Got an idea for a holiday? Send it to us

Submit Now

March18–23

Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Week – March 18-23, 2024

Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Week coincides with the National Pediatric Health Care In-Person Conference. This year, it takes place from March 18 to 23. This week honors Pediatric Nurse Practitioners (P.N.P.s) who devote their time and energy to their work as caregivers to infants and as educators to parents of infants they care for. These pediatric nurse practitioners are certified and Licensed advanced Nurses. There are several settings where P.N.P.s work, including hospitals, special clinics, and health centers. If you’re interested in earning your certification and becoming a nurse, here are some nursing scholarships to help you.

History of Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Week

The pediatric nurse practitioner career field first began in 1965 when the first Pediatric Nurse Practitioner program was created. The first master’s degree program for pediatric nurse practitioners was initiated in 1967 at Boston College. The role was formed to meet the needs of the underserved in the field of pediatrics. In 1973, the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners (NAPNAP) was formed. By 1980, almost 20,000 pediatric nurse practitioners were practicing in the United States. In 1985, the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners was created.

These pediatric nurse practitioners specialize in newborn, infant, and adolescent care. Pediatric nurse practitioners have extensive experience in primary pediatric healthcare and management, and the prevention of acute pediatric illness and chronic conditions. Pediatric nurse practitioners not only take care of infants; they also educate families on infant care.

In 2010, the Advanced Practice Registered Nurses met with the White House Office of Health Reform to discuss the importance of having an influential voice to convey primary care, quality, and safety to government officials, and especially how vital it is to recognize health care providers and workers as key players in solving the healthcare crisis. In 2013, the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners and the American College of Nurse Practitioners merged to form a member organization. Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Week is a relatively new development created to honor the effort of these special nurses.

Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Week timeline

1965
The Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Program

The first program for pediatric nurse practitioners is created.

1973
The National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners

An Association for pediatric nurse practitioners is formed — the NAPNAP.

1978
The NAPNAP Foundation

The National Association of Pediatric Nurses foundation is formed to advance research and education for pediatric nurses.

2013
A New Member Organization

The American Academy and the American College of Nurse Practitioners form a new member organization for P.N.P.s.

Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Week FAQs

How long does it take to become a pediatric nurse?

It takes about six years for a full-term course.

Do pediatric nurses earn well ?

Pediatric nurses have a higher earning potential than most nurses.

Do pediatric nurses give shots?

Yes, pediatric nurses administer shots, specifically vaccines and immunization shots.

How to Observe Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Week

  1. Post on social media

    Share social media posts. Give a shoutout to the pediatric nurses in your community, and send them your appreciation and words of encouragement.

  2. Surprise them with care packages

    You can honor and celebrate these pediatric nurse practitioners with a surprise package. We suggest care packages of food baskets, skincare and relaxation products, or other useful items.

  3. Hang banners and posters

    Pediatric nurse practitioners do some of the most daunting jobs. Hang banners and put up colorful posters in local community centers to honor these hard-working nurses.

5 Facts About Pediatric Nurse Practitioners

  1. They are advocates

    Pediatric nurse practitioners have acted as advocates for primary access to healthcare for children from low-income communities for the past 50 years.

  2. Low malpractice rates

    Pediatric nurse practitioners have the lowest malpractice rates in the medical field.

  3. Solo practices

    Pediatric nurse practitioners can establish solo practice without a physician in 23 American states.

  4. United States primary care workforce

    Pediatric nurse practitioners are a vital part of the primary care workforce in the United States.

  5. Over a billion annual patient visits

    Pediatric nurse practitioners get a little over a billion patient visits globally.

Why Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Week is Important

  1. It honors pediatric nurse practitioners

    The celebration honors the efforts and achievements of pediatric nurse practitioners in providing quality healthcare. The holiday is a demonstration of public appreciation, encouragement, and support.

  2. It spreads awareness

    Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Week spreads awareness on childcare issues. Some of these issues include substance abuse, speech disorders, A.D.H.D, and child trafficking.

  3. It is a call to action

    The celebration of P.N.P.s is a call to action to recruit more pediatric nurses. We need more professionals caring for infants and children.

Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Week dates

YearDateDay
2022March 21Monday
2023March 20Monday
2024March 18Monday
2025March 17Monday
2026March 16Monday

Holidays Straight to Your Inbox

Every day is a holiday!
Receive fresh holidays directly to your inbox.