There are 4.3 million registered nurses currently working in the United States, and there is an ever-growing demand. A nursing career offers many benefits, including flexibility, solid pay, and almost endless areas of specialization, such as pediatric nursing.
Becoming a pediatric nurse involves many steps. Fortunately, once you understand what those are, you will be able to move forward with decisiveness.
The article lays out how to become a pediatric nurse, as well as some general information about nursing and the many available options. Keep reading for specific steps to become a pediatric nurse, so you can begin your new career.
What Is a Pediatric Nurse?
A nurse is a general categorization of a healthcare professional who provides patient care and education. Nurses perform basic medical procedures, such as checking vital signs, drawing blood, and inserting IVs.
Nurses work in various settings, including hospitals, doctors’ offices, and long-term care facilities. Also, most elementary, middle, and high schools have a nurse on staff.
There are many different types of nurses. Registered nurses (RNs) are the most common type. They can be generalists, providing a range of services in different settings, or specialists, such as pediatric nurses.
A licensed practical nurse (LPN) assists with very basic services. These include checking vitals, administering medication, or assisting with patient hygiene. They usually work under the supervision of RNs.
There are also “advanced practice” registered nurses. Examples include nurse practitioners and clinical nurse specialists. These have specialized education and training, which lets them take on an expanded set of responsibilities.
How to Become a Pediatric Nurse
There are several steps for how to become a pediatric nurse that you need to follow. They are:
- Assess the nature of pediatric nursing
- Earn a college degree
- Pass the NCLEX-RN exam
- Consider getting master’s and doctoral degrees
- Apply for state licensure
- Gain clinical experience
- Choose a certification program
- Apply for positions
- Join pediatric nursing organizations and pursue continuing education
- Consider becoming a pediatric nurse practitioner
Assess the Nature of Pediatric Nursing
Working as a pediatric nurse has many distinct advantages. There are some basic aspects of the job one should consider before starting down that path.
First, pediatric nurses can be extremely impactful on the care and well-being of their patients. However, they need to enjoy working with children and their families. They should feel at ease communicating regularly with patients or guardians.
They should have a personality that lends to building strong relationships. Pediatric nurses should have a natural inclination toward compassion and empathy.
Working with children also requires a great deal of patience and understanding. Pediatric nurses should have a positive attitude.
They should be comfortable working in an environment where they encounter children or are not well and possibly in distress. Pediatric nurses need to be able to remain calm and composed in these uncomfortable situations, in order to deliver the highest caliber of care.
There also are some general nursing requirements. These include being able to work in a fast-paced environment.
Nurses also need to be detail-oriented. Most jobs involve a great deal of documentation and administering medication and treatments.
In general, they should be comfortable working in a team environment and be willing to adapt to different situations. While there are exceptions, nursing often requires a great deal of physical and mental stamina.
Earn a College Degree
Once you have committed to a pediatric nursing career, you can begin your education. The first phase is earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. It is important to choose a college or university accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing.
The bachelor’s degree curriculum prepares students for work in the nursing field. It is also necessary to pursue further formal pediatric nurse education, such as a master’s or doctoral degree. It typically includes classes in:
- Biology
- Anatomy
- Physiology
- Pharmacology
- Nursing theory
- Clinical practice
Note that it is technically possible to become a nurse with only an associate’s degree. However, obtaining a BSN can dramatically increase your job prospects and lead to higher pay, and may be necessary if you plan to specialize in pediatrics. This reflects the more in-depth education and clinical experience involved in a BSN program.
If you already have a bachelor’s degree, you may be able to enter an accelerated nursing program, which can sometimes be completed in less than two years. It allows you to take only nursing-related classes without all the others that an undergraduate degree normally requires. Another alternative, if you have a bachelor’s in a related field (like biology), is to seek a master of science in nursing degree (see more below).
Pass the NCLEX-RN Exam
Anyone who wishes to work as a nurse must first pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). (This is distinct from other versions, such as the NCLEX-PN which is for licensed practical and vocational nurses.) Passing standards for the NCLEX-RN are determined by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing.
The NCLEX-RN tests a graduate’s knowledge, skills, and capabilities related to nursing. The exam has between 75 and 145 questions on a variety of topics, including:
- Maintaining a safe and effective care environment
- Health maintenance and promotion
- Psychosocial integrity
- Physiological integrity
Competence in managing the environments in which care is delivered is an essential part of being a nurse. Among other aspects, it tests for skills in preventing or limiting the chances of infection.
Health promotion and maintenance deals with prevention and health screening. Psychosocial integrity relates to knowledge and skills regarding mental health disorders, coping mechanisms, and proper communication with patients.
Physiological integrity concerns pharmacological therapies. It also deals with the reduction of risk potential, along with basic care and comfort for patients.
Consider Getting Master’s and Doctoral Degrees
While not mandatory, another way to get specific knowledge and training in pediatric nursing is to continue your formal education. Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree programs are the two main options. They provide advanced learning for specific areas of nursing, such as pediatric care or other fields, like oncology.
Advanced degrees are necessary if you intend to become a pediatric nurse practitioner or clinical specialist. They also can be helpful if you plan to move into an executive leadership role. Finally, some pediatric research jobs may require or prefer at least a master’s degree.
Apply for State Licensure
Every nurse practicing in the United States must be licensed. Each state has its own licensing requirements and distinct application process, which is handled by its board of nursing.
Licensing involves providing proof that you have attained a degree and passed the NCLEX-RN. In addition, some states require a criminal background check.
Most states have websites where applicants can submit this information. Once licensure is approved, the individual can work as a nurse in the state.
Note that more than 40 states are part of a nursing licensure compact. That means that they recognize nursing licensure from other states in the compact.
However, some states limit the types of nurse positions to which this applies. If you plan to work in more than one state, be sure to check the specific requirements for pediatric nurses in each.
Gain Clinical Experience
The next step is to gain experience as a registered nurse, preferably in a pediatric setting. In many cases, you may first shadow another nurse to get a better understanding of the role and its responsibilities.
At this point, if you have not already, you may wish to decide on a particular area of focus. Common ones include:
- General pediatrics
- Neonatal nursing
- Pediatric intensive care
- Pediatric oncology
Neonatal nursing involves caring for newborns. Pediatric intensive care entails caring for critically ill children. Pediatric oncology is the treatment and care of children who have cancer.
There are also pediatric nursing jobs in almost any area of medicine. You might consider specializing in pediatric cardiology, gastroenterology, or neurology, to name a few.
While gaining knowledge and experience can be informal, it often involves a specific designation. A clinical nurse specialist (CNS) focuses on a particular area of nursing, including the ones mentioned above. While some CNS positions do not require an advanced degree, many do.
Choose a Certification Program
There are additional certifications for nurses who wish to specialize in some form of pediatric care. The two most reputable options are the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board (PNCB) and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). Both organizations offer certification exams for entry.
If you meet these certification requirements, the designation indicates that you have specific knowledge in the field of pediatric nursing. This can give you a leg up in competing for jobs.
Apply for Position
Fortunately, in the field of nursing, career opportunities abound. At this point in your journey, you likely have–through education or internships–identified prospective jobs. If not, there are any number of online job boards to get you started.
While you are searching, spend time researching hospitals, clinics, or other facilities that specialize in the type of pediatric care you are interested in. Identify prospective employers, and contact their human resources departments. Even if they are not hiring, they will likely welcome your resume and contact information.
Ensure your resume and cover letters clearly identify your nursing education, skills, experience, and certifications. In interviews, highlight your capabilities and be ready to articulate why you would be a good fit for a position.
Join Pediatric Nursing Organizations and Pursue Continuing Education
The healthcare field is changing all the time, both with innovations in medicine and technology. For this reason, pediatric nurses must stay up-to-speed on the latest breakthroughs.
Conferences and workshops are a good way to stay in the know of recent or developing technologies and practices. There are also online courses that can help train pediatric nurses. Many healthcare facilities offer in-service training for their employees as well.
Joining pediatric nursing organizations, such as the Society of Pediatric Nurses, can help with education as well, but there are other advantages. One is networking opportunities. They let you connect with other nurses, share experiences, and build professional relationships.
Pediatric nursing organizations offer support for members. They also allow you to organize and advocate on behalf of the pediatric nursing community.
Consider Becoming a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
A pediatric nurse practitioner (PNP) is a registered nurse who can perform many responsibilities usually only reserved for doctors. These include:
- Conducting physical exams
- Performing health assessments
- Diagnoses and treating common illnesses
- Prescribing medications
- Providing preventive care
- Managing chronic health conditions
- Educating families about child health
PNPs often work in a primary care setting, like a clinic, hospital, or community health center. However, some PNPs work in other areas of pediatric care, such as oncology, cardiology, or neonatal nursing.
Specialization is one of the main reasons to become a pediatric nurse practitioner, but there are other benefits as well. One is the ability to practice at a higher level and provide more complex care.
PNPs also usually have greater autonomy in their practice. They often have more control over their schedules, which can result in a better work-life balance.
Finally, PNPs are in high demand, which plays no small part in job stability and security. Also, PNPs earn more competitive pay than regular pediatric nurses. Their salaries can sometimes exceed those of physicians.
Becoming a nurse practitioner can be a fulfilling and rewarding career choice. It affords professional growth, autonomy, competitive compensation, and the opportunity to make a significant impact on patient care.
Learn More About Becoming a Pediatric Nurse
Now that you understand the basic steps for how to become a pediatric nurse, you can determine if it is the right career path for you. Following the information above will ensure an exciting and rewarding career, with solid pay and myriad options within the pediatric nursing field.
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