Essentials of Pediatric Nursing
A pediatric nurse is a registered nurse (RN) who specializes in the area of children and adolescents. Pediatric nurses care for children and adolescents in a variety of healthcare settings. In order to become a pediatric nurse, it is necessary to attend nursing school, become a registered nurse (RN), and then receive specialized clinical training in the area of pediatric nursing. Become an advanced practice nurse in the area of pediatrics by attending graduate school in nursing and obtaining a master's degree in nursing (MSN).
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Essential Ideas About Working with Children
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Pediatric nurses understand the way that disease affects children differently from adults. Gaining an understanding of the growth and development of children allows them to treat children properly. In most cases, pediatric nurses utilize the family to provide additional care by teaching families nursing techniques. Pediatric nurses treat children appropriately for their age, which means understanding and learning about the different ways that illness manifests in children.
Essential Skills for Pediatric Nurses
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Depending on their specialty area, pediatric nurses have a wide variety of skills. Children can become confused and upset when they are hurt or sick, so an ability to cope with stress and manage distress in others is very important. An open-minded attitude is crucial because parents care for their children in various ways depending on their culture and beliefs. Other necessary skills for a pediatric nurse include good communication and the ability to work under pressure.
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Essentials of Pediatric Nursing Jobs and Salary
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Pediatric nurses work in a variety of settings, though approximately 60% of them work in hospitals. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for pediatric nurses is excellent, with continued growth expected in the field over the next few years. The average annual salary for registered nurses in 2008 was $62,450. The highest ten percent of registered nurses earned more than $92,240, while the lowest ten percent earned less than $43,410 annually.
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