Pediatric Nursing Facts
A pediatric nurse is a registered nurse who works directly with patients from newborn through age 18. Pediatric nurses have special training in treating and dealing with children and their families. Licensed practical nurses may work in some pediatric settings, but, according to the Society of Pediatric Nurses, to receive specialized training in pediatric nursing, you must be a licensed registered nurse. Pediatric nurses work in a variety of health care settings, from hospitals to long-term care facilities. Some even specialize in a particular field of pediatrics, such as oncology or cardiology.
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Education
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The first step to becoming a pediatric nurse is to become a licensed registered nurse. That requirement is met with a bachelor's of science in nursing, an associate's degree in nursing or a nursing diploma from an accredited institution. Upon completion of one of these programs, nurses must pass the NCLEX-RN, a national exam required for licensing. After receiving a license to practice as an RN, nurses wanting to specialize in pediatrics typically seek employment in a child-centered setting, such as a pediatrician's office, a child care facility or a children's hospital.
Where They Work
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Pediatric nurses work in all health care settings that involve children, including hospitals, clinics, doctor's offices and surgical centers. They also work in schools and for community organizations that provide medical services for children, many of whom have little or no access to health care.
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What They Do
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According to ExploreHealthCareers.org, a pediatric nurse typically works in collaboration with a physician who is a pediatric or family medicine specialist. The duties of pediatric nurses are similar to duties of nurses in other departments. They conduct physical examinations, measure vital statistics, take urine and blood samples, and request diagnostic tests. Pediatric nurses with advanced expertise may interpret test results, make diagnoses and develop treatment plans. These nurses often work in acute care departments, such as the pediatric critical care unit, neonatal unit and pediatric oncology ward. Pediatric nurses typically have more interaction with the patient's family than nurses do in other departments.
Advancement
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Many pediatric nurses take additional training and test to become certified pediatric nurses, or CPNs. Beyond that, a pediatric nurse may earn a master's degree with specialization as a pediatric nurse practitioner, or PNP, or clinical nurse specialist in pediatrics, or CNS. A PNP may prescribe medications, make diagnoses and manage care.
Salary
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According to ExploreHealthCareers.org, pediatric nurses earn on average from $48,000 to $68,000 a year. Salaries vary according to geographic location, level of education, experience and the type of facility where employed. Experienced pediatric nurses may make $100,000 or more per year.
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