How to Become a Pediatric Nurse in 3 Steps
Caring for the youngest patients often demands the greatest dedication and empathy from healthcare professionals. Those passionate about aiding children might find pediatric nursing to be an ideal career path. Pediatric nurses devote their time to treating children from infancy through adolescence. They may choose to specialize in a particular segment of the pediatric population or work broadly with all age ranges. For anyone considering a nursing career, pediatric nursing offers a promising avenue. This piece will explore: What defines a pediatric nurse? What roles do pediatric nurses fulfill? In which environments do pediatric nurses practice? What are the various categories of pediatric nurses? How does one become a pediatric nurse in three steps? What additional qualifications do pediatric nurses need? What are the salary expectations and job outlook for pediatric nurses?
A pediatric nurse is a registered nurse specializing in the care of children across different healthcare settings. Pediatric nurses' daily tasks vary as they may care for a newborn one day and a teenager the next. They address a wide range of health issues or focus on a particular area of interest.
While compassion is vital for all nurses, it is especially crucial when dealing with young patients who might not fully understand their situations. Key traits for success in pediatric nursing include:
- **Distraction skills.** To manage children's medical needs, such as blood draws or other tests, pediatric nurses often use distraction techniques to ease the child’s anxiety. - **Emotional resilience.** Working with ill children is emotionally demanding, requiring nurses to stay strong and supportive for their patients. - **Playfulness.** Bringing joy to children, even those who are unwell, can make a significant difference, helping them momentarily forget their ailments.
Pediatric nurses carry out numerous tasks daily, similar to other nursing roles. Responsibilities in this field might include organizing patient load, gathering patient data, assisting with exams, and administering vaccines, with duties varying by workplace.
A career in pediatric nursing guarantees varied and engaging shifts. The work is rewarding, even when dealing with critically ill young patients. Typical tasks include:
- Caring for children needing both chronic and acute care - Collaborating with healthcare teams for comprehensive patient understanding - Assessing patients and implementing evidence-based interventions - Administering medications - Monitoring growth and developmental milestones - Formulating care plans - Educating caregivers about health practices
Pediatric nurses manage both minor and severe health conditions. Conditions they may encounter include:
- Asthma/allergies - Bone fractures - Cerebral palsy - Childhood obesity - Genetic disorders - Juvenile diabetes - Seizure disorders
Depending on the workplace, nurses might also treat children facing more severe illnesses, such as cancers.
Pediatric nurses work in diverse environments such as:
- Medical offices - Schools - Clinics (urgent care, family medicine) - Hospital units (pediatrics, PICU)
These nurses often work alongside pediatricians or family medical practitioners, and their role frequently involves significant interaction with the patient's family.
With over 20 specialties available, pediatric nursing can be tailored to personal interests. Popular roles include:
- Labor and delivery nurses, who assist in childbirth - Neonatal nurses, caring for premature or ill newborns - Pediatric ICU nurses, who treat critically ill or injured young patients
Path to becoming a pediatric nurse in three steps:
**Step 1: Become a registered nurse (RN)** While licensed practical nurses (LPNs) or nurse aides can work in pediatrics, becoming a registered nurse generally allows for greater career progression.
**Obtain a degree** The first step is earning a nursing degree. Eligible degrees for pediatric nursing include an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). An ADN can be completed at a community college over two years, whereas a BSN usually requires four years at a university. For those with a non-nursing bachelor's degree, an Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program is available, taking 11-18 months. RNs with ADNs can pursue an RN-to-BSN program for a faster BSN acquisition.
**Pass the NCLEX exam** To become a pediatric nurse, passing the NCLEX-RN is essential. This standardized test evaluates knowledge across eight care areas, including:
- Management of Care - Basic Comfort and Care - Health Promotion - Psychosocial Integrity - Physiological Adaptation - Pharmacological Therapies - Risk Reduction - Safety and Infection Control
The exam fee is about $200 in the U.S., with 75 to 145 questions and a five-hour limit.
**Step 2: Gain experience** After passing the NCLEX, the next step is obtaining an RN position. Some roles offer better career advancement prospects in pediatric nursing than others. Beneficial experiences include working in pediatric hospital units or private pediatric practices. Certification in pediatric nursing requires 1,800 hours of clinical experience within two years.
**Step 3: Obtain certifications** While not mandatory, pediatric nursing certification, like the Certified Pediatric Nurse (CPN) certificate, can provide a competitive advantage.
Most nurses must often engage in continuing education to maintain their licenses, which helps them stay updated on new practices and skills. States have varying requirements for continuing education, usually every one to three years.
The salary for pediatric nurses varies based on location, education, and experience. On average, registered nurses earn $82,750 annually, while pediatric nurses average $85,630, equating to around $41 per hour. The demand for pediatric nurses is projected to increase by 6% from 2021 to 2031.
Pediatric nurses often report high job satisfaction, particularly those with consistent daytime schedules.
After gaining experience, pediatric nurses might pursue advanced degrees like a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). These credentials can open doors to roles such as pediatric nurse practitioners or educators, and potentially, research positions. For career advice, consulting experienced professionals in your specialty can be beneficial.
