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Pediatric Surgery NP Competency Framework

APSNA is proud to introduce the Pediatric Surgery Nurse Practitioner (NP) Competency Framework, affirmed and endorsed by the American Nurses Association (ANA). This framework defines the essential skills and knowledge required to support evidence-based, safe, and high-quality care in pediatric surgical practice.

Why Competency Matters

Competence in nursing is both a professional responsibility and a public expectation. The Pediatric Surgery NP Competency Framework:

  • Protects patient safety and ensures quality of care
  • Supports lifelong professional growth
  • Provides accountability across healthcare systems
  • Establishes a model for specialty practice

“Competence is definable, measurable, and can be evaluated.”

Background & Development

The American Nurses Association (2014) emphasized the need for nurses to demonstrate competence throughout their careers. APSNA advanced this priority in alignment with the Institute of Medicine’s Future of Nursing Report (2010) → :

  • Nursing must embrace continuous, lifelong learning (education, residency, ongoing competence).
  • Competence extends beyond technical skills to include decision-making and care management.
  • Competency at the specialty level must be guided by professional organizations.
  • Specialty preparation should build upon the APRN role and population focus.
  • Competence may be achieved through education, experience, or credentialing mechanisms.
Pediatric Surgery NP Competency Framework

APSNA’s Strategic Plan

In 2015, APSNA launched a strategic plan to address this need, building on the IOM report and the Pediatric Nursing Scope and Standards (2015).

A task force was established to:

  • Develop specialty-specific NP competencies for pediatric surgical practice
  • Provide guidance on preparing NPs for surgical care roles
  • Integrate competencies into education, preceptorship, and onboarding

The result is a framework that supports NPs entering pediatric surgical care, provides a model for professional preparation, and evolves with evidence-based practice.

Competency Highlights

The Pediatric Surgery NP Competency Framework focuses on:

  • Clinical Expertise – advanced assessment, perioperative and postoperative management, and effective coordination with surgical teams to ensure continuity of care.
  • Evidence-Based Practice – applying the latest research and clinical guidelines, while evaluating outcomes to improve patient care and advance the profession.
  • Safety & Quality – maintaining high standards in every setting by following safety protocols, reducing risks, and promoting continuous quality improvement.
  • Leadership & Collaboration – mentoring peers, advocating for patients and families, and strengthening interdisciplinary teamwork to support surgical nursing practice.
Framework Banner

Elevate your practice with the Pediatric Surgery NP Competency Framework — a trusted, ANA-endorsed guide created by APSNA.

This resource is designed to:

  • Provide clear standards for safe, evidence-based care
  • Support professional growth and career development
  • Help employers and educators onboard and evaluate NPs with confidence
  • Align with national nursing standards and advance pediatric surgical nursing

Choose the option that’s right for you:

Purchase as an Individual

Ideal for nurse practitioners, students, and professionals who want a personal copy for reference and growth.

Purchase as an Institution

Best for universities, hospitals, and organizations that need a shared framework to guide onboarding, education, and practice standards.

Pediatric Surgery NP Competency Framework Reviews

— A.B.

"Four years after starting my career as a Pediatric Surgery NP, I was asked to onboard a new hire. This framework ensured her orientation was complete and well-rounded."

— M.J.

"The NP Competencies provided both the new NP and myself with clear guidelines and expectations. Our physician colleagues now have a better understanding of our role."

— J.M.

"The competencies set expectations that can be used to set goals for new team members and measure progress in the field."

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