Pediatric Nurse Practitioners: 3 Ways Nurse Practitioners Help Kids Live Healthier by Joyce Knestrick, CRNP, FAANP

Pediatric Nurse Practitioners Week celebrates the important role nurse practitioners (NPs) play in treating kids. NPs improve access to high-quality health care for millions, but for kids, their unique counseling-driven approach helps to address some of their most sensitive issues. Here are three ways pediatric NPs are making a difference:

• Chronic Illness: Roughly one in three children has a chronic health condition. NPs are trained not only to diagnose, but also teach young patients and their families to manage a diagnosis more effectively.

• Bullying: Nearly half of kids in grades 4-12 report being bullied in the last month, but only 20 percent say anything. NPs explore emotional health during regular visits and flag signs of bullying to help kids sooner.

• Obesity: One in five kids is obese, and the effects of excess childhood weight has lifelong implications. NPs help to identify at-risk kids and provide intervention strategies before they cause chronic health issues.

NPs are trained to get to the root of health concerns. Their patient-centric approach is especially important for kids who can benefit from early intervention to help ensure better lifelong health.

Take 30 seconds and join the 30Seconds community. Inspire ... and be inspired.