How to Become a Nurse Practitioner in Pediatrics

Although becoming a pediatric nurse practitioner involves many of the requirements needed to become a nurse in general, there are a number of things that a person who wants to become a pediatric nurse must do in order to have the opportunity to work with children.
It is a fact that children and adults are not diagnosed and treated the same way. Because of this, a person who wants to become a pediatric nurse requires some additional training.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing

1. Complete a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. This degree is necessary for any person who wants to become a nurse. The exact requirements of these nursing programs vary from state to state.

2. Pass the certification exam that is administered by individual states. Before this exam can be taken, all of the necessary course work must have been completed. This exam is often taken not long after a 4-year degree is earned.

3. Get a job at a place where children are treated. Most schools do not have a nursing program that specializes in treating children. Therefore, the real training begins after a job is received at a hospital or care facility where children need to be cared for.

4. Apply to take part in the pediatric internship program that is offered by the hospital or clinic where you are working. This internship allows aspiring pediatric nurses to learn more about how treatment differs between adults and children. This internship will likely last somewhere between three and 12 months.

5. Take the Certified Pediatric Nurse Exam. This exam is administered to those who have completed both the classroom requirements as well as the on-the-job training required to be come a pediatric nurse.

6. Apply for a position at a children's hospital or children's clinic. After the internship and the pediatric exam are completed, you are free to become a pediatric nurse at any facility you want to.

Tips & Warnings

• The best way to stay sharp and learn more is to join groups like the Society for Pediatric Nurses and attend meetings and conferences.
• Consider the emotional ramifications of being near and caring for sick children every day. Be sure that this is something you can handle before choosing this career path.

Resources

• Pediatric Nursing FAQ
• Pediatric Nurse Job Profile

Who Can Help Sponsored

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