What Schooling do You Need to Be a Pediatric Nurse?
Pediatric nurses are registered nurses or RNs who specialize in preventive care for babies and children. Pediatric nurse practitioners are qualified to diagnose and perform physical exams; they can also work in pediatric intensive care units. Pediatric nurses can obtain a certified pediatric nurse or CPN designation by taking an exam, which is administered by the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board. Pediatric nurses work in hospitals, clinics and community centers.
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Education Requirements
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Prior to specializing in pediatric nursing, prospective students must complete their registered nurse or RN training. Registered nurse training can take between two to four years. Students who complete their two-year nurse training receive an associate's degree. Graduates from a four-year nursing program earn their bachelor's degree. Candidates who satisfy their RN requirements are eligible to become pediatric nurses by obtaining some hands-on experience in pediatric care and taking their CPN qualifying exam. Candidates with advanced degrees in nursing are also eligible to become certified pediatric nurses.
Certification and Licensure
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All states have licensing requirements for nurses. To qualify for licensure, prospective candidates must complete their nursing degree from a nationally accredited program and pass the National Council Licensure Examination, or NCLEX-RN. Registered nurses who seek their pediatric nursing certification must take an exam administered by the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board or PNCB. To qualify for the certified pediatric nurse designation, prospective candidates must demonstrate their knowledge and practice related to pediatric nursing.
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Continuing Education
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Certified pediatric nurses must be up-to-date on the latest changes in their field and maintain their credentials by taking continuing-education and professional-development courses. Certified pediatric nurses must renew their credentials every year. Re-certification candidates must have a valid registered nurse license. Continuing-education courses must be relevant to pediatric nursing and earned within 24 months. Continuing-education course credits can be taken through various agencies including the American Heart Association and Emergency Nurses Association.
Considerations
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The fastest way to become a pediatric nurse is by obtaining on-the-job training. Many pediatric nursing facilities provide specialized training in pediatrics. Some hospitals provide short-term internship programs for new nursing graduates. The training includes classroom and clinical instruction. Relevant courses offered to nurses specializing in pediatrics include Pediatric Advanced Life Support or PALS and the emergency nurse pediatric course. The courses are offered through the American Heart Association and the Emergency Medical Services for Children.
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References
- Photo Credit Children to keep for hands of father and jump. focus on children image by Pavel Losevsky from Fotolia.com
