How To Become Pediatric Nurse | SkillsAndTech
Being a pediatric nurse is more than a job – it’s a calling. It takes a special person to be able to work with children who are sick, injured, or simply in need of medical attention. And while the job can be demanding, it is also immensely rewarding.
If you’re thinking of becoming a pediatric nurse, there are a few things you should know. In this blog post, we will explore what it takes to be a pediatric nurse and how you can make a difference in the lives of the children you care for.
Table of Contents
What is a Pediatric Nurse?
A pediatric nurse is a type of registered nurse who specializes in the care of infants, children, and adolescents. Pediatric nurses may work in hospitals, clinics, doctor’s offices, or schools. They may also provide home health care or be employed by child-care facilities.
The scope of practice for pediatric nurses is determined by each state’s Board of Nursing. In some states, pediatric nurses are allowed to diagnose and treat illness, whereas in other states they are limited to providing preventive care and education.
Pediatric nurses must have at least an Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN) from an accredited nursing program. Some employers may require a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
Nurses with a BSN will have completed additional coursework in subjects such as leadership, research, and patient safety.
In addition to their educational requirements, all nurses must be licensed by their state’s Board of Nursing. To maintain their license, nurses must complete continuing education credits periodically throughout their career.
The Different Types of Pediatric Nurses
There are many different types of pediatric nurses, each with their own unique set of responsibilities. Here are some of the most common types of pediatric nurses:
Neonatal nurse
A neonatal nurse is a registered nurse who specializes in the care of newborn babies. They work in hospitals, clinics, and private homes, and provide medical and emotional support to both parents and children.
Pediatric intensive care nurse
A pediatric intensive care nurse provides specialized care for critically ill or injured children. They work in hospital Intensive Care Units (ICU), and are often involved in providing life-saving treatments.
Pediatric oncology nurse
A pediatric oncology nurse cares for children with cancer. They provide both medical and emotional support to their patients and families, and work closely with other members of the healthcare team to ensure the best possible outcome for their patients.
Pediatric emergency room nurse
A pediatric emergency room nurse provides care for children who have sustained injuries or become ill suddenly. They work in hospital emergency rooms, and must be able to think quickly and act decisively in order to provide the best possible care for their patients.
The Pros and Cons of Being a Pediatric Nurse
There are many reasons to become a pediatric nurse, including the satisfaction of working with children and the opportunity to make a difference in their lives. However, there are also some challenges that come along with the job. Here are some pros and cons of being a pediatric nurse:
Pros
- You can make a real difference in the lives of children.
- The work can be very rewarding.
- You will have the opportunity to work with a variety of people, including families, doctors, and other nurses.
Cons
- It can be emotionally challenging to deal with sick or injured children.
- The hours can be long and unpredictable.
How to Become a Pediatric Nurse
A pediatric nurse is a registered nurse who has specialized training in caring for infants, children, and adolescents. There are many different types of pediatric nurses, including school nurses, primary care pediatricians, and Pediatric Nurse Practitioners (PNPs).
To become a pediatric nurse, you will need to complete an accredited nursing program and pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN). You may also need to obtain additional certification from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board (PNCB).
What Does a Pediatric Nurse Do?
A pediatric nurse is a registered nurse who specializes in the care of infants, children, and adolescents. Pediatric nurses work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, doctor’s offices, and schools. They may also work as home health nurses or in research positions.
Pediatric nurses are responsible for providing direct patient care, as well as educating families about their child’s condition and health promotion. They collaborate with other members of the healthcare team to provide comprehensive care for their patients.
The scope of practice for pediatric nurses is determined by the state in which they practice. In some states, pediatric nurses may be able to prescribe medication or order diagnostic tests. In other states, they may only be able to provide guidance and support to families.
If you are interested in becoming a pediatric nurse, you will need to obtain a Registered Nurse (RN) license. To do this, you will need to complete an accredited nursing program and pass the NCLEX-RN exam. Once you have your RN license, you can then pursue specialty certification through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).
The Different Types of pediatric Nursing Careers
There are many different types of pediatric nursing careers available to those who want to specialize in caring for children. Here are some of the most popular pediatric nursing career options:
1. Neonatal Nurse
A neonatal nurse is a registered nurse who specializes in the care of newborn babies, both healthy and sick. Neonatal nurses typically work in hospitals, but some may also work in private clinics or homes.
2. Pediatric Oncology Nurse
A pediatric oncology nurse is a registered nurse who specializes in the care of children with cancer. These nurses typically work in hospitals, but some may also work in private clinics or homes.
3. Pediatric Cardiology Nurse
A pediatric cardiology nurse is a registered nurse who specializes in the care of children with heart conditions. These nurses typically work in hospitals, but some may also work in private clinics or homes.
4. Pediatric Endocrinology Nurse
A pediatric endocrinology nurse is a registered nurse who specializes in the care of children with hormone-related conditions such as diabetes and growth disorders. These nurses typically work in hospitals, but some may also work in private clinics or homes.
5. Pediatric Gastroenterology Nurse
A pediatric gastroenterology nurse is a registered nurse who specializes in the care of children with digestive disorders such as Crohn’s disease and celiac disease. These nurses typically work in hospitals, but some may also work at private clinics or homes.
Conclusion
A career as a pediatric nurse can be very rewarding. It is a demanding job, but it is also one that comes with a lot of satisfaction. If you have the passion and dedication to work with children, then becoming a pediatric nurse may be the right choice for you. With the right training and experience, you can make a difference in the lives of countless children.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Question)
What does a Pediatric Nurse do ?
As a pediatric nurse, you will be responsible for providing care to infants, children, and adolescents. This may include everything from well-child visits to managing chronic conditions. You will also be a resource for parents and families, providing support and education. In addition to clinical duties, many pediatric nurses also take on administrative roles such as case management or quality improvement.
How much do Pediatric Nurse make ?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for pediatric nurses was $53,760 in May 2018. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $39,430, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $74,210.
How much does it cost to be a Pediatric Nurse ?
The cost of becoming a pediatric nurse can be significant, but the rewards can be great. Here’s a look at what you can expect to pay for tuition, fees, and other associated costs.
Tuition and Fees
The cost of tuition and fees for a pediatric nurse program can vary depending on the school you attend and the length of the program. However, you can expect to pay somewhere in the range of $5,000-$10,000 for tuition and fees.
In addition to tuition and fees, you will also need to purchase textbooks and other materials for your classes. This can add another $1,000-$2,000 to your total costs.
Living Expenses
If you are attending a brick-and-mortar school, you will need to factor in the cost of room and board. This can range from $4,000-$8,000 per year depending on the location of the school and your personal living situation (e.g., whether you live off campus or in a dorm).
If you are attending an online program, you will not have this expense. However, you will still need to factor in the cost of food and other basic living expenses.
Miscellaneous Costs
There are also some miscellaneous costs associated with becoming a pediatric nurse. These include things like clinical uniforms, background check fees, licensure exam fees, etc. You can expect to spend around $500-$1,000 on these miscellaneous
How long does it take to become a Pediatric Nurse?
A career as a pediatric nurse can be both challenging and rewarding. As a pediatric nurse, you will have the opportunity to work with children of all ages, from newborns to adolescents. You will be responsible for providing care to these children and their families, and for helping them to cope with the challenges of childhood illness and injury.
The length of time it takes to become a pediatric nurse depends on your level of education and experience. If you have a bachelor’s degree in nursing, you can typically begin working as a pediatric nurse after completing a one-year graduate program.
However, if you have an associate’s degree or diploma in nursing, you may need to complete a two-year graduate program before beginning your career as a pediatric nurse. In addition, most states require that nurses be licensed by the state Board of Nursing in order to practice nursing.
Once you have completed your educational requirements and obtained licensure, you will be ready to begin your career as a pediatric nurse. There are many different settings in which you can work as a pediatric nurse, including hospitals, clinics, doctor’s offices, and schools.
You may also choose to specialize in a particular area of pediatrics, such as neonatal care or critical care. No matter what setting you choose to work in or what specialty you pursue, you will find that working as a pediatric nurse can be both challenging and rewarding.
How many hours of Pediatric Nurse Work ?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average pediatric nurse works 37.5 hours per week. However, because children’s hospitals are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, many pediatric nurses work night shifts and weekends. Some pediatric nurses also work on-call, which means they may have to work additional hours on short notice.
