WHY I DIDN'T BECOME A PEDIATRIC NURSE PRACTITIONER | But Maybe You Should!

[@marisa768]

I'm definitely wanting to be a pediatric oncology nurse practitioner. I'm currently working towards my BSN and am a nurse tech in oncology at a children's hospital near me, which I hope eventually leads into getting an RN job in the field, before pursuing NP school. It's been the greatest joy of my life! Some people don't understand why I would want to go into such a "sad" specialty, but you put it best - there's a lot of hope and resilience in those little people. I truly can't imagine doing anything else! My maternity clinical rotation honestly turned me off from wanting to do any sort of adult care, but this is why I find nursing such a great field; everyone has different medical interests, and there's a lot of directions you can take with a nursing career :)

[@NurseLiz]

we need people like you!

[@lizardlizrn9185]

Same, this is my goal too! Im currently an RN hoping to go into my MSN next year (:

[@kaylasmith4]

There is a niche for everyone in nursing! I'm so glad you firmly know yours and are encouraging others to find theirs!

[@NurseLiz]

there definitely is something for everyone!

[@meikoblock]

I personally don't want kids, but I know working with babies, kids and teens would be my jam.

[@AC-xb2nq]

Same!

[@shamirahm5174]

Me too

[@kimi9757]

I currently work in primary care pediatrics and I love it! I started in family medicine and couldn’t do it. It’s good that we accept our limits and not force it because it impacts your quality of life as well as the quality of care for the patient.

[@julianacheriza1575]

I worked in family care and it’s waaaaaaaay too much!

[@olgafernandez4203]

I’m currently a FNP and I am not happy. I’ve decided to look for pediatric primary care as a FNP Any tips or advice ??

[@KBTU91]

I’ve been a PICU nurse for many years. I went back and forth between Acute or Primary Care PNP. I am in my third year of my PNP program and I am happy with the choice I’ve made. I really enjoy the outpatient setting, patient/parent education, health promotion and prevention.

[@Trilyew-dq6cv]

Your self-awareness to know you wouldn’t be the right provider in that role is amazing!! this helped me so much

[@sheilawells8558]

I watched the parents while in Peds rotation in nursing school and I knew this wasn’t the area for me. I enjoy watching your videos.

[@bemiwuzhere865]

I was lowkey afraid that this would deter me away from pediatrics but it definitely increased my confidence that it’s the field for me; thank you!

[@jamiewells5031]

I'm starting my PNP schooling journey in a just few months. I'm glad I watched this because all of the negatives aspects you mentioned are my strengths! Love watching your videos so much Liz! ❤️

[@NurseLiz]

Yay!!! Those littles need people like you!

[@TeeteaThatsMe]

I totally get this. Currently working in the NICU and after a year of debating between NNP and PNP pursuit, I decided with NNP bc I love doing procedures also because dealing with parents times 10 was not my end goal.

[@NurseLiz]

Hope you love it! The NICU has always fascinated me

[@alexismalone6756]

Hi Tishan! I’m a NICU nurse as well and struggled with the same thing and decided NNP! I loveeee the NICU. The complexity, the thrill, and the reward it gives me is so awesome. I wish you the best.

[@TeeteaThatsMe]

Alexis Malone thank you Alexis I wish you the best as well!

[@ninahadzic1153]

Hello Tishan! I am considering going the NNP route as well. What do you mean by not having to deal with the parents as much in NNP? Can you tell me more about that? Thank you! :)

[@TeeteaThatsMe]

Nina Hadzic so in the NICU world you still have to educate and consult with parents. But I feel like much is still up the providers. Compared to primary pediatrics where you are really spending much of your time educating parents .

[@meganfera4339]

I’m currently in nursing school and I love to watch your channel!! 🥰 Sometimes I feel like I learn more from your channel lol you give a great perspective on aspects of nursing and keep it real. Hope you and your family stay safe and healthy during all of this craziness lately!!

[@NurseLiz]

Aww thanks! You stay safe as well!

[@iamyoonis]

I've been working per diem as a nurse in schools while applying for bedside positions & I see some of what you're talking about. I understand overly anxious parents, but unmotivated and neglectful parents just aggravate me.

[@experimentaorlandobyvaness1624]

Yes totally! Feel the same way

[@veiled_sakura]

I'm glad I checked this vid of yours next, as this turned out to be a very good test of whether I'd be a good fit for peds or not. I'm coming up to a crossroads in my pre-nursing education with one prereq class left (gen chemistry lol x_x) and taking my TEAS test relatively soon, and I'm now really trying to nail down which nursing specialty that I really feel like I'd be the best fit for. The biggest things I'm nervous of about peds currently is inevitably being confronted with antivax parents, and seeing kids who have been through abuse, neglect, or otherwise broken homes. Because I know that, like you said you do as well, I too internally feel intense rage and get cracks in my heart when I see kids whose parents won't vaccinate them, or kids that have been hurt by their own families/caretakers. But I guess the key I'm realizing right now is that even though those two things are mountains to me that are intimidating to me right now, they aren't pushing me away from the specialty. Instead, I find myself just wanting to say "Please, show me..." Because I know deep down that I have a strong drive to address these issues that I can't deny even if I tried, and at the end of the day I just want to learn *how* to navigate those situations, so I *can* help these families. So I can't stop now.

[@xanlutsky5951]

My primary DO and FNP have watched me grow up! They've been my PCPs since I was 6 and I am 24 now! It's great to have that consistent support and good history background of my health.

[@NurseLiz]

aww i love that !

[@MewAndGeorgePlayz]

Thank you for this video. I am in the opposite boat. I am currently in FNP school now with a background only in adults. I am falling in love with pediatric primary care right now, which I didn't think would happen because I really didn't like inpatient pediatrics during nursing school. I appreciate your insight!!

[@genieinawinebottle]

Anyone currently in school worried about graduating during this pandemic era?

[@maddisonprevost1228]

ME

[@babygmoney1755]

I'm a senior and sadly I'm not going to graduate high school

[@thisisforrachelyoubigfatwh7447]

Meeee

[@madisonamelia6399]

This video is super helpful! I am currently a senior in nursing school and plan on applying to graduate school this spring to become a PNP. Honestly everything that you said made me want to become a PNP that much more because I would love to advocate for the children and definitely think I have the heart for it no matter how hard it may be to stomach, but I definitely respect your choice and understand all of your points on why you chose to become an FNP. Thank you for this info!

[@terrywise2063]

As a Mom of teens and little ones, I loved hearing your perspective on how parents can irritate practitioners... So true... Also very interesting to hear about kids' resilience. This was a very informative and entertaining video!!!

[@NurseLiz]

Fortunately I dont think it irritates most people who go into peds! Otherwise they wouldnt go. Because goodness knows I become thT parent as soon as my kids are involved haha

[@shaylinalley7035]

Thank you so much for your honesty! I started to question my choice for PNP after getting accepted and was nervous if I made the right choice. One thing that I loved about Mother Baby and my experience with friends and family is I love helping new mom's adjust to the parent role and knowing how to take care of kids. It is so hard to see parents that cannot provide what they need to for their children, for whatever the reasoning. However, I'm the type of person who want to be there and provide opportunities to better provide resources if that's something the parents really can do. Patient advocation and education is my passion. Maybe that's why I ultimately want to teach at a university after I practice! This has truly opened my eyes and I am further driven to my choice. :) However, if life adjusts my options then I'm open to the journey.

[@Nikaarose]

I am a psych major and I love watching your channel because I want to get my doctorate in clinical psychology and work in a hospital one day so it’s cool learning about things from a nursing perspective. And I am 19 and still go to a pediatric practice for my primary care due to the fact that I just haven’t found a good doctor to switch to yet and I can go to a pediatric practice until I am 21, and I love my pediatric practice, they are some awesome doctors. And nurse practitioners. But it also gets frustrating if I go in with family, they are in the habit of talking to parents instead of me even though I’m 19. I often have to remind them to look at my birthday and remind them that I am a legal adult. LOL but this was an awesome video, hope your family is safe during this crazy time.

[@thelittlesucculent8335]

I can relate to this so much. I am 17 years old and I see about 10 specialists due to my chronic illnesses. I run into this problem A LOT because most of them are pediatric specialists. I handle all most all of my medical care that I can because I want to and my parents trust me to do so. I do all the paperwork (obviously my parent signs it) , schedule all the appointments, lead the appointment, contact my doctors if need be, anything that needs to be done I will do. Sometimes medical personnel will completely disregard or ignore me and ask my parent their questions even though I can answer the question just as good if not better than my parents because I am the patient. My opinion is in the medical world doesn’t do a very good job of transitioning pediatric patients into adult patients. You can’t expect one day they have zero control and responsibilities and the next day be completely completely in charge of their care. Of course not all parents feel comfortable letting their child have as much responsibility with their health care, but you to start somewhere. This another reason I take it on myself to manage my health. Also this may not apply as much to a healthy individual, but it’s still very important.

[@Nikaarose]

Sad Feet I won hundred percent agree with you. The transition is horrible. I also have several chronic illnesses and start handling probably majority of my care younger than most because I was seeing very many specialist at a young age. And they need to do better at transitioning pediatric patients into the adult care world.

[@NurseLiz]

Oh gosh I can only imagine how frustrating that is! I'm sure they're so not used to actually talking to patients that its kinda hard to switch out of that mode. I have a lot of teenagers transfer to our family medicine practice around puberty because they felt like this.

[@adoseofcare]

PNP is my goal. I have always been in love with pediatrics. Taking care of the children, talking to/educating the parents... I love it all.

[@MsJlo68]

Thank you so much for sharing this and it helped me decide that PNP is for me! I was on the fence and hearing everyone's opinions really confused me and made my mind busy but you helped me to discover why I want to do it....Thank you, Thank you!

[@harmonybason5902]

How many years does it take to be a PNP?

[@experimentaorlandobyvaness1624]

Hi Liz, you were on point regarding the emotional load pediatrics can bring to some ppl. Like you, I also had the same feeling of angry and sadness everytime I saw a child without the support and love from their parents as you would expect. One time, I had a child who was 2.5 at the time and he didn't have anyone (he was in foster care) and didn't find placement up until that point. He was completely by himself the whole time in the hospital and that BROKE MY HEART in million pieces. I got attached to him (which I know it's not healthy) but what could I had done? I'm a mom and my son is also 2.5 yo and I couldn't not compare them. He was always crying to be held and I remember by the time I had to leave, I placed him back in the crib and he started crying really loud and he pulled his arms and said "Mama" to me! 💔💔💔💔😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭 omg that almost killed me emotionally. I cried so much on my way home I thought I would die. I was devastated. I had to leave him, as everyone else did before...his parents and even his foster care mom left him. I decided on that day forward that I'd never would go back to pediatrics. I would be either depressed or angry or like you said in trouble with the police because I'd want to adopt all of them. It's just too much for me and I couldn't bare the emotional load. Unfortunately I love kids TOO MUCH and seeing them suffering for any reason just breaks my heart in a unbearable way. Even although I don't want to work with peds in the hospital but I'd like to work out patient in the behavioral segment. I'd like to work as a PNP in a behavioral clinic focused on autism, ADHD, anxiety and other psychological factors! The problem for me is having to work as a Pediatric nurse before getting my PNP 🥺🥺😭😭 Someone could help me out? In a perfect world I would work as a Ped nurse and all children just would need physical care (not emotional too) and they would all be living in happy homes with a loving and caring family. Unfortunately that's not the case 🥺

[@karenc.8622]

Awesome video Liz! I think I've told you before that my life long dream was to be a pediatrician. Hearing those challenges that PNP's face makes me see that maybe I didn't miss out or that being a pediatrician might not have been the mountain top experience I always saw it as. Now at 48 and medical school kinda out of my sights, this video helps me to accept how things turned out a little more. Don't get me wrong though. Disappointment is a bummer. Oh and in case you're wondering, I never pursued the career wholeheartedly because I was afraid of how life would change. Fear of failure along with fear of success! Go figure. Thanks for another awesome video!!! :)

[@NurseLiz]

Thanks for sharing your experience :)

[@katec1576]

I love this video Liz!!!!! ❤️ and youuuuu obviously! I am currently a PICU nurse and oh my goodness, I love and hate it at the same time. Partially because of everything you’ve mentioned in this video, is something I see on a daily basis. We see very very verrrrrryyyy rare and intense cases at my hospital, so the resilience factor to me (which I’ve always believed in) seems so hard to come by simply due to to the nature of our patients. I very frequently have to remind myself “most kids aren’t like this, and the ones that are, most often get better.” Ohhh peds nurse struggles.

[@NurseLiz]

I feel this!

[@debijohnson7506]

Thank you for your honesty. I am currently deciding which route to go and the insight you gave is so helpful.

[@sweetfayce18]

These were the same concerns that made me closed down my daycare business. I was mentally drained by the parents more than the kids.

[@jerseynurse6878]

I’ve worked in home care nursing,LPN, for ten years and in peds for about 6-7, multiple cases and ages. Some are great and the parents are hands on, other ones not so much and it’s frustrating. I love peds though, but still debating on if I want to still be in peds when I get my RN. Decisions decisions lol

[@NurseLiz]

I loved it as a bedside nurse! I would imagine you would see a whole spectrum of great and not so great things with home care

[@mnbrantley68]

I’m graduating in December from my RN program. God willing 🤣 I am having a hard time deciding between NICU and Peds to start. HELP lol

[@NurseLiz]

you can always change it up later if you don't love where you landed!

[@mnbrantley68]

That’s sooo true! Thank you! 💕

[@Ashelynneee]

Best part of being a nurse is the many different roles we can serve! Def stick to where you go for at least a year so the next job won’t wonder why you bounced so fast-if you don’t like it-and maybe try to shadow a day or two in the hospital you’re applying to so you can feel the vibe! Coworkers can make all the difference.

[@Ashelynneee]

I’m laughing because I’m a current L&D RN and want to get my PNP, and you mention “that’s why I could never do labor and delivery” LOL!! I’m def the opposite of you-I am their biggest cheerleader in that room and make sure they know I feel bad for them that they’re hurting 😅 and then SOMETIMES at the nurses station will have an eye roll or two; but usually I genuinely feel bad for them! It’s not like they had a choice in who in their relationship was going to carry the baby!! (Unless it’s a lesbian couple, in which case I’m always fascinated in how they decided who’d carry the baby!) After this video I still want to pursue my PNP so I’m rlly thankful for you shedding light on different perspectives! Makes me more confident in my choice 😊

[@sophiak.martin2820]

as a labor nurse as well i gasped and choked on laughter when she said that hehe i never thought about being a PNP until recently but i’ve delay going back to school 🏫 because i have absolutely no interest in adults or people without vaginas lol 😂 it’s so bad i’ve considered doing pnp with a post masters in whnp plus i don’t want one semester of particular training if prefer the in depth education that pnp np students receive and i hate peds inpatient. i don’t mind the parents they’ll be gone in 15 min anyway jk all your cons are def pros minus dealing w the abuse stuff

[@gnolerehton]

thank you so much for the video, I really learned a lot, thank you!!

[@michellewoocoad9511]

I did 6 mon of peds rotation -- loved kids...but I saw a lot of things that I often brought home. From neglectful parents to sexual abuse to horrible foster parents, I knew that I couldn't ever be a FNP that worked in peds. It was hard. I totally get what you're saying. I don't think I would have lasted long in peds.

[@padsterlove7918]

I liked this video. I've worked in childcare for 10 years as an in on call nanny and have a BA in the Arts. I am thinking about going back to school for nursing. Adn or absn tract? Not sure. But parents can be overwhelming with healthy children, I cant imagine with kids that are sick.

[@alberta6662]

Hi Liz Love this video. A good area to work in is an adolescent clinical These type of clinical allow the NP to do tons of education and not deal with parents too much. I did a clinical rotation at one within a children’s hospital and the experience was great. Something like this might be the middle ground since a lot of these outpatient clinics in the hospital you are able to see the adolescents without the parents in the room. Thanks for sharing🙂.

[@NurseLiz]

Working with adolescents would be awesome! Which is also funny because its something I NEVER thought i would say haha.

[@ellieseo9074]

This was so helpful. Thank you ❤

[@NurseLiz]

I'm so glad!

[@NurseatNight]

Working at the beside on an acute care floor, dealing with family members is bad enough! I can't imagine doing pediatrics!!!

[@NurseLiz]

Maybe this was why I liked nights so much haha. Fewer humans

[@tatag1524]

I Love your intro!! Thank You for sharing ❤️

[@NurseLiz]

thank you!

[@aprilclaxton8447]

Great video and topic!

[@Fatima-hc5dl]

I also dearly love working with kids but don’t have a good communication skills, do you think over the years I can become more advocate?

[@pideschar]

Hey Liz! Loved this video. I have a question: Can FNPs subspecialize? For example can an FNP choose to work only with endocrine patients or rheumatology patients?

[@NurseLiz]

In terms of formal training, there are some fellowship programs in a specialty that you can do! But there aren’t a ton. Many FNP’s specialize in areas like that by getting a job and being trained on the job. The employer just has to be willing to train you

[@lubalaba7092]

I love your videos ❤❤ and I just like your personality !!!

[@NurseLiz]

aww thank yiou!

[@arianasanchez6874]

This is why I always say "know your limitations!"

[@sjackson3806]

My first np position was in pediatrics but am currently working with adults and geriatrics.

[@NurseLiz]

now youve seen it all!

[@sjackson3806]

Nurse Liz Yes I have!!!

[@NurseKwitty]

Good morning! I have always loved peds….and I worked in private duty nursing for x10 years so I was already well versed in difficult parents. I decided to be a PNP because I wanted to have greater autonomy in deciding the care of my patients. Plus I would only have to deal with a specific difficult person for a short period of time. Currently in PNP school....or was? All our classes are now online, but they cancelled clinicals. I'm not sure if/when I'm going to get to graduate this year.

[@NurseLiz]

thanks for sharing your experience! I hope you are able to graduate on time.

[@ki.yaniiiiiiiii]

hello i've been in a dilemma of choosing to be a PNP or a Pediatrician and i'm just not sure of what to think I love children dearly and I want to be able to spend most of my time with them to help them, I want to be there to help children and be that voice for them to have better lives. Im still a college student and i'm on track for medical school but I still have time to make a decision before it's too late. Do you have any thoughts on it?

[@haleyd7294]

Mother/Baby and Peds are very similar! we have the parents who get concerned if baby gets the hiccups and call me 25 times in an hour to check if the baby is okay and we get parents who just don't feed their newborns for 6 hours because baby "just wouldn't eat." We also have to contact social services often because of abusive situations on behalf of the mom which leads to DNR involvement for baby. If I ever decide to go back to school, I am considering pursuing my peds NP!

[@NurseLiz]

oh gosh. I imagine that would be so so hard as well. I couldn't hang. Thanks for doing what you do!

[@brunettee1225]

Hello! Not sure if you will see this message because I know this isn't one of your most recent videos, but I'm a new grad starting in adult med surg, and I know you mentioned you did also, could you do a video on how to transfer from adults to peds with minimal previous experience? thank you and I love all your videos/content :)

[@Lifedisabledd]

I can imagine that some parents may give wrong information, which could be risky.

[@jenifercalixmarin7930]

currently a new grad in adult oncology, I would love to transfer to PICU or peds onc after my 18 months. What should i do now to make me a good candidate

[@NurseLiz]

Always take any leadership opportunities that pop up on your floor. That always helps fill out your resume.

[@winterskyescene4254]

Can you do a video on ER np's vs fnp's?

[@NurseLiz]

yep!

[@alydiahoward8978]

Is it true that they are planning to get rid of the MSN program for nurse practitioners?

[@NurseLiz]

They've been saying that for years. They keep pushing the date back. I don't see it happening any time soon.

[@lisettediazdeleon3715]

Hi Liz! Can an FNP work in the NICU?

[@u.6595]

do you have to take certain vaccine to become a pediatric nurse and if yes what?

[@bloomflower2311]

I know this is kind of off topic but how many years is it to become a pediatric nurse?

[@vanesa1873]

this is so true

[@firstlookpro7282]

Would you recommend a 2 year paramedic degree over an ADN?

[@NurseLiz]

only if you want to be a paramedic! Totally different than a nurse!

[@avigialgrossman6501]

I love kids, but I couldn’t do pediatrics either.

[@fitoreu3679]

Can someone explain what exactly is a nurse practitioner? Also if you want to be a ped nurse or any other field do you need to get a masters degree? I’m not American so I don’t get all these titles 😅

[@maddyanderson1450]

A nurse practitioner is a nurse who has a master's degree (two or three years after bachelor's degree) and more training in a specialized area like pediatrics or family medicine. A nurse practitioner can function like a doctor in most out patient settings and hospitals. If you wanted to be a bedside nurse, you can either get a bachelor's degree (4 years of college after high school) or get a certificate from a community college 2 year program. There are a lot of ways to become a nurse in the US. The bedside nurse would be the typical nurse that most people think of.

[@fitoreu3679]

Maddy Anderson thank you for the explanation 😊

[@brigittea3001]

Hey Liz!! Future RN here, I just have a quick question... In the fall I'm going into my last semester of nursing school which is our IP placement. Right now I have to choose an area that I want my placement and I have NO idea what to pick!!! I've had 4 med surg placements, 1 rehab placement, 1 mental health placement and 1 community placement. Any suggestions, help or recommendations would be greatly appreciated. xx

[@NurseLiz]

I'd aim for something that sounds like a job you could see yourself in. You'll learn a lot no matter where you go, and those skills will help you down the line. But sometimes you can get hired on a floor you do your preceptorship on, so thats a bonus if you like the floor!

[@renaperl]

Great video, Liz! However, regarding vaccines, don't say you think they save lives, say you know! The safety and efficacy of vaccines is not an opinion.

[@NurseLiz]

So true!

[@meikoblock]

also......is that a 3D printer in the background???

[@NurseLiz]

it is haha. My husband does a lot of 3D printing

[@123abc7392]

If you do become a pediatric NP do you deliver babies as well?

[@NurseLiz]

Nope! Nurse midwives are the only rising advanced practice providers that can delivery babies

[@Promiseland2024]

Unrelated comment here… but Omg i was like that about my 8 week old puppy 🐶 i ran to the vet for everything she had diarrhea to the vet, vomit- vet, not eating- vet LMBO! Funny. But after a year .. new problem … google it, watch at-least for 48 hours then if no improvement go 2 vet..

[@dustinrivera8924]

Do you recommend a year of RN experience before becoming an NP or will going straight to NP after BSN be good? My ultimate question is, will NP school prepare you enough for the job in the end? Or is that extra RN experience crucial?

[@diamondbyrd5369]

Tyler Marlatt RN experience is very important.

[@NurseLiz]

I always recommend at least 2 years of experience before going back!

[@FUB654]

If the parents drive you nuts working in peds, TRY BEING A TEACHER!!!😫

[@omyjustice]

Is that a 3D printer behind you?

[@NurseLiz]

It's my husbands haha . and yes

[@khadramohamed8367]

very true. It is emotionally taxing to keep seeing sick Kids who have no control over being born into one of the two extremes.

[@NurseLiz]

it really is

[@imanamatullah2378]

I’m very anti-vaccine, which is why I want to be a nurse midwife, not a pediatric nurse. I don’t want to have to deal with the pressure to vaccinate patients when it violates my religious beliefs, and conscience.

[@raincity5004]

There should be a specific word for adolescent patience

[@bettysmith7045]

If you work in a family practice, don't you get to see both?

[@liviamartin3641]

Betty Smith yup :). She touched on that she sees a small number of peds patients, but most primary care offices see overwhelmingly adults. Though onr of the benefits of FNP is that kids are still in your scope of practice

[@bettysmith7045]

@@liviamartin3641 Yea, I wrote the comment before it got to that part. Goops.

[@ni-feidir-eitilt]

What is that lip color? It was two years ago, but…😝

[@jasmineg2503]

🤣🤣🤣🤣