This role is designed to meet the specialized physiologic and psychological needs of children in the areas of health maintenance and promotion and management of disease process. The Primary Care CPNP® provides wellness management of children and their families incorporating competencies related to health promotion, protection, disease prevention and the treatment focus of pediatric nurse practitioner practice to maximize wellness and assist children and families in the prevention and management of common pediatric acute and chronic conditions.

Primary Care CPNP® Goal of Care
The goal of care is to achieve optimum quality of life and/or prevent a condition or illness from occurring. Activities of the Primary Care PNP in this role include conducting wellness-focused history and physical examinations, ordering, performing and interpreting age-appropriate screening tests; prescribing vaccines and medications; and developing a wellness management plan. In the role of health maintenance and management, the primary care PNP diagnoses and manages common pediatric problems of pathophysiological and pathopsychological origins.

Primary Care CPNP® Functions
The Primary Care CPNP® prescribes a comprehensive therapeutic treatment plan including pharmacological strategies, patient and family education and admission to the emergency room or hospital. The functions of the primary care PNP are conducted through clinical practice, teaching, consultation and/or referrals. The PNP-PC role contributes to the well being of children and families through the client-nurse relationship, teaching coaching function, professional role, managing and negotiating health care delivery systems, monitoring and ensuring the quality of health care practice, providing family centered care and demonstrating cultural competency.

Primary Care CPNP® Practice Setting
The Primary Care CPNP® practices in a variety of health care settings including, but not limited to, the home, hospital, ambulatory and school based clinics, private practice and subspecialty clinics.

For the distinction between this and the acute care role, click here.