What You Need To Be A Pediatric Nurse

Pediatric Nurse Skills: Definition And Examples

Pediatric nurses care for children from infancy through their teenage years. Being a pediatric nurse requires certain hard and soft skills to make sure patients get the correct treatment and receive the highest quality of care. If you’re interested in becoming a pediatric nurse or you have recently received your nursing license, then learning what skills are the most essential for pediatric nurses may help you advance in your career.

In this article, we explore what pediatric nurse skills are, list some of the most important skills to possess and provide tips to help you develop your skills as a pediatric nurse.

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What Is A Pediatric Nurse

Pediatric nurses are registered nurses who specialize in caring for children at every stage of development, from infancy to adolescence. They may provide direct patient care, education, and specialized clinical support for their patients and families. In addition to standard nursing skills, pediatric nurses have advanced training in the specific needs of infants, children, teens, and those with special health care needs. They collaborate with other nurses, physicians, and related health professionals to establish individualized care plans for their patients.

Pediatric Nurse Skills For Your Cover Letter

Use your cover letter to show potential employers how you have used your skills as a pediatric nurse in a specific setting and how you can apply your skills to their available position. For example, you might share a story about a time you used your skills to improve the care one of your patients received. You can also share how your specific skills, qualifications or career goals align with the company’s values.

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You Can Practice Active Listening With Children

Communication with children is can be more of a challenge than speaking with adults, and they may share crucial pieces of information if you try to listen and observe patiently. Understanding how to interpret nonverbal cues can be key when children don’t know how to communicate about their health. You can improve your active listening skills by concentrating while others are speaking and using body language that shows others you’re listening.

Become A Certified Pediatric Nurse

Once you have an RN and have graduated from an accredited college or university offering a Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education or Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing accredited nursing masters in pediatric nursing, you can apply to become certified with the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board . These include the CPN certification, the CPNP-PC certification and the CPNP-AC certification.

The education requirements to become certified as a CPNP-PC or CPNP-AC will include graduate courses in subjects like advanced physiology and advanced pharmacology. Youll need to take the PNCB exam to become certified.

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Pass The National Council Licensure Examination

After graduating from a nursing program of your choice, you can pass the National Council Licensure Examination to acquire your licence. The Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia administers it, and it’s the last step before you can begin to work as a licensed Pediatric Nurse. There are four major categories to answer questions from:

The exam uses the computer adaptive test format and ensures that the questions are not too hard or too easy according to your skill level. The system will gradually progress for every correct answer to ask more complex questions and determine your peak knowledge.

What Are Some Pediatric Nursing Specialties

Pediatric nurses can choose to specialize in various fields by developing distinct expertise in one area of pediatric healthcare. Expertise may be obtained through a combination of additional college coursework, continuing education programs, and on-the-job training and experience. Most of these specializations do not require additional certification or licensure. These include pediatric intensive care unit nursing, pediatric cardiac care, pediatric oncology, childhood respiratory disease, pediatric endocrinology, and even school nursing.

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How Long Does It Take To Become A Pediatric Nurse

It depends on the program you pursue. A normal BSN takes about 4-years to complete, while an ADN or certificate program takes 3 years and 1-2 years respectively. Factoring in a few months to study for license exams and acquire any certifications, you can start working as an LPN in as little as 2 years. Usually, it takes 4-5 years to become an RN.

Labor And Delivery Nurse

A labor and delivery nurse works in a variety of settings, including obstetric units, emergency rooms, and medical centers. They are responsible for assisting physicians or midwives with the safe delivery of newborn children. They may also assist mothers with childbirth preparation exercises, providing education about the birthing process and answering any questions they may have.

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Two What Is The Salary For Pediatric Nurses

As of May 2019, the median annual salary for RNs was $73,300, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics . The BLS also reports that as of May 2019, Nurse Practitioners earn a median annual income of $115,800, though conditions vary by area.

Typically, specialty nurses who develop an expertise in one area, like pediatric nursing, earn more than other nurses.

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.

Another big determining factor in a pediatric nurses salary is the state in which one works. According to ZipRecruiter.com, the five states with the highest average salary for pediatric nurses include:

Master Of Science In Nursing

While registered nurses may be able to focus on pediatric care in their work, earning a Master of Science in Nursing allows students to focus on a specialty area. Individuals who wish to become advanced practice nurses and specifically care for children and infants may become pediatric nurse practitioners .

Applicants to a MSN program must either have a BSN. They may register in a 4-year BSN program or, if they have a diploma or associate degree, enter a ‘bridge’ program. Examples of bridge degree programs are LPN-BSN, LVN-RN, RN-MSN or ADN-MSN.

An MSN program with a focus on pediatric care may be completed in 2-3 years. Some programs require the completion of a research project in addition to their classroom education and clinical care experience. Courses introduce advanced concepts in nursing practice, addressing topics such as diagnostic reasoning, clinical pharmacology and acute childcare.

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Career Prospects And Opportunities

Nurses, in general, are in demand in Australia. If you ever choose to specialise on paediatric nursing you can work part-time or full-time in general wards or intensive care departments in private or public hospitals, government health care facilities, community clinics, schools, family homes, or get employed through a nursing agency. You can work in any public or private setting where your skills and expertise as a paediatric nurse are needed.

Career And Salary Outlook

The pediatric nurse salary can vary depending on the setting and the state where the nurse practices. Nurses in urban settings tend to have higher salaries, as well as those in hospitals or private practice. Furthermore, salaries generally increase with experience, and most employers compensate accordingly as nurses gain more education and certification. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics states that the median annual salary for all nurses is $77,600 and for all nurse practitioners $120,680. Through 2030, the projected growth rate for all nurses is 9%, which is on par with the average for all occupations, but demand for nurse practitioners is expected to grow at a much higher rate of 45%.

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Career Tips For Pediatric Nursing

Alison says that if you are thinking about a career in pediatric nursing, DO IT!!! Having spent 20 years working in an office and hating it, to spend twelve hours at work and finish completely exhausted is so rewarding.

Its the best job in the world, she says. Although I found the university study really hard, it was worth all the tears to graduate and become the best nurse I can be. I wish Id done it years ago.

And remember: pediatric nursing isnt about losing children often, nurses and hospitals succeed in helping sick children get better!

And, visit the job hunting and careers page on Amazon for resources on choosing a career, searching for jobs, and figuring out where you fit in the working world.

One What Is A Pediatric Nurse

Pediatric nurses are Registered Nurses or Advanced Practice Registered Nurses , who decide to pursue specialty training in pediatrics. Doing so allows them to take on roles in which they can work specifically with babies, toddlers, tweens, and teens. Pediatric RNs may work in a hospitals pediatric department, for example. They need to have at minimum an Associate’s Degree in Nursing or a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing and be certified as Registered Nurses in order to practice in this role.

There are also Pediatric Nurse Practitioners who take on additional responsibilities such as prescribing medications, performing developmental screenings, and administering immunizations. They hold advanced degrees in nursing and pass additional exams in order to practice.

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How Do I Become A Pediatric Nurse

The healthcare industry is experiencing rapid growth, with the nursing field expected to register a 26% growth in employment from 2010 to 2020. The Bureau of Labor Statistics anticipates that the nursing field will experience faster than average growth due to a burgeoning population, aging baby boomers, and increasing emphasis on preventative care. With the ever increasing growth of the youth population, there has been an increased need for Pediatric nurses. These nurses devote their time and skills to providing care for infants, children, and adolescents through their late teen years. This specialized field of nursing requires completion in advanced training of pediatrics that allows these nurses to work closely with physicians in providing quality care for children. In addition, pediatric nurses must be compassionate and readily form a connection and repoire with their patients. Often times, children do no enjoy going to a hospital setting, and are confused and scared of the new environment they are forced to be in. Pediatric nurses must be able to soothe these fears and help win their trust. The patient population is often very diverse, and the pediatric nurse must be ready for a wide array of patients, including children with developmental disorders, special needs patients, and even children suffering from terminal diseases.

What Degree Do You Need To Be A Pediatric Nurse

Becoming a Pediatric Nurse involves a significant level of education and training. It also requires a substantial degree of experience working in pediatrics.

At a minimum, you must earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree to become a Pediatric Nurse. While earning a bachelors degree may seem arduous, the hard work does pay off in the end. In fact, Pediatric Nurses rank amongst the highest paying nursing jobs in the US.

Here are the steps required to become a Pediatric Nurse:

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Pathways To Becoming A Pediatric Nurse

Some undergraduate nursing programs may have a semester or two focusing on the care of pediatric patients, including clinical experience. Nursing careers can range from unlicensed assistive personnel to advanced practice registered nurses who hold a Master of Science in Nursing or a Doctor of Nursing Practice.

There are several online nursing programs you can take while pursuing a career as a pediatric nurse. Below are some paths to become a pediatric nurse.

Becoming A Pediatric Nurse In Canada

Pediatric nurses are a popular nursing specialty in Canada. These nurses must first become registered nurses by studying for their associate or bachelor degree. They then pursue pediatric studies through programs offered by their hospital, which qualifies them to work as full-time pediatric nurses.

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Are The Steps To Becoming A Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Worth Taking

This job is best suited for career-driven nurses who prefer clinical nursing roles and working with children. Pediatric NP positions typically involve working in health care facilities, such as hospitals and private practices. These nurses take pride in providing care to the most vulnerable of patients children and their services are in demand. Family and pediatric physicians are in short supply, especially in rural areas, so nurse practitioners who can provide medical care for children in these underserved areas are needed, the Washington Post reports. In fact, according to the National Center for Health Statistics, infant mortality rates in rural areas are higher than in urban areas where children have more access to health care providers. A study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found a correlation between access to health care providers and childrens physical and mental health and development. Pediatric nurse practitioners who work in these areas as primary care providers have opportunities to improve childrens health and save lives. Because NPs are young peoples first point of contact in health care, they can prevent illness and refer pediatric patients to mental health care providers so they can receive the care they need.

How Many Years Does It Take To Become A Pediatric Nurse

The time it takes to become a pediatric nurse depends on the pediatric nursing title youre interested in. Also, a full-time program will take less time to complete than a part-time program. The following are typical pediatric nursing education timelines:

• Nursing diploma/LPN/LVN program: 12 months.
• Associate degree in nursing program: 24 months.
• BSN program: 36-60 months.
• RN-to-MSN program: 24-36 months.
• DNP program: 48-72 months.

Remember that while part-time programs offer flexibility and enable students to continue working while attending school, they typically take longer to complete than full-time pediatric nursing programs.

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Should I Be A Nurse What You Need To Know About Pediatric Nursing

Asking Should I be a nurse? is only step one! The second step is figuring out what kind of nurse you should be. Heres what you need to know about pediatric nursing: job description, career tips, and the best and worse of working as a nurse in the childrens ward of a hospital in London.

Alison, aged 37, is a Senior Pediatric Staff Nurse on Starlight Ward, Homerton University Hospital, Hackney, London. She says, Its the best job in the world and I love it.

Alison retrained as a Pediatric Nurse in her thirties after working in offices for over fifteen years. She has been nursing for five years. Here she gives us the inside scoop on Pediatric Nursing including career tips for people wondering if they should be nurses.

How Do I Find A Job In Pediatric Nursing

Many online resources can connect pediatric nurses to jobs. One such resource tool is the Indeed Job Search. Nursing organizations may also offer networking and opportunities to connect with jobs both in-person and online. The Society of Pediatric Nurses offers employment assistance, and hospitals also usually have internal job boards for specialty positions that you can check.

Read more:

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Four How Do You Become A Pediatric Nurse

Whether becoming a pediatric nurse has been your lifelong dream or whether youre newly considering the profession, youll find that the effort you put into attaining the skills and education needed for this specialty are well worth it. Though there are a variety of options for how to achieve this goal, today most nurses follow a path that involves pursuing either a Bachelors degree in nursing or a Masters degree. Heres an overview of how long it will take:

What Are The Pediatric Nurses Working Hours

Owing to the nature of the job of nurses in general, one that requires immediate, often emergent administration of healthcare, pediatric nurses do not have any specific working hours.

In wards, hospitals, private pediatricians, clinics or other institutes, the timings may be fixed, regularized and split with the other nursing staff so that someone is always available on night duty in case the patients need them.

Nursing homes, home healthcare agencies, government agencies and social service agencies also hire nurses and offer more flexible and timely work schedule.

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How Much Do Pediatric Nurses Get Paid

If you are exploring new career opportunities, and the topic of how to become a pediatric nurse has crossed your mind a few times, then you may also be curious about a pediatric nurses salary. Pay varies for pediatric nurses. Of course, the pay increases with an increase in certification, experience, and specialization. For example, pediatric nurses are experts in the nursing of children and would have a greater salary on average than those of other nurses.

Another factor that influences salaries is the place of employment and the employer. A nurse at a school will earn much less than a pediatric nurse at a renowned childrens hospital. In addition to that, the state in which the nurse is practicing also matters. For example, the national average annual pay for pediatric nurses is around $73,550, but in New York the mean wage is about $83,450.

Obtain A Master’s Degree In Pediatric Nursing

Registered nurses with a master’s degree can become advanced practice registered nurses. They can specialise in numerous areas like pediatrics and mental health. If you choose pediatric nursing, this degree will expand your knowledge and skills even more, and it might make you stand out from other candidates or get a promotion in your current organisation.

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