Evaluating the Practice of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners: Is It Time for Dual Primary and Acute Care Preparation?

•Pediatric nurse practitioners (PNP) care for children across the health continuum.•PNPs integrate the primary and acute care PNP competencies into practice.•Schools should consider dual pediatric primary and acute care PNP educational tracks. This survey aimed to evaluate contemporary pediatric nurse practitioner (PNP) practice as it relates to the competencies of both the primary and acute care population focus and settings of practice to guide curriculum revisions. The design of the study was a cross-sectional survey of PNPs certified by the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board. There were 2,265 surveys completed. Regardless of the certification type, PNPs report providing care across settings and integrating the competencies of both the primary and acute care PNP into practice. This warrants further consideration by programs to prepare future PNPs for dual primary and acute care certification.