NAPNAP Is Stunned By AAP's Statements About NPs In Pediatric News

Main Category: Pediatrics / Children's Health
Also Included In: Nursing / Midwifery
Article Date: 05 May 2009 - 1:00 PDT

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The National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners was disturbed and disappointed by the publication of a recent front page article in the April 2009 issue of the Pediatric News which portrays NPs as unsafe and encourages its members to oppose the scope of practice legislation that would permit nurse practitioners to have independent practices. Swift action was taken via a letter sent to AAP on May 1, 2009.

NAPNAP is dismayed and weary of the unfounded opposition to patient access to primary health care nurse practitioners, and to have the American Academy of Pediatrics be an active participant in these types of activities is most disappointing. PNPs have enhanced the health care for children and families for decades by providing comprehensive services in a variety of settings, working both independent of and in collaboration with physicians. Comparative studies have shown that NPs provide safe, effective primary care with clinical outcomes that mirror those of physicians.

It is also NAPNAP's position that it is not in the purview of the American Academy of Pediatrics to clarify the role of the pediatric nurse practitioners. Nursing is an independent profession and as such sets its own standards for all of nursing including defining the role of the nurse practitioner.

"NAPNAP is disappointed to learn that the AAP has published such an article. We will continue to do our best to help educate families about their healthcare choices and the role of the nurse practitioner", said NAPNAP President Linda Lindeke, PhD, RN, CPNP.

"We are done with this turf conversation. No one owns the child or family. We are intentionally turning our attention to the new dialog about healthcare reform in this generation and the rightful place of all qualified primary health care providers of children's healthcare and continue our vitally important work promoting children's health" said NAPNAP CEO Karen KellyThomas, PhD, RN, FAAN, CAE.

NAPNAP is requesting the nursing community to join us in opposition to this article.

Click here to read the letter sent to the AAP on May 1, 2009.

Click here to read the article published in the Pediatric News.

The National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners (NAPNAP) is committed to improving the health care of infants, children, adolescents and young adults. An association of nearly 7,000 health care providers throughout the Unites States, NAPNAP is the only advanced practice registered nursing organization in the world focused on pediatric health and has 48 Chapters in 32 states. For more information call 856/857-9700 or visit NAPNAP's website at http://www.napnap.org.

Source
National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners

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