The PMA Staff
Pediatric Nurse Practitioners: A Commitment to helping you
Pediatric Medical Associates is privileged to have on staff certified pediatric
nurse practitioners (CPNP) with years of experience in Pediatric care, who
handle their responsibilities with professionalism, dedication and compassion.
Our CPNP's have a nursing background, followed by specialized education in
pediatric primary care. They complement your physician's care by being able
to spend extra time with you and your child to discuss wellness and preventive
health care programs, and by providing a support system for problems. The nurse
practitioners you see are part of your doctor's team, so you can be assured
that they work with your doctor to coordinate, advise and educate in an ongoing
manner. Their commitment to patient education lies as deep as their love and
understanding of children. When you need a little extra assurance, or have
any concerns about your child, our nurse practitioners are there for you.
What are pediatric nurse practitioners?
Pediatric nurse practitioners are "advanced practice nurses." They are registered nurses with masters degrees or other advanced education specializing in pediatrics. This education focuses on the treatment of primary health care of infants, children, and adolescents. PNP's focus on the "whole" child, including well child care and anticipatory guidance for physical, emotional, intellectual, and social aspects of development.
PMA's pediatric nurse practitioners have a total of more than 100 years of
experience working in pediatrics, and their practical training in clinical
(non-hospital) based pediatrics exceeds that of MD training for a new Doctor.
Overall, pediatric nurse practitioners provide solid primary health care to
children. Health promotion and preventative medicine are a large part of the
role of PNP's.
Can pediatric nurse practitioners diagnose and treat my sick child?
Yes, PNP's are able to treat acute illnesses as well as stable chronic illnesses.
PNP's are independent practitioners. PNP's are able to prescribe and treat
your child with medications if needed.
Do the pediatricians and pediatric nurse practitioners work together?
Yes, the pediatricians and PNP's work in collaboration for mutual referrals and consultation to ensure quality of care and access to your child and family.
Robin Halevi
has been a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner at PMA since 1991. She received her bachelor degree in Nursing from CSUS in 1991 and her masters and PNP degrees at UCSF in 1991. Robin is married, has three children and one grandchild. Her special interests in pediatrics are patient/parent teaching and promoting healthy eating behaviors
Helene Peirce
is a board certified PNP who has been caring for children since 1974. She received her R.N. from Massachusetts General Hospital School of Nursing in 1974 and practiced at Tuft's New England Medical Center in pediatrics until 1977. She then received her PNP certificate from the University of California Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Program in San Diego in 1978. She has practiced as a PNP since. She especially enjoys developmental pediatrics and lactation counseling. Her two children have also given her a lot of first hand pediatric experience as well as an understanding of juggling family and career.
Dian Davis
has been a pediatric nurse practitioner since 1970. She was the first nurse practitioner in the Air Force. She retired from active duty in 1993 after 25 years and has been a part of the practice here since that time. Dian is a California native and lives in Fair Oaks. She obtained herpractitioner education at the University of Colorado, and her masters degree from Mississippi State University.
Elaine M. Gomez
is a board certified PNP. She received her Bachelors of Science degree in Nursing from CSU Sacramento and practiced at Sutter Children's Center at Sutter Memorial Hospital for over 7 years. Elaine received her masters and pediatric nurse practitioner degrees from the University of California, San Francisco. Infant growth and development, child safety, and patient education are areas of special interest to Elaine.
