Pediatric Nursing Qualifications

Pediatric nursing is a specialized field that requires additional clinical training after the regular school nursing program and internship are completed. Pediatric nurses are trained to work with new mothers or mothers of newborns, newborns, infants, children, teenagers and young adults up to the age of 18, or in some places, 21. Their job duties are the same as a nurse who works with older patients, but certain techniques and nuances peculiar to children are stressed in this field.

Advanced Training

All nurses attend specialized nursing schools or regular colleges with nursing programs, but pediatric nurse training is usually done on the job under supervision and close administration by more experienced staff. Besides basic child development and disease processes, anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, assessment and research, advanced training for pediatric nurses may also include pediatric advanced life support and pediatric basic trauma life support. Pediatric nurses must have continuing education after school is completed.

Intrinsic Qualifications

Pediatric nurses are required to use their base senses as well as their education to work as patient advocates, to maintain confidentiality for patients and their families, to communicate with the children and their families and caregivers, to maintain a high level of professionalism under very stressful circumstances and to perform duties in accordance with hospital policies. They must also possess self-discipline and self-motivation to study and keep up with their profession by reading journals on their own, even when it's not required.

Job Hazards

Pediatric nurses are exposed to all of the acute hazards that exist in the health care institutions where they work. These hazards can and do include infectious diseases due to direct contact with patients; exposure to anesthetic gases, drugs and radiation; chemicals that may damage the skins, mucous membranes and respiratory system; injury from sharp objects (needles, blades), contact with hot surfaces and faulty electric equipment; musculoskeletal and back pain from carrying babies and children; and the fatigue and leg problems that come with standing or walking all day. There are also the intrinsic problems of stress and burnout, as well as other psychological and organic factors. All of these factors are why training in the use of instruments, machines, equipment and chemicals, and how to stay safe when using these implements, is expedient.

About Certified Pediatric Nurses

A Certified Pediatric Nurse (CPN) certification is a specialized advanced credential that measures a nurse's achievement of specialized knowledge beyond basic nursing preparation. It leads to increased compensation, enhanced career mobility and higher professional practice standards.

Job Duties

Pediatric nurses perform physical exams, diagnose injuries and common illnesses. They have the training to provide treatment procedures, managed care, immunizations, therapies and needed medications for their young patients in the correct dosages. They also order specific lab tests and diagnostic testing, such as X-rays, blood tests and laboratory tests when needed.