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The Peds NP: Pearls of Pediatric Evidence-Based Practice

The Peds NP: Pearls of Pediatric Evidence-Based Practice

By: Becky Carson
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Summary

Join pediatric nurse practitioner and educator Dr. Becky Carson on The Peds NP, a podcast that turns evidence-based practice into practical, real-world strategies for caring for kids. Each episode blends the latest pediatric literature with conversational insights, helping you connect research to bedside decisions with confidence. Becky brings her experience as a dual-certified PNP in acute and primary care and faculty member at Duke University School of Nursing to guide you through cases, concepts, and clinical pearls that matter most. You’ll gain tools to improve outcomes, sharpen your thinking, and feel empowered in those tricky situations where judgment counts. Tune in, learn, and transform the way you practice—and remember, you’re doing it for the kids.


Disclaimers & Show Notes: www.thepedsnp.com

Copyright 2026 All rights reserved.
Hygiene & Healthy Living Physical Illness & Disease
Episodes
  • Immunizations Update: Navigating New Vaccine Recommendations (S13 Ep. 85)
    May 18 2026
    In the second episode of our Immunization Updates mini-series, we’ll break down the evolving—and increasingly confusing—2026 pediatric immunization landscape, helping clinicians make sense of diverging CDC and AAP vaccine schedules. Following major federal changes to the ACIP process and subsequent shifts in CDC recommendations, several vaccines were reclassified from universal use to “high-risk” or “shared decision-making,” creating uncertainty for providers and families alike. We’ll walk through what changed, why it matters, and how these updates compare to the AAP’s continued endorsement of universal protection against 18 diseases. Using real-world examples like HPV and RSV prevention, this episode unpacks how wording, categorization, and policy decisions impact clinical care, patient understanding, and public confidence. We end with practical strategies for navigating vaccine conversations, maintaining an AAP-aligned workflow, addressing insurance and liability concerns, and documenting when families choose alternate approaches. This episode is a must-listen for pediatric providers who want to stay grounded in evidence, communicate clearly with families, and confidently advocate for childhood immunizations in a shifting policy environment. Website: www.thepedsnp.come Contact: thepedsnp@gmail.com Instagram: @thepedsnppodcast AACN Essentials Mapping (Domain. sub-competency): 1.1, 1.3 2.5 3.3, 3.5 4.2 6.1 9.1 References: Abers, M. S., Ulrich, A. K., & Walensky, R. P. (2026). Universal Hepatitis B Vaccination at Birth-Risks of Revising the Recommendation. JAMA, 335(7), 569–570. https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2025.24996 American Academy of Pediatrics. (2026, January 26). AAP’s 2026 immunization schedule keeps routine recommendations intact after overhaul of federal schedule. AAP News. https://publications.aap.org/aapnews/news/34141/ American Academy of Pediatrics. (2026). What is the difference between the AAP immunization recommendations and other vaccine schedules? HealthyChildren.org. https://www.healthychildren.org/English/tips-tools/ask-the-pediatrician/Pages/what-is-the-difference-between-the-AAP-recommended-immunization-schedule-and-other-vaccine-schedules.aspx American Public Health Association. (2026, March 16). Federal Judge Blocks Immunization Schedule Changes, Stays ACIP Member Appointments. APHA News Releases. https://www.apha.org/news-and-media/news-releases/apha-news-releases/federal-judge-blocks-immunization-schedule-changes#:~:text=A%20coalition%20of%20leading%20medical,the%20December%202025%20ACIP%20meeting. Arthur, E. (2025). AAP has been leading voice on childhood vaccine recommendations since 1930s. AAP News. Retrieved from https://publications.aap.org/aapnews/news/32762/AAP-has-been-leading-voice-on-childhood-vaccine?searchresult=1 Association of Immunization Managers. (2026, February 13). What to know about one-dose HPV vaccination. Childhood Immunization. https://www.immunizationmanagers.org/what-to-know-about-one-dose-hpv-vaccination/ Cacho, F., Gebretsadik, T., Anderson, L. J., Chappell, J. D., Rosas-Salazar, C., Ortiz, J. R....Hartert, T. (2024). Respiratory Syncytial Virus Prevalence and Risk Factors among Healthy Term Infants, United States. Emerging Infectious Diseases, 30(10), 2199-2202. https://doi.org/10.3201/eid3010.240609. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2025). Healthcare Professionals: Immunization Schedules. Vaccines and Immunizations. https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/imz-schedules/index.html Department of Health and Human Services. (2026). Fact Sheet: CDC Childhood Immunization Recommendations. Press Room. https://www.hhs.gov/press-room/fact-sheet-cdc-childhood-immunization-recommendations.html Kates J, Bell C, Michaud J, Williams E, Tolbert J. Tracking state actions on vaccine policy and access. KFF. September 24, 2025. Accessed December 28, 2025. https://www.kff.org/covid-19/tracking-state-actions-on-vaccine-policy-and-access/#:~:text=Thirteen%20states%20have%20moved%20to,recommendations%20apply%20to%20all%20vaccines Mello, M. M., Walensky, R. P., Osterholm, M. T., & Brennan, T. A. (2026, January 13). Navigating conflicting vaccination recommendations: Guidance for clinicians. JAMA. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2844090 Montori, V. M., Ruissen, M. M., Hargraves, I. G., Brito, J. P., & Kunneman, M. (2023). Shared decision-making as a method of care. BMJ evidence-based medicine, 28(4), 213–217. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjebm-2022-112068 O'Leary, S. T., Opel, D. J., Cataldi, J. R., Hackell, J. M., COMMITTEE ON INFECTIOUS DISEASES , COMMITTEE ON PRACTICE AND AMBULATORY MEDICINE , & COMMITTEE ON BIOETHICS (2024). Strategies for Improving Vaccine Communication and Uptake. Pediatrics, 153(3), e2023065483. https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2023-065483 Payne AB, Battan-Wraith S, Rowley EAK, et al. Effectiveness of nirsevimab among infants in their first RSV season in the United States, October ...
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    24 mins
  • Immunizations Updates: The Return of Measles (S13 Ep.84)
    May 11 2026

    Welcome to our vaccine-focused mini-series, "Immunizations Updates"! Today we will use data from the United States' measles resurgence following the 2025 outbreak to explore what every pediatric provider needs to know as cases continue to climb. We walk through how measles slipped toward losing its elimination status, how today’s clinicians can rapidly rebuild their diagnostic instincts, and what early symptoms are most likely to be missed. We also break down high‑risk groups, key clinical clues, key references, practice tips, and highlights from Lyles & Carson’s recent 2026 reference for prevention and post-exposure prophylaxis for children with inflammatory bowel disease. Along the way, we’ll discuss practical strategies for vaccine advocacy, documentation, differential diagnosis, and post‑exposure management, giving you the tools to protect vulnerable kids and strengthen vaccine confidence in their communities.

    Website: www.thepedsnp.come

    Contact: thepedsnp@gmail.com

    Instagram: @thepedsnppodcast

    AACN Essentials Mapping (Domain. sub-competency):

    1.1f, 1.2g, 1.2h, 1.2i, 1.3d,

    2.1d, 2.2j, 2.4g

    3.1m, 3.2e, 3.3c, 3.3e, 3.3f, 3.5f, 3.5g, 3.6g

    4.1i, 4.2f, 4.2k, 4.3e

    9.1i, 9.2i, 9.3i

    10.1c, 10.2g, 102i, 10.3l, 10.3o

    References:

    American Academy of Pediatrics [AAP]. (2026). Measles Infection Prevention and Control Frequently Asked Questions. Patient Care. https://www.aap.org/en/patient-care/measles/measles-frequently-asked-questions/#:~:text=Because%20measles%20in%20HCP%20has,of%20serologic%20immunity%20is%20demonstrated.

    Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC]. (2026, February 20). Measles cases and outbreaks. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/measles/data-research/index.html

    Do, L. A. H., & Mulholland, K. (2025). Measles 2025. The New England Journal of Medicine, 392(25), 1–12. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMra2504516

    Kiang, M. V., Bubar, K. M., Maldonado, Y., Hotez, P. J., & Lo, N. C. (2025). Modeling reemergence of vaccine-eliminated infectious diseases under declining vaccination in the US. JAMA. https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2025.70336

    Imdad, A., Mayo-Wilson, E., Haykal, M. R., Regan, A., Sidhu, J., Smith, A., & Bhutta, Z. A. (2022). Vitamin A supplementation for preventing morbidity and mortality in children from six months to five years of age. The Cochrane database of systematic reviews, 3(3), CD008524. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD008524.pub4

    Lyles, J. L., & Carson, R. A. (2026). Prevention and post-exposure prophylaxis for measles in children with inflammatory bowel disease. Journal of pediatric gastroenterology and nutrition, 10.1002/jpn3.70336. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1002/jpn3.70336

    National Institutes of Health. (2025). Vitamin A and carotenoids. Health Information. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminA-HealthProfessional/

    Rhodesia, R.E. (2025). Public health wake-up call: Will the US lose measles elimination status? News. Contagion Live. https://www.contagionlive.com/view/public-health-wake-up-call-will-the-us-lose-measles-elimination-status-

    Sheikh, I.N., Kamdar, K.Y., & Ardura, M.I. (2023). Ensure proper immunization for patients who received chemotherapy or transplantation. AAP News. https://publications.aap.org/aapnews/news/23569/Ensure-proper-immunization-for-patients-who?autologincheck=redirected

    World Health Organization [WHO]. (2024). Provisional measles and rubella data. Retrieved from https://immunizationdata.who.int/global?topic=Provisional-measles-and-rubella-data

    WHO. (2025). Measles. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/measles

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    26 mins
  • Choosing Wisely Case 4: New onset enuresis (S12 Ep. 83)
    Dec 1 2025
    Welcome to the Choosing Wisely Campaign series! This is the fifth and final episode of our 5-part series exploring the ABIM Foundation’s Choosing Wisely Lists. This campaign aims to promote conversations between clinicians and patients to avoid unnecessary medical tests, treatments, and procedures. Our last case-based episode focuses on a school-aged male presenting with new-onset enuresis. After a discussion of the differential diagnosis and evidence-based evaluation strategies, we apply recommendations from multiple AAP Choosing Wisely lists to create a care plan that is safe, resource-conscious, and child-centered. Throughout this episode, we’ll highlight how ethical care principles—beneficence, nonmaleficence, autonomy, and justice—guide high-value decision-making and help us avoid unnecessary imaging, laboratory studies, and interventions that add cost without improving outcomes. This familiar case in pediatrics is worthy of a rewind to relisten to a throwback episode that will reinforce your skills and emphasize the clinical diagnosis and management without added diagnostics, referrals, or medications. This case closes out our series on Choosing Wisely in Pediatrics, but the principles we’ve explored should continue to inform your practice every day. If you missed earlier episodes, rewind to learn more about the campaign’s background and listen to cases on fever and cough, gastroenterology presentations, and more. Series Learning Objectives: Introduction to the Choosing Wisely Campaign: Understand the origins, historical precedent, and primary goals of the campaign.Case-Based Applications: Explore five common presentations in primary and acute care pediatrics, applying concepts from various Choosing Wisely lists to guide management and resource stewardship.Effective Communication: Learn strategies for engaging in tough conversations with parents and colleagues to create allies and ensure evidence-based practices are followed. Modified rMETRIQ Score: 15/15 What does this mean? Competencies: AACN Essentials: 1: 1.1 g; 1.2 f; 1.3 d, e2: 2.1 d, e; 2.2 g; 2.4 f, g; 2.5 h, i, j, k7: 7.2 g, h, k9: 9.1i, j; 9.2 i, j; 9.3 i, k NONPF NP Core Competencies: 1: NP 1.1h; NP 1.2 k, m; NP 1.3 f, j, h2: NP 2.1 j, g; NP 2.2 k, n; NP 2.4 h, i; NP 2.5 k, l, m, n, o7: NP 7.2 m9: NP 9.1 m, n; NP 9.2 n; NP 9.3 p References: AAP Section on Emergency Medicine & Canadian Association of Emergency Physicians. (2022). Five things physicians and patients should question. Retrieved from https://downloads.aap.org/AAP/PDF/Choosing%20Wisely/CWEmergencyMedicine.pdf AAP Section on Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition. (2023). Five things physicians and patients should question. https://downloads.aap.org/AAP/PDF/Choosing%20Wisely/CWGastroenterology.pdf AAP Section on Urology. (2022). Five things physicians and patients should question. Retrieved from https://downloads.aap.org/AAP/PDF/Choosing%20Wisely/CWUrology.pdf Daniel, M., Szymanik-Grzelak, H., Sierdziński, J., Podsiadły, E., Kowalewska-Młot, M., & Pańczyk-Tomaszewska, M. (2023). Epidemiology and Risk Factors of UTIs in Children-A Single-Center Observation. Journal of personalized medicine, 13(1), 138. https://doi.org/10.3390/jpm13010138 McMullen, P.C., Zangaro, G., Selzer, C., Williams, H. (2026). Nurse Practitioner Claims and the National Practitioner Data Bank: Trends, Analysis, and Implications for Nurse Practitioner Education and Practice. Journal for Nurse Practitioners, 22(1), p. 105569, https://doi-org.proxy.lib.duke.edu/10.1016/j.nurpra.2025.105569 Tabbers, M. M., DiLorenzo, C., Berger, M. Y., Faure, C., Langendam, M. W., Nurko, S., Staiano, A., Vandenplas, Y., Benninga, M. A., European Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, & North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology (2014). Evaluation and treatment of functional constipation in infants and children: evidence-based recommendations from ESPGHAN and NASPGHAN. Journal of pediatric gastroenterology and nutrition, 58(2), 258–274. https://doi.org/10.1097/MPG.0000000000000266 UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals. (n.d.). Constipation & urologic problems. https://www.ucsfbenioffchildrens.org/conditions/constipation-and-urologic-problems Vaughan, D. (2015). The Challenger Launch Decision: Risky Technology, Deviance, and Culture at NASA. University of Chicago Press. DOI: 10.7208/chicago/9780226346960.001.0001 Wilbanks, Bryan A. PhD, DNP, CRNA. Evaluation of Methods to Measure Production Pressure: A Literature Review. Journal of Nursing Care Quality 35(2):p E14-E19, April/June 2020. | DOI: 10.1097/NCQ.0000000000000411
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    32 mins
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