocn.15042
NRNP 6541 GETTING STARTED WITH PEDIATRICS
Primary care of children from newborns to those on the cusp of adulthood requires considerable knowledge, as well as the finesse to manage parents and families of all types, and the changing needs, attitudes, and independence of young people as they grow and mature. Considering that this week—in fact, this entire first module—is focused on growth and development, it is fitting for you to reflect on your current and anticipated growth and development in advanced nursing, and specifically, in pediatric care. When you made your decision to pursue training as a Family Nurse Practitioner, how did pediatrics factor in your thinking? Is the opportunity to work with children and adolescents a strong motivator, or does it rank for you as more of a concern?
As you get started with this course, take time to reflect on your present capacity as you prepare to immerse yourself in the requirements of pediatric care as a nurse practitioner. How can you benefit most from this course, and how can it further you along the professional path you have chosen or in achieving your career goals?
This Discussion can be a catalyst for self-assessment and offer valuable insights from your colleagues. It is also an opportunity to get to know them and to introduce yourself, in anticipation of further interaction as you engage in the course i-Human Assignments.
RESOURCES
Be sure to review the Learning Resources before completing this activity.
Click the weekly resources link to access the resources.
WEEKLY RESOURCES
To prepare:
Review this week’s Learning Resources, and particularly Chapters 5, 6, 8, and 14 of the Burns’ Pediatric Primary Care text.
Consider the roles and responsibilities of a nurse practitioner providing pediatric primary care. Work to define the strengths you bring to the position of Family Nurse Practitioner and the challenges you face.
Reflect on this course and what you expect to learn and do, such as by reviewing the course description, outcomes, and course introduction. Consider how the next 11 weeks can help build your strengths and address your challenges.
Also consider your career goals and objectives and how this course can support and/or further them. Be detailed in your thinking.
BY DAY 3 OF WEEK 1
Post a brief introduction of yourself that includes an explanation of your strengths and challenges as they apply to pediatrics and the role of a Family Nurse Practitioner. Also explain your career goals and objectives, and how your work in this course can help to accomplish those goals and objectives as a Family Nurse Practitioner. Use your research to support your explanations by providing credible and scholarly sources.
Read a selection of your colleagues’ responses.
BY DAY 6 OF WEEK 1
Respond to at least two of your colleagues’ posts on two different days by offering suggestions or resources to help your colleagues in addressing their professional strengths, challenges, or career goals and objectives. Use your research to support your suggestions. Provide at least 3 credible and current scholarly sources.
Note: For this Discussion, you are required to complete your initial post before you will be able to view and respond to your colleagues’ postings. Begin by clicking on the Reply button to complete your initial post. Remember, once you click on Post Reply, you cannot delete or edit your own posts and you cannot post anonymously. Please check your post carefully before clicking on Post Reply!
