The creation of knowledge by pediatric nurse scientists that informs and directs everyday nursing practice is essential to delivering safe and effective nursing care to children. The health of our children is at stake due to current statistics showing a steady decline in pediatric nurses and a lack of pediatric nurse scientists with PhDs. The objectives of this paper are to: Summarize the demands on pediatric health care. Express our concern that there are insufficient pediatric nurse scientists to produce the fundamental knowledge needed to direct pediatric nursing practice. Discuss the factors that may affect the number of pediatric nurse scientists. Make recommendations for nursing leaders, faculty, and professional nursing organizations to increase the depth of knowledge in pediatric health care.