PNP-AC Live Webinar Series
Join leading pediatric nurse practitioner educators for an engaging eight-week live webinar series designed to strengthen your clinical knowledge and prepare you for success on the PNP-AC certification exam.
Attend the complete series for a comprehensive review or register only for the sessions most relevant to your learning needs. Each live webinar delivers focused instruction on key exam content, real-world clinical applications, and opportunities to interact with experienced faculty through live Q&A. Participants who purchase the complete eight-session series will also receive a spiral-bound printed course manual to support their learning throughout the program.
Whether you’re preparing to take the exam for the first time or looking for a targeted review, the PNP-AC Live Webinar Series offers the flexibility and expert instruction you need.
ALL webinar classes are 7:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m. EASTERN.
Learn live with expert PNP-AC faculty — ask questions in real time
One evening a week for 8 weeks — no 3-day cram session
Earn contact hours for each session
Miss a week? Get the recording and keep moving
Pick single sessions — or get all 8 at a package price with the printed course manual included
Weekly Sessions
All 8 Sessions — Complete Series Package
September 1 – October 20, 2026 · Includes the printed spiral-bound course manual, shipped to you
Margaret Quinn is a Clinical Professor and the specialty director for the pediatric nurse practitioner program in the School of Nursing at Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, where she has worked since 2011. Prior to her work at Rutgers, she held teaching and curriculum development positions at colleges and universities throughout New Jersey. She received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Seton Hall University, her Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Pennsylvania, and her Doctor of Nursing Practice from Rutgers.
Dr. Quinn’s special interests involve vaccination safety, childhood obesity and physical education activities, and the impact of post-traumatic stressors in children following natural disasters. Following 2012’s Hurricane Sandy, her research led her to recommend a number of school- and community-based initiatives to address post-traumatic stress in children. She also pioneered a curriculum integrating video games into the physical education curriculum in the middle school setting. This project has since been replicated at numerous schools statewide.
Dr. Quinn works at the national level on projects related to childhood obesity and prevention. One of her primary projects in this field involves developing partnerships between nurses and oral health providers to perform obesity screenings at each dental visit.
In her clinical practice as nurse practitioner, Dr. Quinn provides care for infants and children through direct consultation, collaboration, and referral with numerous New Jersey physicians in individual and group practices.
Week 1: Pediatric Primary Care Essentials for PNP-AC Success
September 1, 2026 — with Margaret Quinn, DNP, CPNP-PC, CNE, FAANP
An essential foundation for pediatric primary care covering health, growth, and development from birth through adolescence as well as immunization recommendations and genetic evaluations. Understanding basic physical, cognitive, and psychosocial development as well as standard milestones and early disease prevention across the pediatric spectrum ensures comprehensive and effective care for specialized pediatric health concerns.
Dr. Elizabeth (Liz) Espinoza, DNP, CPNP-AC, is the president of the Oregon chapter of the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners, interim program director for the Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP) program at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) and holds a clinical appointment as a PNP in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) at OHSU Doernbecher Children’s Hospital. She also works clinically as a PNP in the PICU at Randall Children’s Hospital in Portland, Oregon.
Dr. Espinoza earned a bachelor’s degree in music from St. Olaf College, a master’s degree in music therapy from the University of Iowa, and an entry level master’s degree in nursing from DePaul University. She received a post-graduate certificate as a pediatric acute care nurse practitioner and a Doctor of Nursing Practice from Vanderbilt University. Following her doctorate, she accepted a faculty position as the acute lead in the PNP program at OHSU in Portland.
Dr. Espinoza has several published articles on pediatric topics and has served as a textbook editor for various publications related to pediatrics and pediatric critical care.
Week 2: Neurological and Toxicologic Issues and Disorders
September 8, 2026 — with Elizabeth Espinoza, DNP, CPNP-AC
An examination of pediatric neurological conditions and toxicological emergencies, discussing trauma, seizures, and common toxic agents. Review identification and management strategies for various neurological disorders, including hypotonia and encephalopathy, and evaluate clinical concepts for complex conditions such as cerebral palsy and neurofibromatosis. Explore detailed clinical assessments for specific pediatric toxicologic exposures, including caustic household products and other common toxidromes, as well as cardiac and psychotropic medications, alongside critical management strategies and recommended antidotes for each.
Abigail Walsh, DNP, CPNP-AC, is a nurse practitioner for pediatric surgery at RWJBarnabas Health Northern Region and the lead advanced practice nurse practitioner for pediatric services. Dr. Walsh obtained her Doctor of Nursing Practice degree at Rutgers University after obtaining her Master of Science in Nursing at the University of Pennsylvania and her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Georgetown University.
Dr. Walsh has maintained a full-time clinical position with pediatric surgery at RWJBarnabas Health Northern Region, where she is a surgical first assistant in the operating room, as well as working as an integral clinician in transforming pediatric surgical services to an academic program with evidence-based protocols and care standardization. Prior to RWJBarnabas Health, Dr. Walsh was a nurse practitioner in pediatric cardiac surgery and electrophysiology at NYU Langone.
Dr. Walsh also works as an adjunct professor at Rutgers School of Nursing in New Jersey. She teaches pediatric pathophysiology and assessment to pediatric nurse practitioner students and is also a guest lecturer for courses and simulations in the graduate programs.
Week 3: Gastrointestinal, Renal, and Genitourinary Issues and Disorders
September 15, 2026 — with Abigail Walsh, DNP, CPNP-AC
An overview of acute and emergent pediatric gastrointestinal, renal, and genitourinary disorders, discussing the treatment and management of obstructions, congenital abnormalities, kidney injuries, and urinary infections. This session equips advanced practice clinicians to evaluate and manage conditions such as neonatal hyperbilirubinemia, acute liver failure, volvulus, and Hirschsprung disease. Additional guidelines aid in the differentiation between prerenal, intrarenal, and postrenal failure, and discuss the identification and management of complex metabolic conditions, nephrotic syndrome, nephritis, and reproductive emergencies like testicular or ovarian torsion.
Stacey Sears, DNP, RN, CPNP-AC, is a pediatric acute care nurse practitioner (PNP-AC). She earned her MSN from Wayne State College of Nursing and her DNP from the University of Michigan. Dr. Sears is an Assistant Professor at Wayne State University and oversees the PNP-AC specialty, ensuring the highest quality of education and clinical training for graduate students. In addition to her academic role, she serves as a nurse practitioner in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) at the University of Michigan.
Dr. Sears is clinical practice and research work primarily concentrates on improving the early detection and management of sepsis within the PICU, particularly emphasizing quality improvement initiatives that align with Pediatric Surviving Sepsis Campaign (pSSC) guidelines. She has enhanced sepsis screening processes through electronic health records, improving patient outcomes and creating more efficient treatment protocols in the PICU. Dr. Sears has disseminated her findings through multiple publications, significantly contributing to the expanding body of evidence aimed at improving care for sepsis in pediatric critical care environments.
As a clinical leader and educator, Dr. Sears has contributed to advancing critical care nursing practice by teaching graduate-level students in advanced pediatric pharmacology, pathophysiology, and critical care management. She has delivered national, state, and local presentations on pediatric sepsis, emphasizing the pSSC guidelines to enhance early detection, intervention, and outcomes in critically ill children.
Week 4: Respiratory Issues and Disorders and Shock States
September 22, 2026 — with Stacey Sears, DNP, RN, CPNP-AC
An exploration of pediatric respiratory disorders and shock states, covering lower respiratory infections, types and stages of shock, sepsis, and mechanical support. Useful guidelines cover acute and emergent respiratory conditions such as air leak syndromes, infectious diseases, status asthmaticus, and airway failure disorders, as well as mechanical and noninvasive ventilation and chest X-ray diagnostic interpretation. This session covers sepsis and shock state diagnostic and screening protocols, such as the traditional SIRS criteria and the updated Phoenix criteria. Management strategies for hypovolemic, distributive, cardiogenic, and obstructive shock states, as well as guidance in the use of supportive interventions like ECMO, are also discussed.
Kimberly DiMaria, DNP, CPNP-AC, CCRN, is the Director of Quality & Safety in the Congenital Heart Center at the University of Michigan C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital. She maintains her clinical practice as a nurse practitioner in the cardiac intensive care unit and leads resuscitation improvement efforts across the University of Michigan health system. She obtained her Master of Science degree from the University of Pennsylvania and her Doctor of Nursing Practice degree from Johns Hopkins University.
Dr. DiMaria has published and lectured extensively on a variety of pediatric critical care topics. Her research interests include quality improvement, but she is most passionate about resuscitation science, neurodevelopmental outcomes, sedation optimization, reduction of preventable harm, and advancing outcomes for patients with congenital and acquired heart disease.
Week 5: Cardiovascular Disorders, Sedation, and Analgesia
September 29, 2026 — with Kimberly DiMaria, DNP, CPNP-AC, CCRN
A comprehensive guide covering pediatric cardiovascular disorders, sedation, and analgesia, discussing cardiac malformations and acquired heart diseases, alongside pain management, sedation agents, and withdrawal. Review methods to evaluate and interpret electrocardiograms and to identify appropriate management and treatment strategies for arrhythmias, post-operative complications, and acute pulmonary hypertension. This session also delivers a closer look at the dosing and side effects of key medications used in procedural sedation, covering the different types of delirium that may occur post-sedation, in addition to tools like the Mallampati Airway Classification.
Meghan Faulkner, DNP, CPNP-AC, is a pediatric acute care-certified nurse practitioner with extensive experience in advanced practice nursing and pediatric nursing in various surgical and critical care settings, both in the United States and the United Kingdom. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from The College of New Jersey, Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Pennsylvania, and Doctor of Nursing Practice from Rutgers University as an NFLP recipient. She is a Clinical Instructor at the Rutgers School of Nursing Dual Pediatric Primary/Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Program and serves as acute care track coordinator, having built the curriculum from the ground up. She also teaches in the entry-to-practice division.
Dr. Faulkner has dedicated most of her clinical practice to pediatric critical care, with subspecialty foci in pediatric surgical and congenital heart conditions. She has a passion for bedside education for nurses to improve quality outcomes for children with acute and critical conditions. Her publications and presentations include both local and national conference circuits with topics surrounding pediatric critical care and surgical conditions. Her scholarship is centered on utilizing simulation modalities in advanced practice nursing curriculums to improve entry-to-practice readiness, as well as development of pediatric ERAS protocols.
Dr. Faulkner was the president of the New Jersey National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners chapter from 2024-2025 and serves as immediate past president. Her service efforts are focused on vaccine equity and care of migrant children. She brings both a diverse clinical repertoire to the Barkley & Associates Live Webinars as well as a passion for education with dynamic teaching skills that keep students engaged in the virtual arena. Dr. Faulkner is the course coordinator for the Barkley & Associates Pediatric Acute Care Certification Review/Clinical Update Course.
Week 6: Infectious Diseases, Fluids, Electrolytes, and Nutritional Issues and Disorders
October 6, 2026 — with Meghan Faulkner, DNP, CPNP-AC
A thorough examination of pediatric infectious diseases, fluids, electrolytes, and nutritional disorders, covering common pathogens alongside the management of dehydration, electrolyte derangements, and metabolic disturbances. This session aids nurse practitioners in understanding empiric therapies for infections and identifying the pathogens affecting different body systems, while assisting in the navigation of specific infections like meningococcemia and enterovirus, as well as toxic shock syndrome and tuberculosis. It also discusses the Holliday-Segar method, homeostatic values, and special conditions for sodium imbalance to assist nurse practitioners in executing clinical calculations needed to treat severe dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and implement nutritional support for conditions such as refeeding syndrome.
Elizabeth DeSantis, MSN, RN, CPNP-AC, is a pediatric acute care nurse practitioner, lead advanced practice clinician, and adjunct professor at Rutgers University. She earned her Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing.
Professor DeSantis is dedicated to transforming the advanced practice clinician (APC) role to align with regional, state, and national standards. She serves as a liaison between APC and senior leadership and medical group boards, advocating for the advancement and support of APCs while fostering collaboration and innovation in practice.
As an adjunct professor in the dual primary/acute care pediatric nurse practitioner program at Rutgers University, she equips pediatric nurse practitioners with the knowledge and resources needed to care for patients with complex health conditions.
Professor DeSantis is a recognized advocate for individuals affected by arthritis and has been named the Honoree of the Year by the Arthritis Foundation, reflecting her commitment to improving the lives of those impacted by the condition.
Week 7: Oncologic and Hematological Issues and Disorders
October 13, 2026 — with Elizabeth DeSantis, MSN, CPNP-AC
An in-depth discussion of pediatric oncological and hematological disorders, covering malignancies, oncologic emergencies, common and acute anemias, and sickle cell disease alongside blood transfusion guidelines. Explore diagnostic and management protocols for leukemia, lymphomas, and neuroblastoma, as well as strategies to address life-threatening emergencies like tumor lysis syndrome, alongside the risks and benefits of stem cell and bone marrow transplants. This session also covers essential identification and management strategies for acute chest syndrome, thalassemia, disseminated intravascular coagulation, and vaso-occlusive crisis, alongside assessments for deep vein thrombosis and severe blood transfusion-associated lung and circulatory complications.
Alexandra Armstrong, MSN, CPNP-AC, is an acute care certified pediatric nurse practitioner with extensive experience in advanced practice nursing and pediatric nursing. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology and Spanish from Wofford College and her Master of Science in Nursing at the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Nursing. She is both a Didactic and Clinical Instructor at the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Nursing in the acute care pediatric nurse practitioner track and serves as a coordinator for the track.
Ms. Armstrong has extensive experience practicing as a pediatric nurse practitioner in pediatric endocrinology at Children’s of Alabama. She has publications and presentations at local, state, and national levels with topics surrounding pediatric nursing, the pediatric nurse practitioner workforce, endocrinopathies, diabetes technology, child maltreatment, and foster care.
Ms. Armstrong holds leadership positions in state and national nursing organizations. She received the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners’ Child Maltreatment and Neglect SIG Award.
Week 8: Endocrine Issues and Disorders, Child Maltreatment Conditions, and Trauma and Burn Injuries
October 20, 2026 — with Alexandra Armstrong, MSN, CPNP‐AC
An exploratory review of pediatric endocrine disorders, child maltreatment indicators, and traumatic injuries, covering hormonal imbalances, non-accidental injury documentation, and organ and bodily trauma. Helpful endocrine guidelines aid in the assessment and treatment of Cushing’s syndrome and Addison’s disease, thyroid-related disorders, diabetic ketoacidosis, and the key differences between diabetes insipidus, syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone, and cerebral salt wasting syndrome. Red flags of child maltreatment are also discussed, detailing the identification of sentinel markers of abuse and the evaluation of patient history and exam findings to provide clear guidance on documentation, caregiver communication, and patient protection. Additional tools for pediatric trauma care examine APSA guidelines and Salter-Harris classification for organ and limb trauma, as well as the Parkland fluid resuscitation formula and American Burn Association criteria for burn-related trauma, and steps to prevent and manage submersion injuries.
À La Carte Add-Ons
Add to your order — with or without a session.
Review of Antibiotic Classes for Clinical Practice
- Reviews antibiotic classes, mechanisms of action, and evidence-based prescribing practices.
- Covers resistant infections, combination therapy, and special patient considerations.
- Includes 1.5 pharmacology contact hours, course materials, a quiz, and 6 months of online access.
Pediatric Acute Care NP Online Video Chapters
- Common Pediatric Genetic Syndromes and Inborn Errors of Metabolism
- Common Problems in Acute Care Procedures
- Professional Practice Issues
- Evidence-Based Cultural Considerations
Pediatric Acute Care NP Diagnostic Readiness Test
- 100-question online practice exam designed to assess your readiness for the PNP-AC certification exam.
- Includes detailed rationales, a 45-minute review session, and a comprehensive score report to identify strengths and areas for improvement.
- Earn 2.5 contact hours and enjoy up to two test attempts with 6 months of online access.
