What Does a Pediatric Nurse Do?
Find out what a pediatric nurse does, how to get this job, and what it takes to succeed as a pediatric nurse.
Pediatric nurses are responsible for providing care to infants, children and adolescents. They may work in a variety of settings including hospitals, clinics, schools or private practices.
Pediatric nurses must be able to communicate effectively with their patients as well as their colleagues. They often spend a lot of time interacting one-on-one with children who may be experiencing a wide range of emotions at any given moment.
Pediatric Nurse Job Duties
Pediatric nurses have a wide range of responsibilities, which can include:
- Administering medication or treatments according to a treatment plan outlined by a physician or other healthcare provider
- Observing patients for signs of physical or emotional distress or illness and reporting patient concerns to the appropriate staff members
- Recording vital signs including temperature, pulse rate, respiration rate, and blood pressure in order to monitor a patient’s health status
- Providing support and education to families about their child’s condition and how it may affect their daily lives
- Preparing children for examinations by washing their hands with antibacterial soap and putting on gloves
- Explaining exam procedures and answering questions or concerns that the child may have about the procedure
- Taking and recording medical histories of patients including birth date, allergies, previous illnesses or surgeries, and family history
- Coordinating discharge planning with other healthcare team members such as social workers or therapists as needed
- Assisting with medical tests such as EKGs, x-rays, urinalysis, gas chromatography, electrocardiograms (EKGs), and endoscopies
Pediatric Nurse Salary & Outlook
Pediatric nurse salaries vary depending on their level of education and experience, the size of the hospital or clinic they work for, and the geographic location of their job.
- Median Annual Salary: $66,500 ($31.97/hour)
- Top 10% Annual Salary: $100,000 ($48.08/hour)
The employment of pediatric nurses is expected to grow much faster than average over the next decade.
The need for pediatric nurses will increase as more children survive premature birth and other medical conditions. In addition, an aging population is likely to lead to a greater need for pediatric nurses in long-term care facilities.
Pediatric Nurse Job Requirements
A pediatric nurse typically needs to have the following qualifications:
Education: Pediatric nurses are required to have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in nursing, and many pursue a master’s degree in nursing. The bachelor’s degree in nursing takes four years to complete and includes courses in anatomy, physiology, microbiology, chemistry, psychology and nursing.
After completing their bachelor’s degree, nurses can pursue a master’s degree in nursing. A master’s degree in nursing takes two years to complete and includes courses in leadership, research, ethics and health care administration.
Training & Experience: Most pediatric nurses receive on-the-job training from their employers. This training may include shadowing a current pediatric nurse or learning from a pediatric nurse who is on-call. Training may also include learning about the hospital’s policies and procedures, patient care, patient safety and infection control.
Certifications & Licenses: After completing your education, you will need to pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-PN). This is the industry standard certification for nurses and is required in nearly every state.
Pediatric Nurse Skills
Pediatric nurses need the following skills in order to be successful:
Communication: Pediatric nurses must be able to communicate with their patients and their families. You should be able to explain medical procedures and answer any questions they have. You should also be able to communicate with other medical professionals to ensure your patients receive the best care possible.
Empathy: Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. Pediatric nurses often use empathy to comfort children who are experiencing pain or fear. They can also use empathy to help children understand medical procedures and treatments.
Organization: Pediatric nurses often work with several patients at once, so it’s important for them to be able to prioritize tasks and keep their work area organized. This can help them provide the best care for their patients while also keeping the treatment area safe. Pediatric nurses also often work with multiple medical professionals, so it’s important for them to be able to keep track of the treatment plans for each patient.
Adaptability: Pediatric nurses often work in fast-paced environments where they may need to adjust their schedule or duties to meet the needs of their patients. Being adaptable can help you adjust to new situations and challenges, which can help you be a more effective nurse. You may also need to be adaptable when caring for patients of different ages and with varying needs.
Medical knowledge: Pediatric nurses should have a strong understanding of pediatric medical procedures and treatments. This can help them provide the best care for their patients. Pediatric nurses should also stay up to date on the latest medical advancements and treatments. This can help them provide the most advanced care for their patients.
Pediatric Nurse Work Environment
Pediatric nurses work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, doctor’s offices, and schools. They may work full time or part time, and their hours may vary depending on the setting in which they work. For example, pediatric nurses who work in hospitals may work nights, weekends, and holidays, while those who work in clinics or doctor’s offices may have more regular hours. Pediatric nurses may also be on call, which means they are available to work at any time, day or night. The work of pediatric nurses can be physically and emotionally demanding, as they must constantly be on their feet and often deal with sick and injured children.
Pediatric Nurse Trends
Here are three trends influencing how pediatric nurses work. Pediatric nurses will need to stay up-to-date on these developments to keep their skills relevant and maintain a competitive advantage in the workplace.
More Attention to Patient Satisfaction
As patient satisfaction becomes more important, pediatric nurses will need to focus on providing excellent care. This means that they will need to be able to develop strong relationships with patients and their families, as well as understand what makes them feel comfortable in the hospital environment.
In order to be successful in this trend, pediatric nurses will need to be able to provide excellent care while also maintaining a positive attitude. They will also need to be able to communicate effectively with other members of the healthcare team in order to ensure that all patients are receiving the best possible care.
More Focus on Preventive Care
Preventive care is becoming increasingly important in the medical field, as it can help to identify potential problems before they become serious. As a result, pediatric nurses will need to focus on preventive care services in order to keep children healthy.
This trend will require nurses to have a deep understanding of the latest preventive care techniques and procedures. In addition, they will need to be able to communicate effectively with parents about the importance of preventive care and how it can help to keep their children healthy.
The Importance of Cultural Competency
Cultural competency is an essential skill for any nurse who works with a diverse population. In order to provide quality care, nurses need to be able to understand the cultural beliefs and practices of their patients.
As the United States becomes increasingly multicultural, the demand for nurses who are culturally competent will continue to grow. Nurses who are able to work with a variety of cultures will be in high demand, as they will be able to provide better care for patients from all backgrounds.
How to Become a Pediatric Nurse
A pediatric nurse career can be both rewarding and challenging. It’s important to consider what you want out of your nursing career before embarking on this path. Do you want to work in a hospital, clinic, or school setting? Do you want to specialize in a certain area of pediatrics, such as neonatal or critical care?
No matter where you end up working, it’s important to have a strong understanding of the unique needs of children. This means having a good knowledge of growth and development, common illnesses and injuries, and safety precautions. You should also be able to communicate effectively with children and their families.
Advancement Prospects
There are many ways to advance your career as a pediatric nurse. One way is to specialize in a certain area of pediatrics, such as oncology, cardiology, or neonatology. You can also move into management positions, such as nurse manager or director of a pediatric unit. Another way to advance your career is to get an advanced degree, such as a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). With an advanced degree, you could become a nurse practitioner, a clinical nurse specialist, or a nurse educator. You could also teach at a nursing school or do research.
Pediatric Nurse Job Description Example
At [CompanyX], we provide high-quality, compassionate healthcare to children of all ages. We’re looking for a pediatric nurse to join our team and provide care to our young patients. The ideal candidate will be a registered nurse with experience in pediatrics, as well as a caring and compassionate personality. He or she will be responsible for providing direct patient care, as well as assisting with treatments and procedures. The pediatric nurse will also be responsible for educating parents and guardians on their child’s condition and care.
Duties & Responsibilities
- Provide direct patient care to infants, children, and adolescents in a pediatric setting
- Perform physical assessments, administer medications, start IVs, and provide wound care
- Educate families on health maintenance, disease prevention, and treatment options
- Collaborate with physicians and other members of the healthcare team to develop individualized care plans
- Monitor patients’ progress and advocate for necessary interventions
- Keep families updated on their child’s condition and answer their questions honestly and compassionately
- Serve as a resource for families navigating the healthcare system
- Delegate tasks to support staff and ensure that all aspects of patient care are carried out according to plan
- Maintain accurate medical records and document patient interactions
- Participate in quality improvement initiatives to help the department run more efficiently and effectively
- Stay up-to-date on new developments in pediatrics and evidence-based practices
- Serve as a preceptor for new nurses and students
Required Skills and Qualifications
- Registered nurse with valid state license
- Bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN)
- 2+ years of experience as a pediatric nurse
- Current CPR certification
- Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills
- Ability to work well under pressure and multitask
Preferred Skills and Qualifications
- Master’s degree in nursing (MSN)
- 4+ years of experience as a pediatric nurse
- Specialty certification in pediatrics
- Experience working in a hospital setting
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