How to Become a Pediatric Nurse

To become a pediatric nurse, you will need to first graduate nursing school then seek additional specialized training. Pediatric nurses can work in hospitals, clinics and some family practices. Pediatric nurses specialize in working with children and their families, and should be able to relate well to patients of all ages.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Pass Certified Pediatric Nurse Exam
• Nursing degree

1. Earn your certification as registered nurse or earn a 4-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree, or BSN. Requirements vary by state, so you'll want to consult your state board of nursing for regulations in the area where you live.
2. Sit for and pass the certification exam administered by your state. You must complete all academic course work before you can sit for the exam, which can be an Associate degree or a Bachelor's degree.
3. Get a job in a hospital with a pediatrics department or in a clinical setting where pediatric patients are cared for. Most nursing schools do not have a specialized degree in pediatrics, so it isn't until you enter the field that you can actually become a specialized pediatric nurse.
4. Enroll in a pediatric internship program at the hospital or clinic where you work to get an in-depth look at the field firsthand. It is in this position that you will learn the specific skills necessary to become a pediatric nurse. You can expect to spend 3 months to 1 year in an internship, although no set time is standard in this field.
5. Take classes that will augment your pediatric medical training while in college. Child psychology classes will help you learn to communicate with sick children and family psychology classes can help you learn to communicate effectively with frightened parents.
6. Graduate nursing school, complete your internship or other specialized training, then sit for the Certified Pediatric Nurse Exam. The CPN can be taken once you've gotten the classroom education and on-the-job training required for a career in pediatrics.
7. Get advanced training by taking courses from the American Heart Association like Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS).
8. Attend conferences and seminars regularly to keep abreast of the latest developments in pediatric care and medical technology.
9. Join professional organizations for pediatric specialists such as the Society for Pediatric Nurses (see Resources below).

Tips & Warnings

• Working with sick and injured children can be especially emotionally draining. Consider the psychological factors of working with children before embarking on this career path.

Who Can Help:

• Earn an Associate's, Bachelor's or Master's Degree from the University of Phoenix
• University of Phoenix, degree Programs to Fit Your Life.