By Robert A. Hall, MA
Copyright 2000 NAPNAP

One of the small joys of life is seeing an article you've written in print. It's not as good as winning the lottery, saving a life or finding your one true love but it ain't bad, either! PNPs in academic settings are used to writing articles for scholarly publications like the Journal of Pediatric Health Care it's part of their professional responsibility. But both academics and clinicians should make it part of their responsibility to write for consumer publications as well. Here's why:

1. You'll help children by educating their parents about kids' health care issues.
2. You'll help educate consumers about the role, education and practice of PNPs. You'd be surprised (or maybe not!) at the number of young mothers who have no idea that PNPs even exist. You may be able to counter negative images of NPs generated by other groups.
3. You'll get the little ego rush of seeing your name in print.
4. You might even make a couple of dollars.