POPULATION-FOCUSED NURSE PRACTITIONER COMPETENCIES

Health Delivery 1. Applies knowledge of
System organizational practices and
Competencies complex systems to improve
health care delivery.

2. Effects health care change using
broad based skills including
negotiating, consensus-building,
and partnering.

3. Minimizes risk to patients and
providers at the individual and
systems level.

4. Facilitates the development of
health care systems that address
the needs of culturally diverse
populations, providers, and other
stakeholders.

5. Evaluates the impact of health
care delivery on patients,
providers, other stakeholders, and
the environment.

6. Analyzes organizational structure,
functions and resources to
improve the delivery of care.

7. Collaborates in planning for
transitions across the continuum
of care.

26

Management and Organization
 Organizational theory
 Principles of management
 Models of planned change
 Collaborative practice
 Healthcare system financing
 Reimbursement systems
 Standards of practice
 Cost, quality, outcome measures
 Resource management
 Evaluation models
 Peer review

Communication
 Communication theory
 Collaboration
 Conflict resolution
 Assertiveness
 Collaborative practice models
 Informatics
 Consultation

Healthcare Policy and Advocacy
 Process of healthcare legislation
 Maternal and child health legislation
 Implications of healthcare policy
 Economics of health care
 Third-party reimbursement
 Legislation and regulations concerning

advanced practice
 Advocacy

Research and Quality Improvement
 Safety
 Continuous Quality Improvement

Population-Focused Nurse Practitioner Competencies

Ethics 1. Integrates ethical principles in Conforms to the n
Competencies decision making. National Associat

2. Evaluates the ethical
consequences of decisions.

3. Applies ethically sound solutions
to complex issues related to
individuals, populations and
systems of care.

Independent 1. Functions as a licensed 1. Obtains a tho
Practice
Competencies independent practitioner. maternal me

2. Demonstrates the highest level of and newborn

accountability for professional 2. Performs a c

practice. examination

3. Practices independently managing and developm

previously diagnosed and 3. Develops a c

undiagnosed patients. includes pert

3.a Provides the full spectrum of and physical

health care services to 4. Demonstrate

include health promotion, reasoning sk

disease prevention, health 5. Establishes p

protection, anticipatory 6. Initiates thera

guidance, counseling, disease to establishe

management, palliative, and 7. Demonstrate

end of life care. skills conside

3.b Uses advanced health according to

assessment skills to national, prof

27

national Code of Ethics of the Ethical and Legal Issues
tion of Neonatal Nurses.  Ethical decision making
 Ethical issues—reproductive, prenatal,

neonatal, and infancy
 Ethical use of information
 Patient advocacy
 Bioethics committees
 Clinical research
 Resource allocation
 Genetic counseling
 Legal issues affecting patient care and

professional practice
 Informed consent
 Cultural sensitivity

orough health history to include Advanced Neonatal Pathophysiology
edical, antepartum, intrapartum, Advanced Neonatal Pharmacology
n history. Advanced Neonatal Assessment
complete, systems-focused Perinatal Issues

to include physical, behavioral, A. Perinatal physiology
mental assessments.  Maternal physiology (physiologic
comprehensive database that adaptation to pregnancy, pathologic
tinent history, diagnostic tests, changes or disease in pregnancy,
l assessment. effects of pre-existing disease)
es critical thinking and diagnostic  Fetal physiology
kills in clinical decision-making.  Transitional changes
priorities of care.  Neonatal physiology
apeutic interventions according
ed standards of care. B. Pharmacology
es competency in the technical  Principles of pharmacology and
ered essential for NNP practice pharmacotherapeutics, including those
the standards set forth by at the cellular response level
fessional.

Population-Focused Nurse Practitioner Competencies

differentiate between normal, 8. Intervenes ac

variations of normal and standards of

abnormal findings. compromised

3.c Employs screening and 9. Implements d

diagnostic strategies in the care.

development of diagnoses. 10. Ensures that

3.d Prescribes medications within are applied to

scope of practice. 11. Documents a

3.e Manages the health/illness and outcome

status of patients and families 12. Considers co

over time. and strength

4. Provides patient-centered care and follow up

recognizing cultural diversity and care.

the patient or designee as a full 13. Communicat

partner in decision-making. caregivers re
4.a Works to establish a infant’s healt

relationship with the patient 14. Applies princ

characterized by mutual assist family

respect, empathy, and infant’s illnes

collaboration. 15. Participates i

4.b Creates a climate of patient- and other he

centered care to include 16. Participates a

confidentiality, privacy, interdisciplina

comfort, emotional support, development

mutual trust, and respect. practices.
4.c Incorporates the patient’s 17. Identify strate

cultural and spiritual sensitive, hig

preferences, values, and biases.

beliefs into health care.
4.d Preserves the patient’s

control over decision making

by negotiating a mutually

acceptable plan of care.

28

ccording to established  Principles of pharmacokinetics and

care to resuscitate and stabilize pharmacodynamics of broad categories

d newborns and infants. of drugs

developmentally appropriate  Common categories of drugs used in

the newborn and infant

t principles of pain management  Effects of drugs during pregnancy and

o all aspects of neonatal care. lactation
assessment, plan, interventions,
es of care. C. Genetics
ommunity and family resources  Principles of human genetics
hs, when planning patient care  Genetic testing and screening
p needs across the continuum of  Genetic abnormalities
 Human Genome Project

tes with family members and  Gene therapy

egarding the newborn and  Genetic Counseling
thcare status and needs.
ciples of crisis management to General Assessment
members in coping with their  Perinatal history
ss.  Antepartum conditions
in the learning needs of students  Prenatal diagnostic testing
ealthcare professionals.  Intrapartum conditions
as a member of an  Influence of altered environment on the
ary team through the
t of collaborative and innovative newborn and infant
 Gestational age assessment
 Neonatal physical exam

egies to deliver culturally  Behavioral assessment
gh quality care free of personal  Developmental assessment
 Pain assessment

 Assessment of family adaptation, coping

skills, and resources

Sociocultural Assessment

A. Family assessment
 Family function

1. roles
2. interactions
3. effect of childbearing

Population-Focused Nurse Practitioner Competencies

29

 Social, cultural, and spiritual variations
 Support systems

B. Families in crisis
 Crisis theory
 Principles of intervention
 Crises of childbearing
1. sick or premature infant
2. chronically ill or malformed infant
3. death of an infant
 Grief
1. stages
2. factors influencing grieving
process
3. pathologic grief
4. sibling reactions

C. Principles of family-centered care

Clinical and Diagnostic Laboratory
Assessments
Clinical laboratory tests
 Microbiologic
 Biochemical
 Hematologic
 Serologic
 Metabolic and endocrine
 Immunologic
 Routine newborn screening
 Other

Diagnostic tests (types and techniques)
 Ultrasound
 Computed tomography (CT)
 Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI),

magnetic resonance angiogram (MRA),
magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS)
 X-ray

Population-Focused Nurse Practitioner Competencies

30















34

2. Short gut syndrome
3. Osteopenia
4. Inborn errors of metabolism

E. Renal and genitourinary
 Embryology and anatomy
 Renal physiology
 Evaluation of renal function
 Urinary tract infections
 Congenital anomalies
 Functional abnormalities of the renal
system
 Renal failure
1. Predisposing factors and etiologies
2. Pathophysiology
3. Management
a. Fluid and electrolytes
b. Nutritional modification
c. Drug modification
d. Hemofiltration
e. Dialysis
f. Transplant

F. Fluid and electrolytes
 Physiology
1. Electrolyte homeostasis
2. Body composition in fetal and
neonatal periods
3. Transitional changes
4. Insensible water loss
5. Endocrine control,
(mineralocorticoids, antidiuretic
hormone (ADH),
calcitonin/parathyroid hormone
(PTH)
6. Renal function, physiology
 Calcium and phosphorus homeostasis

Population-Focused Nurse Practitioner Competencies

35

 Principles of fluid therapy
1. Assessment of hydration
2. Maintenance requirements
3. Factors affecting total fluid
requirements

 Disorders of fluids and electrolytes
 Immune and nonimmune hydrops

G. Endocrine and metabolic system
 Neuroendocrine regulation
 Carbohydrate metabolism
 Infant of a diabetic mother
 Adrenal disorders
 Thyroid disorders
 Inborn errors of metabolism
 Newborn screening
 Ambiguous genitalia, intersex disorders

H. Hematologic system and malignancies
 Development of the hematopoietic
system
 Anemia
 Polycythemia and hyperviscosity
 Bilirubin
1. Physiology of bilirubin production,
metabolism, and excretion
2. Hyperbilirubinemia
3. Breast milk jaundice
4. Encephalopathy
 Hepatic disorders
 Coagulation and platelets
1. Physiology
2. Disorders of coagulation and
platelets
 Disorders of leukocytes
 Blood transfusions and blood products
 Malignancies, neoplasms

Population-Focused Nurse Practitioner Competencies

36

I. Immunologic system
 Development of the immune system

 Function of the immune system
 Allo- and auto-immune disorders
 Infectious diseases
 Evaluation of the infant
1. History
2. Physical examination
3. Laboratory data
4. Other diagnostic tests

 Treatment
1. Antimicrobial
2. Adjunctive therapy

 Infection with specific microorganisms

J. Musculoskeletal system
 Embryology
 Congenital abnormalities
 Birth injuries
 Metabolic bone disease

K. Neurobehavioral system
 Development of the nervous system

1. 1.Embryology
2. Anatomy
3. Cerebral circulation
4. Maturation
 Birth injuries
 Anomalies and defects of central
nervous system (CNS) and spine
 Ischemic brain injury
 Seizures
 Intracranial hemorrhage
 Disorders of movement and tone
 Growth and development
 Developmentally supportive care

Population-Focused Nurse Practitioner Competencies

37

 Developmental follow-up of infants

L. Eyes, ears, nose, and throat
 Embryology and anatomy
 Abnormalities of the airway
1. Congenital
2. Acquired
 Auditory system
1. Physiology of hearing and speech
2. Speech and language alterations
3. Hearing screening methods

4. Abnormalities
 Visual system
1. Physiology of vision and visual
development
2. Visual acuity
3. Visual screening
4. Pharmacotherapy
5. Abnormalities
6. Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP)

M. Integumentary system
 Embryology
 Anatomy and physiology
 Terminology
 Common variations
 Skin disorders
 Pharmacology

N. Intrauterine drug exposure
 Screening for maternal substance use
 Laboratory tests
 Ethical considerations
 Physiologic effects
 Clinical management
1. Pharmacologic
2. Nonpharmacologic

Population-Focused Nurse Practitioner Competencies

38

Health Promotion and Disease Prevention
A. Discharge planning
 Discharge planning process

 Technologically dependent infants
 Parent education

1. infant cue recognition
2. emergency measures
3. medical equipment
4. disease-specific instructions
5. well-child care (normal growth and

development, nutrition, dental
health)
 Community resources
 Home care and follow-up
B. Primary care up to 2 years
 Physical assessment
 Immunization
 Hearing screening
 Eye exams
 Neurologic follow-up
 Developmental screening
 Safety issues

Population-Focused Nurse Practitioner Competencies

Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitione

These are entry-level competencies for th
core competencies for all nurse practition

The graduate of an ACPNP program is p
illness across the entire pediatric age spe
a patient, by virtue of age, could fall outsi
need, the patient is best served by the AC
assessment, diagnosis and management
implements the full scope of the role thro
patients and their families. The ACPNP p
unstable, technologically dependent, and
2006, p 9), and a continuum of care rang
patient’s condition, prevent complications
Patients may be encountered across the
intervention.

See the “Introduction” for how to use this
competencies.

Competency Area NP Core Competencies Acute Care Pedi
NP Competencie

Scientific 1. Critically analyzes data and 1. Contributes t
Foundation evidence for improving advanced improved chi
Competencies nursing practice.
2. Participates i
2. Integrates knowledge from the quality impro
humanities and sciences within translation, a
the context of nursing science. into practice.

3. Translates research and other 3. Delivers of e
forms of knowledge to improve pediatric pati

39

er Competencies

he acute care pediatric nurse practitioner (ACPNP) and supplement the
ners.

prepared to care for children with complex acute, critical and chronic
ectrum, from birth to young adulthood. Circumstances may exist in which
ide the traditionally defined ACPNP population but by virtue of special
CPNP. The ACPNP implements the full scope of the role through
t with interventions for patients and their families. The ACPNP
ough assessment, diagnosis and management with interventions for
provides care to patients who are characterized as “physiologically
d/or are highly vulnerable to complications” (AACN Scope and Standards,
ging from disease prevention to critical care in order to “stabilize the
s, restore maximum health and/or provide palliative care” (AACN p. 10).
continuum of care settings and require ongoing monitoring and

s document and to identify other critical resources to supplement these

iatric Curriculum Content to Support
es Competencies

to knowledge development for Neither required nor comprehensive, this list reflects only
ild and family-centered care. suggested content specific to the population
in child and family focused
ovement, program evaluation, The following curriculum considers advanced
and dissemination of evidence pathophysiology; advanced physical
. examination findings; and advanced
evidence-based practice for pharmacology (kinetics, dynamics, genomics)
ients. that pertains to the unique aspects of the
infant, child, and adolescent.

Population-Focused Nurse Practitioner Competencies

Competency Area NP Core Competencies Acute Care Pedi
NP Competencie

practice processes and outcomes.
4. Develops new practice

approaches based on the
integration of research, theory,
and practice knowledge

Leadership 1. Assumes complex and advanced 1. Advances the
Competencies
leadership roles to initiate and interprofessio

guide change. healthcare de

2. Provides leadership to foster 2. Participates a

collaboration with multiple professional

stakeholders (e.g. patients, optimal healt

community, integrated health care families.

teams, and policy makers) to 3. Advocates w

improve health care. unrestricted a

3. Demonstrates leadership that providers tha

uses critical and reflective care to childr

thinking.

4. Advocates for improved access,

quality and cost effective health

care.

5. Advances practice through the

development and implementation

of innovations incorporating

principles of change.

6. Communicates practice

knowledge effectively both orally

and in writing.

7. Participates in professional

organizations and activities that

influence advanced practice

40

iatric Curriculum Content to Support
es Competencies

Neither required nor comprehensive, this list reflects only
suggested content specific to the population

e knowledge of the Scientific Foundations
onal team to improve pediatric  Clinical practice guidelines
elivery and patient outcomes.  Evidence based care
actively in pediatric focused  Translational research
organizations that promote  Vulnerable and diverse populations and
th care for children and their
cultures
within health care agencies for
access to all health care Professional Role
at provide quality, cost effective  Professional accountability
ren and families.  Role theory
 Role of the ACPNP
 Scope & standards of practice of the

ACPNP
 Professional regulation and licensure
 Credentialing and certification
 Clinical decision making and problem

solving
 Professional scholarship
 Engagement in Professional organizations
 Advocacy
 Self-evaluation and peer review

Teaching and Education
 Theories - change, education,

communication, family
 Cultural sensitivity

Communication
 Communication theory
 Collaboration
 Conflict resolution
 Collaborative practice models

Population-Focused Nurse Practitioner Competencies

Competency Area NP Core Competencies Acute Care Pedi
NP Competencie

nursing and/or health outcomes of
a population focus.

Quality 1. Uses best availablye evidence to Articulates the im
Competencies continuously improve quality of
local, state and n
clinical practice.
2. Evaluates the relationships among foster best practic

access, cost, quality, and safety

and their influence on health care.

3. Evaluates how organizational

structure, care processes,

financing, marketing and policy

decisions impact the quality of

health care.

4. Applies skills in peer review to

promote a culture of excellence.

5. Anticipates variations in practice

and is proactive in implementing

interventions to ensure quality.

41

iatric Curriculum Content to Support
es Competencies

Neither required nor comprehensive, this list reflects only
suggested content specific to the population

 Simulation with role-playing for learning
skills such as history taking as well as for
more complex communication techniques
such as sharing bad news or potential poor
outcomes with patients and families.

Clinical practicum
 Incorporation into interprofessional team

member.
 Quality improvement initiatives
 Safety

Continuous Quality Improvement

Replication of clinical scenarios with a focus
on team training for the purpose of learning
leadership, followership, and team concepts.

mportance of collaborating with Healthcare Policy and Advocacy
national child organizations to  Economics of health care
ces and child safety.  Safety (local, state, national)

Quality Improvement Process in measuring
outcomes

Population-Focused Nurse Practitioner Competencies

Competency Area NP Core Competencies Acute Care Pedi
NP Competencie

Practice Inquiry 1. Provides leadership in the Ensures pediatric
Competencies
translation of new knowledge into parental permissi
practice.
inquiry.
2. Generates knowledge from clinical

practice to improve practice and

patient outcomes.

3. Applies clinical investigative skills

to improve health outcomes.

4. Leads practice inquiry, individually

or in partnership with others.

5. Disseminates evidence from

inquiry to diverse audiences using

multiple modalities.

6. Analyze clinical guidelines for

individualized application into

practice

Technology and 1. Integrates appropriate 1. Considers de
the family wh
Information Literacy technologies for knowledge to support po
Uses pediatr
Competencies management to improve health learning to im
Evaluates inf
care. 2. inclusion of d
patients.
2. Translates technical and scientific

health information appropriate for 3.
various users’ needs.
2.a Assesses the patient’s and

caregiver’s educational needs

to provide effective,

personalized health care.

2.b Coaches the patient and

caregiver for positive

behavioral change.

3. Demonstrates information literacy

skills in complex decision making.

42

iatric Curriculum Content to Support
es Competencies

c assent and consent, and/or Neither required nor comprehensive, this list reflects only
ion when conducting clinical suggested content specific to the population

Aspects of conducting research with children.

Application of research and EBP findings
pertinent to pediatric patients and their families
to improve outcomes.

evelopmental level of child and Educational initiatives that translate health
hen translating health information
information to children and families.
ositive health outcomes.

ric focused simulation based Integration of hospital information systems and

mprove practice. evaluation appropriateness for pediatric

formation systems to assure the patients.

data appropriate for pediatric Distance linked services.

Use of electronic information to enhance
patient care and outcomes.

Technology that enhances safety, such as with
information databases.

Population-Focused Nurse Practitioner Competencies









Competency Area NP Core Competencies Acute Care Pedi
NP Competencie

Independent 1. Functions as a licensed 1. Recognizes t
Practice
Competencies independent practitioner. interprofessio

2. Demonstrates the highest level of safe, compre

accountability for professional 2. Obtains relev

practice. focused heal

3. Practices independently managing complex acu

previously diagnosed and conditions.

undiagnosed patients. 3. Applies adva

3.a Provides the full spectrum of determine ap

health care services to care of childr

include health promotion, system organ

disease prevention, health 4. Integrates kn

protection, anticipatory anticipate an

guidance, counseling, disease physiologic c

management, palliative, and failure in chil

end of life care. 5. Responds to

3.b Uses advanced health critical, and c

assessment skills to rapidly chang

differentiate between normal, recognition a

variations of normal and health crises

abnormal findings. both physiolo

3.c Employs screening and data.

diagnostic strategies in the 6. Prioritizes da

development of diagnoses. nature of a c

3.d Prescribes medications within critical, and c

scope of practice. 7. Interprets ag

3.e Manages the health/illness appropriate s

status of patients and families essential in t

over time. of the child w

4. Provides patient-centered care chronic healt

45

iatric Curriculum Content to Support
es Competencies

Neither required nor comprehensive, this list reflects only
suggested content specific to the population

local, national and international
community.

the importance of Consider the unique aspects of the infant,
onal team practice in providing child, and adolescent as they pertain to:
ehensive clinical care.  Advanced Pathophysiology
vant comprehensive problem  Advanced Physical Assessment
lth histories for children with  Advanced Pharmacology (kinetics,
ute, critical, and chronic
dynamics, genomics)

anced assessment skills to Genetics
ppropriate management in the  Principles of human genetics
ren with single and/or multi  Genetic testing and screening
n dysfunction.  Genetic abnormalities
nowledge of pathophysiology to  Human Genome Project
nd identify rapidly changing  Gene therapy
conditions and organ system  Genetic Counseling
dren.
o children with complex acute, Foundational concepts of the child & family

chronic problems to address  Health and family assessment with

ging conditions, including the emphasis on normal and abnormal growth

and management of emerging and development

s, and organ dysfunction using  Behavioral assessment

ogically and technology derived  Health promotion and disease prevention

 Common acute and chronic conditions

ata recognizing the dynamic  Assessment of family adaptation, coping

child with a complex acute, skills, and resources

chronic condition.
ge, developmental and situational Sociocultural Assessment
screening and diagnostic studies  Family assessment

he diagnosis and management  Family function

with a complex acute, critical, or 1. roles

th condition. 2. interactions

Population-Focused Nurse Practitioner Competencies

Competency Area NP Core Competencies Acute Care Pedi
NP Competencie

recognizing cultural diversity and 8. Develops ap
the patient or designee as a full with an unde
partner in decision-making. exacerbation
4.a Works to establish a chronic cond

relationship with the patient 9. Provides ong
characterized by mutual single or mul
respect, empathy, and
collaboration. 10. Seeks and in
4.b Creates a climate of patient- interprofessio
centered care to include developing a
confidentiality, privacy, care.
comfort, emotional support,
mutual trust, and respect. 11. Performs spe
4.c Incorporates the patient’s and/or techn
cultural and spiritual physiological
preferences, values, and
beliefs into health care. 12. Appropriately
4.d Preserves the patient’s interventions
control over decision making stability in ch
by negotiating a mutually conditions.
acceptable plan of care.
13. Understands
of prescribing
pharmacolog
of children w
chronic cond

14. Prescribes m
regimes mon
specific to th
acute, critica

15. Manages the
dependent ch
acute, critica

16. Stabilizes ch
threatening s

17. Performs con
settings for c

46

iatric Curriculum Content to Support
es Competencies

Neither required nor comprehensive, this list reflects only
suggested content specific to the population

ppropriate differential diagnosis  Social, cultural, and spiritual variations

erstanding of new or  Support systems

n of complex acute, critical, and Families in crisis
ditions.  Crisis theory
going monitoring of children with  Principles of intervention
lti-system organ dysfunction.  Grief
ntegrates the perspectives of
onal team members in 1. stages
and implementing the plan of 2. factors influencing grieving process
3. pathologic grief

ecific diagnostic maneuvers 4. sibling reactions

nical skills to monitor and sustain  Principles of family-centered care

l function. Foundational concepts of the acutely ill
y orders and performs child
s to monitor, sustain and restore  Responding to rapidly changing clinical
hildren with deteriorating
conditions, including the recognition and

s the complexity and interaction management of emerging crises and organ
g pharmacologic and non- dysfunction and failure. Complex
gic therapies required in the care monitoring and ongoing management of
with complex acute, critical, and intensive therapies in a variety of settings,
ditions. including but not limited to:
medications and complex medical  inpatient and outpatient hospital
nitoring for adverse outcomes
he child with high risk complex settings
al, and chronic conditions.  specialty services
e medically fragile technology  emergency departments
hild who presents with complex  home care settings
al, and chronic illness and injury  Essential knowledge of unique challenges
hildren in emergent and life and management of the chronically ill child
situations. and their family.
nsultations in a variety of  Assessment of clinical laboratory and
children with complex acute, diagnostic imaging; including but not
limited to:

Population-Focused Nurse Practitioner Competencies

Competency Area NP Core Competencies Acute Care Pedi
NP Competencie

critical and c
knowledge a
18. Initiates and
within and ou
and across a
admission, tr

47

iatric Curriculum Content to Support
es Competencies

chronic conditions based on Neither required nor comprehensive, this list reflects only
and expertise. suggested content specific to the population

facilitates the child’s transition  Microbiologic, biochemical,
utside of the health care setting hematologic, and other relevant test.
all levels of care including
ransfer and discharge.  Diagnostic imaging studies
 Indications
 Reliability
 Advantages and disadvantages
 Cost-effectiveness
 Interpretation of results
 Screening tests, such as:
 Auditory, visual, and others as

indicated.
 Indication for and principles of

procedures, including but not limited to:
 Lumbar puncture
 Percutaneous arterial and venous

catheters
 Arterial puncture
 Endotracheal intubation
 Laryngeal mask airway placement
 Assisted ventilation
 Intraosseous
 Needle aspiration of pneumothorax
 Chest-tube insertion and removal
 Fluid and electrolytes:
 Physiology
1. Electrolyte homeostasis
2. Body
3. Transitional changes
4. Insensible water loss
5. Endocrine control
 Renal function, physiology

Population-Focused Nurse Practitioner Competencies

Competency Area NP Core Competencies Acute Care Pedi
NP Competencie

48

iatric Curriculum Content to Support
es Competencies

Neither required nor comprehensive, this list reflects only
suggested content specific to the population

 Calcium and phosphorus homeostasis
 Principles of fluid therapy
1. Assessment of hydration
2. Maintenance requirements
3. Factors affecting total fluid

requirements
 Disorders of fluids and electrolytes
 Nutrition

 Caloric and nutritional requirements
 Feeding methods

1. Human milk
2. Bottle
3. Gavage
4. Gastrostomy
5. Transpyloric
6. Trophic
 Human milk, common formulas,
specialty formulas
1. Composition
2. Benefits
3. Indication/contraindications
 Parenteral nutrition
1. Composition
2. Indications
3. Benefits
4. Complications
5. Monitoring
 Dietary supplementation
 Dietary adjustments in special
circumstances
 Discharge planning
 Discharge planning process

Population-Focused Nurse Practitioner Competencies

Competency Area NP Core Competencies Acute Care Pedi
NP Competencie

49

iatric Curriculum Content to Support
es Competencies

Neither required nor comprehensive, this list reflects only
suggested content specific to the population

 Technologically dependent children
 Parent education
 Community resources
 Home care and follow-up

Assessment, diagnosis, and management
of the following system specific problems:
Cardiology:
 Arrhythmias
 Cardiomyopathy
 Cardiogenic Shock
 Congenital heart lesions
 Congestive heart failure
 Postpericardiotomy syndrome
 Pulmonary hypertension
 Rheumatic fever
 Syncope
 Transplantation

Gastroenterology:
 Abdominal injuries
 Appendicitis
 Esophageal disorders
 Foreign Body
 Gastroenteritis
 Gastrointestinal bleeding
 Hepatitis
 Hyperbilirubinemia in the neonate
 Ingestions
 Inflammatory bowel disease

Population-Focused Nurse Practitioner Competencies

Competency Area NP Core Competencies Acute Care Pedi
NP Competencie

50

iatric Curriculum Content to Support
es Competencies

Neither required nor comprehensive, this list reflects only
suggested content specific to the population

 Intestinal obstructions
 Hepatic insufficiency/failure
 Pancreatitis
 Superior mesenteric artery syndrome

Genito-urinary/ Nephrology:
 Dialysis
 Female genitorurinary disorders (e.g.

pelvic inflammatory disease, ovarian
torsion)
 Hematuria
 Hypertension
 Renal Insufficiency/failure
 Male genitorurinary disorders (e.g.
testicular torsion)
 Nephrotic syndrome
 Pylenonephritis/nephritis
 Renal tubular acidosis
 Transplantation
 Urosepsis

Infectious Diseases:
 Bacterial infections (e.g. apparent life-

threatening events, bacteremia, epiglottitis,
tracheitis)
 Health care associated infections
 Fever
 Fungal infections
 Multiple organ dysfunction syndrome
 Opportunistic infections
 Parapneumonic infections
 Resistant organisms

Population-Focused Nurse Practitioner Competencies