Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Week – March 17-22, 2025

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.