Pediatric Nurse Classes In College

Choosing An Accredited College

Introduction to Pediatric Nursing – @Level Up RN

It is vital to attend an accredited college for your nursing degrees. Look for a program that is endorsed by either ACEN or CCNE. If your program is not accredited you might not be fully prepared for your licensing examination, and you may have a difficult time when you apply for higher education, such as an MSN.

What Is A Pediatric Nurse1

Pediatric nurses provide comprehensive healthcare to children, monitoring their rate of development.

Pediatric nurses are professionals who are skilled at addressing the medical needs of children in an empathetic way. They communicate with the child and family as they oversee their healthcare over time. Through advanced specialized training, registered nurses can tailor their nursing skill set to focus on the unique needs of children.

Traits And Qualities Of Pediatric Nurses

Pediatric nurses provide health care services for children from birth through late teens. They may give physical exams, dispense medications for sick children, and provide information to parents when needed.

The effective pediatric nurse should have a good grasp of the psychology of children, knowledge of childhood diseases and conditions, and how to make sound decisions in child healthcare. Some of the most important traits of a pediatric nurse are listed below:

Ability to communicate effectively with parents and children
Understanding of general child psychology
Ability to serve as an advocate to a child
Administering medication according to age-appropriate guidelines
Evaluate children for signs of abuse
Provide support to families with dying children

The above traits and qualifications were created by the National Certification Board of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners and Nurses . These qualifications are considered the essential attributes that pediatric nurses should possess to do their jobs efficiently. However, pediatric nurses who deal with more highly specialized areas such as cardiology or oncology would also need to possess other high-level skills that are needed in these specific areas to be effective for the treatment of these illnesses and treatment methods.

Career And Salary Outlook

If you desire a career in pediatric nursing, here are the general steps to achieving the credentials you will need to go forward:

1. Complete all nursing school and licensing requirements. .2. Specialize by taking on pediatric nursing internships and jobs.3. Enroll in a pediatric nurse training program that helps to prepare nurses with specialized pediatric knowledge.4. Consider obtaining your masters in pediatric or general nursing to advance in your career.

The career and salary outlook for pediatric nurses is optimistic. There will always be a need for qualified and experienced nurses in the pediatric field as well as related fields which specialize in child healthcare.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics lists the average salary of a pediatric nurse at $69,790 annually. But people who go into this potentially lucrative field state that they do so not so much for the money they can make but from the rewards of helping sick children and their families.

On the other side of this is the downside to dealing with dying or terminally-ill children. However, being there for the child and their family in their last days also holds its rewards.

Skills And Traits Of A Successful Pediatric Nurse

These skills and traits can help you shine in this field.

Communication: Pediatric nurses need to communicate with patients in a way that makes them feel safe. They also need to have effective communication skills to discuss the concerns of parents.

Creativity: Sometimes pediatric nurses need to be creative to engage with their patients, especially younger ones. Hospitals can sometimes be boring, so being creative their specific needs can go a long way, says Leon. One time I played a game of Uno with a patient to gain their trust then they let me do vital signs and a physical assessment.

Time Management: Nurses need to be able to juggle patient care and administrative tasks to work efficiently. This can be especially true for pediatric nurses. Kids play by their own rules, so you need to be able to manage time well for whatever they throw at you, says Leon.

Problem Solving: Pediatric nurses will often need to identify health problems and then start care. Excellent problem-solving skills can help you succeed and add to patient safety.

Compassion: A big dose of compassion is sometimes the best care a pediatric nurse can provide. To kids, this could very well be the scariest thing they have had to deal with, says Leon. Being able to sympathize with what a patient is experiencing will help the visit go more smoothly.

Don’t Miss: Online Dnp Family Nurse Practitioner Programs

Associate Degree In Nursing

Prerequisites: Youll need a high school diploma or a GED to enter an associate program. Some ADN programs dont have coursework prerequisites, while others will require anatomy and physiology for admission.
Core Curriculum: Expect coursework in pharmacology, the essentials of nursing, psychology, and nursing care for a variety of patients.
Clinical Requirements: Students will gain hands-on skills at simulation centers run by their program and by doing supervised clinical work in a healthcare setting. Time requirements can vary, but a student can expect to complete as many as 435 clinical hours.
Time to Complete: An ADN can be completed in 18-24 months, depending on how much time you can dedicate to school.

Four Pediatric Nurse Salary

The median annual salary for RNs was $77,600 or $37.31 per hour, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics but Salary.com reports that the average Pediatric Nurse salary in the United States is $75,000.

Keep in mind that salaries for any nurse can vary greatly, increasing with experience and depending on the employer. For example, a school nurse in a small private school will likely earn much less than a pediatric nurse at a prestigious childrens hospital.

Don’t Miss: Best Nursing Specialties For New Grads

How Many Years In College To Be A Pediatric Nurse

Recommended High School Classes to Become a Pediatric Nurse

A pediatric nurse specializes in delivering care to patients under 18 years old. Nurses who choose this career path work in pediatricians offices, hospitals or in public health organizations. A nurse may specialize in pediatric care either by completing a bachelors program in nursing and becoming a registered nurse or by pursuing a masters degree in nursing to become a pediatric nurse practitioner. In either case, it is generally necessary to earn a bachelors degree in nursing before a nurse can specialize in pediatric care. Most nursing bachelors programs take either four or five years to complete and allow students to choose elective courses in pediatrics in their final years.

Academic Standards For Pediatric Nursing Degrees

Adolescents: Development and Parental Guidance – Pediatric Nursing – @Level Up RN

Nursing school is competitive and demanding. Furthermore, rapid growth in the healthcare industry has resulted in high demand for nursing schools, so you must be prepared to study hard whether you attend a traditional or online program. Though some programs only require a 2.0 GPA to remain in good standing, you should strive for a 3.0 or better.

Also Check: Cincinnati State Bethesda School Of Nursing

Ten Where Can I Learn More About Pediatric Nursing Careers

To learn more about pediatric nursing careers, its a good idea to explore the resources offered by the various professional associations. Here are a few to start with:

Pediatric Nursing Certification Board – provides certification services for nursing professionals who care for pediatric populations.

Experience An Expertly Crafted Curriculum Taught By Our Supportive Faculty

Were here to educate and support you. With several degrees of student support, no GRE requirements, and a flexible learning environment, were breaking down barriers that often prevent bright minds from reaching their full potential in advanced practice. Our inclusive approach to pediatric practice starts with three entry points:

What Is The Job Outlook For Pediatric Nursing Degree Holders

Most nursing careers expect to see a significant demand during the next several years. Pediatric nursing is no exception. The more certifications and training a pediatric nurse has, the more likely it is that they will have job options available. There is currently a shortage of qualified nurses in the country. Therefore, the job outlook for pediatric nurses will almost certainly increase, with growth predictions stating that the demand for registered nurses will grow 19 percent by 2028.

Pursue An Advanced Degree

Albeit optional, many Pediatric Nurses can improve their job outlook and salary* by earning an advanced degree. Pediatric Nurses who wish to pursue an advanced degree can earn a Master of Science in Nursing Degree and go on to become a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner . Most MSN programs take about 1824 months to complete.

Where Do Pediatric Nurses Work

Pediatric nurses work across a breadth of locations. According to the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board, almost 60% of certified pediatric nurses work in childrens hospitals.4 Because the young patients at those hospitals need pediatric nurses, the numbers make sense. Most of the remainder of the pediatric nursing workforce is spread over outpatient care in doctors offices, community hospitals, major medical centers, schools, and home healthcare settings.

Pnp Degree Levels Offered

There are two pathways students can choose from in order to become a pediatric nurse practitioner: the Master’s of Science in Nursing or the Doctor of Nursing Practice . While both programs give students the fundamentals of advanced practice in pediatrics, there are some differences between the two. Students should consider which program fits their needs before they start their applications.

Salary Information For Registered Nurses

Registered nurses earned a median annual salary of $68,450 in 2016, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. On the low end, registered nurses earned a 25th percentile salary of $56,190, meaning 75 percent earned more than this amount. The 75th percentile salary is $83,770, meaning 25 percent earn more. In 2016, 2,955,200 people were employed in the U.S. as registered nurses.

References

Exam/experience Needed For Pediatric Nursing Degrees

Preschoolers: Development and Parental Guidance – Pediatric Nursing – @Level Up RN

To gain admittance to a nursing degree program, you might prepare yourself by first working as an LPN or CNA, which will both impress admissions counselors and reinforce your desire to work in the field. There is no specific test for entering nursing school, but you will need to pass an exam in order to become licensed as an RN. Once you qualify as an RN, you can begin working in pediatrics.

Read Also: Nursing Homes Near Waterford Mi

How Much Does A Pediatric Nursing Degree Cost

Costs vary widely and normally depend on several factors. One major factor is whether the student takes in-person or online classes because the programs location is something that affects in-person degrees but not online degrees. As well, in-state tuition is usually a lot less expensive than paying for a program thats in another state. However, since an online degree is available anywhere, the campus location usually isnt an issue for students choosing this route.

Another aspect to consider is whether the school is public or private. Private schools will usually cost more than a public school, although some online degree programs, regardless of whether the school is public or private, charge a distance learning fee.

Next, there are three types of pediatric nursing degrees. The following are the different types and how much it may cost for each one:

Bachelor Of Science In Nursing

Prerequisites: Youll need a high school diploma or a GED, plus coursework in chemistry, microbiology, anatomy, and physiology.
Core Curriculum: Students will take advanced courses covering health assessments, research, management, and care competencies and skills.
Clinical Requirements: Clinical curriculum can include clinical rotations, labs, and simulation work. Requirements will vary with each program, but students can expect to train in a variety of clinical settings for 700 to 800 hours.
Time to Complete: A BSN typically takes four years to complete.

Seven Where Can A Pediatric Nurse Work

One of the real perks of becoming a pediatric nurse is that you can choose from all sorts of employment opportunities, as long as there are babies or children involved. Hospitals and private pediatrician offices are the most obvious choices however, there is a need for pediatric nurses in clinics, government agencies, social service agencies, community groups, and schools.

Some pediatric nurses choose to focus on positions that provide family health education and offer health fair presentations and screenings.

According to The Institute of Pediatric Nursing, here is a breakdown of the most common pediatric nursing jobs:

30.3% in free-standing children’s hospitals

28.3% in children’s hospitals associated with a major medical center

11.7% in outpatient specialty care

9.9% in community hospitals

5.1% in an outpatient primary care

4.8% in a major medical center

2.4% in a school setting

2% in home health care

0.8% in an ambulatory surgery center

0.4% in a psychiatric/mental health facility

0.2% in urgent care

Duties Responsibilities Requirements Certifications Job Outlook And Salary

One of the many perks of nursing is you can specialize in the area of healthcare where you feel most passionate. All nursing specialties have a distinct set of job responsibilities, patient groups, and work environments. Most specializations also require unique academic qualifications and certifications.

Nurses are highly regarded for belonging to one of the most compassionate occupations within our healthcare system. This is especially true of nurses who opt to work directly with children.

This career guide will focus on the nurses who specialize in the healthcare of children, Pediatric Nurses. If childrens healthcare piques your interest, this guide will help you understand the role of a Pediatric Nurse, their job responsibilities, salary*, and educational requirements.

Also Check: Nursing Homes In Georgetown Tx

Gain Experience As An Rn

Once you are officially licensed by your states board of nursing, you can begin working as an RN. Holding the vision of becoming a pediatric nurse, you should strive to find a nursing job where you will treat young patients and their families. This could be a family practice doctors office, a hospital neonatal unit, or a community clinic serving children. Keep in mind that, when the time comes to earn your pediatric nursing certification , you will be required to have completed roughly between two to five years of clinical pediatric nursing hours to qualify for the test.9

Nine What Is The Career Outlook For A Pediatric Nurse

Nursing will continue to be an in-demand field because of the impending nursing shortage and the aging population. In fact, RN jobs are projected to have a growth rate of 9% through the year 2030, which is faster than most occupations, according to the BLS. Adding a specialty like pediatric nursing will likely provide even more job security.

In addition, pediatric nurses are highly sought after by some types of employers. For instance, working for a childrens hospital is a natural fit for pediatric nurses. Considering that Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia, Texas Childrens Hospital in Houston, and Boston Childrens Health are all on the list of the 25 Best Hospitals to Work For 2021-22, you can understand why pediatric nursing can be a very rewarding career.

Having specialized skills is also an excellent way to be a strong candidate for travel nursing jobs. Travel nurses get to work short-term jobs all over the country, usually for 12-week contracts . Being experienced and having credentials in a high-demand area like pediatrics can give you an edge.

Online Pediatric Nursing Degree Options

To start a career in pediatric nursing, you will need to attain at least one degree and an RN license. With an online or on-campus associate degree in nursing you can sit for the nursing exam and receive your state issued license. However, more and more employers are expecting that their nurses have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing .

If you want to specialize in pediatric nursing, you should consider starting your career with a BSN degree, as that will help you compete against other nurses with similar experience. Then, when you have a BSN, you will have an easier time attaining specialties within pediatrics. You can also apply to a Master of Science in Nursing with a focus on pediatrics and that can springboard you into becoming a nurse practitioner.

Naturally, as you progress in your educational credentials, your responsibilities and salary will likewise increase. While you might be able to receive promotions and pay raises without additional degrees, a degree is often the fastest route to advancement. Furthermore, you can only add specialties and advance your skill sets with more school work.

Job Market For Pediatric Nurses

School-Age Children: Development and Parental Guidance – Pediatric Nursing – @Level Up RN

With all of the necessary education, schooling, experience, licensing and testing completed, CPNs can apply for employment in childrens hospitals, community hospitals, schools, home health care, military facilities, specialty clinics, special needs day cares, public health agencies and primary care practices. Applying for positions in primary and secondary schools, as well as in private practices or children-centered community groups that offer preventative care for youths may also be an option.6

In 2014, the number of registered nurse jobs in the U.S. was reported around 2.75 million, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics . Additionally, the BLS projects that nursing careers is expected to grow, with a projected growth of 16% through 2024 a much faster than average rate compared to other occupations.7

Don’t Miss: Labor And Delivery Nurse Practitioner Salary

What Is A Pediatric Nurse And What Do They Do

Pediatric nurses do more than care for their patients. They often play a crucial role in ensuring that children have a positive healthcare experience.

The greatest part about being in pediatric nursing is that it becomes more than just a jobkids depend on your compassion to get through the scary things, and you need finesse to play by their rules to get the job done, said Christian Leon, RN, BSN, who works as a pediatric nurse at a childrens hospital in Utah. Children bounce back so quickly and it is the most rewarding part of my day to see a kid leave with a smile on their face.