Development and Validation of a Competency Framework for Pediatric Nurse Practitioners

INTRODUCTION: A Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP) Competency Framework was developed and validated to describe how PNP competence progresses across a career, informing professional development and recertification. METHODS: The initial framework was created by a task force of subject matter expert PNPs and further refined through focus groups. Validation occurred via a national survey administered February-March 2023, with descriptive statistics used to analyze responses. RESULTS: The survey achieved a 7.4% response rate, with respondent demographics consistent with the PNCB demographic report from the same period. Over 95% of respondents agreed the framework accurately represented the PNP role. DISCUSSION: The validated framework emphasizes progression of behaviors across seven role-based competency domains: Clinician, Collaborator, Advocate, Educator, Scholar, Leader, and Innovator. It has implications for individual PNPs, healthcare organizations and employers, the national certification board, and other key stakeholders. The framework supports reflection on competence, career progression, goal setting, and workforce sustainability.