title: Advanced practice nursing in child maltreatment: practice characteristics.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Child maltreatment is a problem of epidemic proportions in the United States. Pediatric nurse practitioners and other advanced practice nurses (APNs) have been caring for maltreated children for decades, yet to date no comprehensive assessment of their practice characteristics or their clinical and academic contributions to the field has been performed. The purpose of this study is to describe the practice characteristics of APNs who care for maltreated children.
  
  
  METHODS
  A descriptive design was used for this study. Child advocacy centers and children's hospitals were contacted to inquire about employment of child maltreatment APNs in their institution, and contact information for the lead APN was obtained. The Nurse Practitioner Survey was then sent to lead APNs by e-mail.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The majority of APNs who work primarily in child maltreatment are pediatric nurse practitioners who work in child advocacy centers. They are providing care to children with physical and/or sexual abuse concerns; however, APNs provide care for children with all types of child maltreatment concerns.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  APNs play a vital role in the care of abused/neglected children. Their important contributions include not only clinical care but also the provision of clinical and didactic education to other professionals, parents, and the public. Research and publication are also essential to their role.
authors.forename: Gail
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Hornor
authors.forename: Pamela
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Herendeen
mesh_terms: D057179:Advanced Practice Nursing / Q000193:education; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002568:Certification; D002648:Child; D002649:Child Abuse / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D002675:Child, Preschool; D006801:Humans; D024802:Nurse's Role; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D064701:Pediatric Nurse Practitioners / Q000193:education / Q000523:psychology; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D017009:Professional Autonomy; D014481:United States
keywords: Advanced practice nursing; child maltreatment