Students function in an advanced practice nursing role working with families of children with acute and chronic health problems. This course prepares the advanced neonatal nurse to manage the high-risk neonate during the critical and convalescent phases of illness and after hospital discharge. Intensive practicum in an advanced practice role in a selected health care setting that provides primary or special care to infants, children, or adolescents. Courses may be waived if student has had equivalent content. N262 is taken during the summer following coursework.
Some courses involve both classroom theory and clinical practicums.
Clinical practicums with courses involve 4 to 8 hours per week during regular working hours. There is also work involved in preparation for class, clinical and for class assignments. There may also be clinical conferences associated with the externship. Some sites may be willing to provide full or partial salary during the externship. Sharron Doherty , PhD, RN, is an experienced pediatric oncology nurse whose research focuses on symptom distress in chronically ill children, particularly children with cancer and junior rheumatoid arthritis.