This is a Computer-Based Test (CBT)

Credential Awarded: PCNS-BC (Pediatric Clinical Nurse Specialist—Board Certified)

Description of Practice
The Clinical Nurse Specialist in Pediatrics (CNS) is a registered nurse prepared in a graduate level pediatric clinical nurse specialist program or an accepted equivalent to provide advanced care for children and their families. The CNS demonstrates an in-depth understanding of the complexity of pediatric health care and problems as well as advanced interventions to manage and improve care for the child and family. Using theory and research, the CNS’s considers all influences on a child’s health status and the related psychosocial and behavioral problems arising from the child’s altered physiological condition. The CNS practice occurs in diverse settings such as primary care, acute care, community, rehabilitation, and long-term care and is actively engaged in education (e.g. patient, staff, students, and colleagues), case management, expert clinical practice, consultation, research, and administration.

Eligibility Criteria
All requirements must be completed prior to application for the examination.

		Hold a current, active RN license in a state or territory of the United States or the
		professional, legally recognized equivalent in another country
		Hold a master's, post-master's, or doctorate from a clinical nurse specialist
		in a pediatrics program or a program that provides course work that addresses children's unique physiological, psychological, and developmental needs from birth through age 21 that is accredited by the Commission on the Collegiate of Nursing Education (CCNE) or the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC).
		A minimum of 500 faculty supervised clinical hours in the Pediatric CNS role
		and specialty must be included in the educational program. This Pediatric CNS graduate program must include three separate courses in:
		-	advanced health assessment
		-	advanced pharmacology
		-	advanced pathophysiology