Job markets ebb and flow. But the one sector of the workforce that always seems to hold steady? Healthcare. Whether it’s nurses or doctors, healthcare professionals are always in demand. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 13% increase in healthcare jobs by 2031—proof that this field isn’t slowing down anytime soon.
Of all healthcare professionals, nurses are in the highest demand. And within the field of nursing, there is an even bigger demand in the specialty of pediatric nursing. Clinics and hospitals are continuously looking for nurses who can cater to the unique needs of children.
What does a pediatric nurse do?
Before diving in to how to land a role in pediatric nursing, let’s take some time to understand what pediatric nursing actually entails.
Your Future Starts Here
Sure, you’ll be working with children, but it’s not all tiny scrubs and cute smiles. According to News-Medical.Net, pediatric nursing focuses on pediatrics and medical care for children from infancy to adolescence. It spans a wide range of specialties, from neonatal care to pediatric oncology, school nursing, or even emergency pediatrics.
That is to say, you will work in a multidisciplinary team along with other healthcare professionals to provide the best possible care for children. Your role as a pediatric nurse will involve things like administering childhood vaccinations or immunizations. You might also have to communicate with the families of children and explain to them their health as well as phases of treatment for various illnesses, conditions, and diseases.
And don’t forget—you’ll be dealing with tiny humans who can’t always tell you what’s wrong. You must also learn how to assess nonverbal cues and manage family dynamics.
Communication skills are key
Working with kids often means being part nurse, part teacher, and part entertainer. Your communication skills should be strong. There will be instances where you will have to calm a scared child, explain a diagnosis to parents, or convince a five-year-old to take their medicine. Only strong communication skills (and patience) will help you get through all these situations.
In the field of pediatric nursing, you’ll need to connect with your young patients in a way that is engaging, age-appropriate, and comforting. This could mean using simple words, making things fun, or even turning medical tasks into games. As far as parents are concerned, you will have to explain things to them in a clear, compassionate way without a ton of jargon.
Be ready to answer a million questions. Reassure them while being honest—after all, they are trusting you with their most precious little person!
Consider a master’s degree
At the very least, you will need to obtain an associate’s degree in nursing (ASN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) to enter into pediatric nursing. But pursuing a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) can give you a leg up.
Whether it’s to specialize further, take on leadership roles, or expand your scope of practice, an MSN will open up a world of opportunities. Since you’re transitioning to a pediatrician nurse, enroll in an MSN program with a concentration in Nurse Practitioner (MSN-NP). An MSN to NP program will expand your role and allow you to take on more responsibilities in pediatric care.
As an NP, you’ll be able to diagnose and treat patients, prescribe medications, and even manage your own patient caseload. All this offers more autonomy than a registered nurse role. Plus, it opens up opportunities in settings like pediatric hospitals, private practices, or even telehealth.
Having an MSN-NP on your resume can also boost your earning potential. According to Nurse.org, nurse practitioners with an MSN rake in $126,260 yearly, on average.
Seek out certifications
Though not required, certifications can set you apart and demonstrate your commitment to the specialty of pediatric nursing. Not only do they boost your confidence, but they also show employers you’re committed to excelling in pediatric nursing.
One of the most recognized certifications is the Certified Pediatric Nurse (CPN), which proves you’ve got the skills and knowledge to care for kids.
If you’re diving into more advanced roles, consider (PALS) certification. PALS courses,Daily Nurse says, cover various topics such as medication administration for pediatric emergencies, advanced pediatric assessments, life support for children, and post-resuscitation care. This certificate can help you save lives—literally.
Participate in job shadowing
Nothing beats real-world exposure when it comes to pediatric nursing. Reach out to a pediatric nurses in your network or ask your workplace if you can spend a day shadowing someone in the field. It’s one thing to think you’ll love working with kids; it’s another to handle the mix of laughter, tantrums, and anxious parents.
Pay attention to the pace, the challenges, and how pediatric nurses interact with patients and families. Notice the little things, like how they make kids feel safe or calm nervous parents.
Shadowing allows you to see if this is truly your calling. If shadowing isn’t possible, try scheduling an informational interview with a pediatric nurse to pick their brain.
Connect with pediatric nurses
Who better to guide you than those already in the field? Joining professional organizations can help you connect with pediatric nurses.
Professional organizations like the Society of Pediatric Nurses or AAP’s Section on Pediatric Trainees are great places to start. They host events, webinars, and online forums where you can meet like-minded nurses and learn the ropes of pediatrics.
You can also participate in online forums and social media groups for pediatric nurses. Building relationships with like-minded professionals can make your transition so much smoother.
In summary
Entering or transitioning into pediatric nursing is not a small step. So, yes, there will be challenges—learning new skills, adapting to the unique needs of children, and mastering the art of calming nervous parent, to name just a few.
You’re not starting from scratch, however. Your current experience is your foundation, whether it be educational or career-related experience, even if it’s in a different field. The good news is that with a bit of extra learning—be it through certifications, shadowing, or simply connecting with other pediatric nurses—you can eventually grow into this fulfilling and rewarding career path.
Frequently Asked Questions
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How many years does it take to become a pediatric nurse?
To become a pediatric nurse, you first need to become a registered nurse (RN). This requires completing a nursing degree, which can be done through one of the following paths:
Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN): Takes about 2 to 3 years to complete. Afterward, you can sit for the NCLEX-RN exam to become licensed as an RN.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN): Takes about 4 years to complete at a university. A BSN is often preferred by employers and offers more career opportunities, including in pediatric nursing.Gaining Experience as a Registered Nurse
After becoming an RN, you will typically need to gain experience working as a nurse. While there’s no strict time requirement to move into pediatric nursing, most pediatric nurses start with 1 to 2 years of experience in general nursing before specializing in pediatrics. Some employers may require specific pediatric experience. -
Where do pediatric nurses work?
1. Pediatric Hospitals
Children’s Hospitals: These hospitals specialize in pediatric care, offering a wide range of services, from general care to specialized treatments for complex conditions. Pediatric nurses work in various departments, such as pediatric intensive care units (ICU), emergency departments (ED), or outpatient clinics.
General Hospitals with Pediatric Units: Many general hospitals have dedicated pediatric units for children needing medical treatment. Pediatric nurses work in these units to provide care for young patients.2. Pediatrician’s Offices
Pediatric nurses may work alongside pediatricians in private practices or group medical practices, helping with routine check-ups, vaccinations, and managing chronic health conditions.3. Pediatric Intensive Care Units (PICU)
The PICU is a critical care environment within hospitals that specializes in the care of seriously ill or injured children. Pediatric nurses in this setting provide intensive, life-saving care for children with critical conditions.4. Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICU)
Pediatric nurses working in the NICU care for premature infants or babies born with medical complications. These nurses need specialized training to care for the delicate needs of newborns.5. Schools
School Nurse: Pediatric nurses can work in schools, providing care for children with acute illnesses, administering medications, and managing chronic conditions like asthma or diabetes. They also provide health education and help with preventative care.6. Outpatient Clinics and Ambulatory Care Centers
Pediatric nurses work in outpatient clinics where children visit for routine check-ups, vaccinations, or treatment for minor illnesses. In ambulatory care centers, they provide services such as specialty treatments or minor surgical procedures.7. Home Healthcare
Some pediatric nurses provide home healthcare for children with chronic illnesses, disabilities, or post-surgical recovery needs. They visit families’ homes to provide medical care, administer medications, and offer health education and support to parents.8. Pediatric Hospice and Palliative Care
Pediatric nurses also work in hospice or palliative care settings, where they provide compassionate end-of-life care for children with terminal illnesses. This involves managing pain and symptoms, as well as providing emotional support to families.9. Government and Public Health Agencies
Pediatric nurses may work for public health agencies at the federal, state, or local level, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) or the World Health Organization (WHO). They may be involved in public health campaigns, immunization programs, or research on pediatric health issues.10. Research Facilities
Pediatric nurses can work in research environments, helping with clinical trials or studies related to pediatric healthcare. This can involve working with new treatments, drugs, or therapies for children.11. Urgent Care Centers
Pediatric nurses are often employed in urgent care centers, where they provide care for children with non-life-threatening injuries or illnesses that require immediate attention.12. Military and Government Health Services
In military settings, pediatric nurses may work in military hospitals or clinics, providing care for the children of military personnel. Additionally, pediatric nurses can work in government-run health programs that focus on children’s health, especially in underserved communities. -
What is the difference between a pediatric nurse and an RN?
The key difference between a pediatric nurse and a registered nurse (RN) lies in their area of specialization. Here’s a breakdown of the differences:
1. Area of Specialization
Pediatric Nurse: A pediatric nurse is an RN who specializes in caring for infants, children, and adolescents. They have specialized knowledge and training to address the medical, emotional, and developmental needs of young patients. Pediatric nurses may work in hospitals, pediatrician’s offices, outpatient clinics, or schools, and they care for children with a wide range of conditions, from routine check-ups to complex, life-threatening diseases.
Registered Nurse (RN): An RN is a nurse who holds a nursing license after completing the necessary education and passing the NCLEX-RN exam. RNs are trained to provide general patient care across a wide variety of medical settings, including hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, and more. RNs may specialize in different areas such as adult care, geriatric care, critical care, or oncology, but not all RNs specialize in pediatrics.2. Required Education and Training
Both pediatric nurses and general RNs typically have the same basic educational foundation:Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
Licensing: Both must pass the NCLEX-RN exam to become licensed as RNs.
However, a pediatric nurse usually has additional specialized training or experience in pediatric care. This can include:Certification: Many pediatric nurses pursue certification in pediatric nursing, such as the Certified Pediatric Nurse (CPN) credential, which requires at least two years of pediatric nursing experience.
Experience: Pediatric nurses typically work in pediatric units or settings where they gain hands-on experience with children’s health needs, whereas general RNs may work in various adult care settings.3. Scope of Care
Pediatric Nurse: Specializes in the physical and emotional care of children, from newborns to teenagers. They assess, treat, and educate young patients and their families on health issues specific to children. Pediatric nurses are skilled in managing child-specific health concerns, such as developmental milestones, growth patterns, vaccinations, and chronic conditions like asthma or diabetes in children.
Registered Nurse (RN): Provides general nursing care to patients of all ages, including adults and the elderly. RNs work in various areas such as surgery, cardiology, emergency care, and more, where they assess, administer medications, and provide treatment across a wide spectrum of medical conditions.
