From Clues to Conclusions: Developing Diagnostic Reasoning Skills in Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Students

This continuing education activity is a recorded presentation for NAPNAP's 2026 National Conference.
The Diagnostic Reasoning Navigator Tool is an innovative tool designed to enhance diagnostic reasoning skills in pediatric primary care nurse practitioner students. This competency-based tool aligns with AACN essentials and supports a smooth transition from academic learning to clinical application. Pilot feedback indicates that the tool promotes cognitive engagement and offers a systematic approach to diagnostic decision-making, improving clinical practice and reducing diagnostic errors.
The course will award 0.75 contact hours and is offered at a reduced rate to NAPNAP Members. This continuing education activity rate is $7.50 for NAPNAP Members, and $15 for non-members.

This archived presentation from our 2026 national conference is available as part of a bundle of courses recorded during our 2026 conference in Pittsburgh. Purchase the conference bundle and select five of the 2026 conference sessions archived and save. 

The 2026 conference bundle is offered at a member-only discounted rate of $45. Non-members may purchase this bundle for $90. Great news - You can join NAPNAP before purchasing to save. To see the complete listing of courses available for selection in the 2026 conference bundle, click here.

Please note that this program is a recording from a live session from NAPNAP 2026 national conference in Pittsburgh. If you earned CE for this session, this course will be a duplicate.

IMPORTANT: You must be logged in using your NAPNAP Username and Password to be recognized as a Member of NAPNAP. If you are a current member of NAPNAP, and you are being asked to purchase this activity, please contact the NAPNAP National Office at (877) 662-7627 to request assistance prior to entering any payment information.    

Participants are forbidden to reproduce, republish, redistribute, or resell this course in any other form. For copyright-related questions, please email your question to: [email protected]

Copyright 2026 © by National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners

Target Audience

Pediatric-focused advanced practice registered nurses.

Learning Objectives

  • Define diagnostic reasoning and its role in reducing diagnostic errors in pediatric populations.
  • Describe the structure and function of the Diagnostic Navigator Tool.
  • Identify how to integrate the tool into both academic modules and clinical practice.
  • Recognize student-reported outcomes on the tool’s usefulness and application.
  • Discuss how this approach aligns with AACN Essentials and supports competency-based NP education.
Course summary
Available credit: 
  • 0.75 Contact hours
Course opens: 
07/01/2026
Course expires: 
06/30/2028
Cost:
$7.50
Part of: 
2026 National Conference on Pediatric Health Care Bundle
Rating: 
0

Sherita Etheridge, DNP, CPNP, CNE
Heather Hyde, DNP, CPNP

There are no disclosures to report

Available Credit

  • 0.75 Contact hours

Price

Cost:
$7.50
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