With the United States ranking in the 26th percentile among 140 nations for equal treatment when evaluating discrimination and prejudicial treatment trends, there is an urgent need for health care that transcends barriers to meet the needs of all infants, children, adolescents, and young adults. The National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners (NAPNAP) is dedicated to addressing any embedded structural inequities that impact children’s health care. NAPNAP strives to champion the work of its members through advocacy, education, research and leadership to equip them to provide care that promotes the health and well-being of the patients and patient families that they treat.
Pediatric nurse practitioners (PNPs) and other pediatric-focused APRNs play a crucial role in advancing health equity for all. Through their roles in clinical health care delivery, advocacy, policy development, leadership, education, workforce development, research, and evidence-based research translation, they can make a significant impact. It’s essential for providers to work on identifying bias and recognize that, although they may not be able to eliminate bias, self-reflection allows for the identification of behaviors causing disparities in care that could affect health outcomes.
“The future of pediatric health care requires that PNPs and nurse researchers prioritize child health equity to improve health outcomes through the advancement of scientific discoveries, creation of innovative and evidence-based solutions in practice and education settings, and through leadership and advocacy for change,” said NAPNAP President Daniel Crawford, DNP, ARNP, CPNP-PC, CNE, FAANP
NAPNAP is unwavering in its commitment to improving the health and well-being of all children. By offering comprehensive recommendations for PNPs and their colleagues, NAPNAP addresses health disparities and promotes equitable care. These recommendations encompass practice, advocacy, education, research and leadership. Key recommendations include empowering advanced practice registered nurses to practice to the full extent of their training, promoting bias identification and trauma-informed care, and advocating for policies that ensure health equity for all children. NAPNAP also stresses the importance of incorporating diversity and inclusion in educational curriculum, fostering diverse research partnerships, and creating organizational leadership that prioritizes inclusivity and respect. By embracing these strategies, NAPNAP aims to create systemic change that supports the health and well-being of all children.
The position statement is published in the November/December edition of the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioner’s Journal of Pediatric Health Care and can be accessed here.
Dec. 17, 2024
