Getting to Know Pediatric Nursing More

Pediatric nursing is an advanced-practice nursing career after being a registered nurse (RN). Pediatric nurses provide care for babies, children and adolescents in a variety of settings. This could be at hospitals, doctor's offices, home care, schools, public health centers, juvenile detention centers, and hospital-based intensive care units. There are two types of pediatric nurses: RN pediatric nurses and advanced practice nurses.

 

Types of Pediatric Nurses (Sub-Specialties)

A pediatric nurse performs the same types of duties as a regular nurse but with children and/or adolescents. Few of the different types of pediatric nursing specialties and positions are the following:

  • Pediatric Registered Nurse
  • Pediatric Emergency Room Nurse
  • Pediatric Operating Room Registered Nurse
  • Pediatric Perio-operative Registered Nurse
  • Pediatric Oncology Nurse
  • Pediatric Surgery Nurse
  • Pediatric Home Care Nurse
  • Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
  • Pediatric Critical Care Registered Nurse
  • Pediatric Clinical Nurse Specialist
  • Pediatric Nurse Manager
  • Pediatric T/V (trach and vent) Nurse
  • Pediatric Night Nurse

 

How to become a pediatric nurse?

Anyone with an RN can pursue a career in pediatric nursing if they desire. The general requirements include:

  • Diploma, associates or bachelor's degree in nursing
  • Valid license as an RN
  • Work experience in a pediatric setting

 

For advanced nurse practitioners like Primary Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioners and Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, a master’s degree in nursing is required.

 

Although certification is generally not a requirement but an employer may look for it. Several organizations offer certification program for this area.

 

Pediatric Nurse Salary

Pediatric nursing is considered an advanced care and pediatric nurses may expect to make more than an entry level RN.

 

Want to know more about this profession? Read The Pediatric Nurse

 

 

 

 


 Published at: 03/06/2015