Nursing is a career I'm considering, especially working with kids as a pediatric nurse. Can anyone share what this job entails, any required certifications, and what a typical workday might look like?
It's wonderful that you're interested in pediatric nursing, which serves to provide medical care for infants, children, and adolescents. It's both a challenging and rewarding career path.
To start, the exact responsibilities of a pediatric nurse can vary based on the setting. They often work in hospitals, pediatric healthcare offices, and community health centers, and some even serve as school nurses. Common duties include performing physical examinations, administering medications and vaccinations, and educating patients' families about health issues and preventative care specific to their child’s age, development, and diagnosis.
In terms of education and credentials, a bachelor's degree in nursing is typically the first step. After passing the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN), you can become a Registered Nurse (RN). Additional certifications, such as the Certified Pediatric Nurse (CPN) certification, can further enhance your qualifications and expertise in this specialization. Some pediatric nurses eventually choose to further their education by becoming a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP) or a Pediatric Clinical Nurse Specialist (PCNS) after obtaining a Master’s Degree or Doctorate in Nursing. These advanced-level nurses can diagnose illnesses, order lab work, and prescribe medications, expanding their range of care.
A typical day for a pediatric nurse can be quite diverse and dynamic, given the range of ages and health issues they encounter. They could be helping a toddler with an ear infection, calming a school-aged child before vaccination, or counseling a teen dealing with a newly diagnosed chronic illness. A significant part of their role is also providing reassurance and emotional support to both the patient and their families, who may be anxious or scared.
It's important to note that whilst it can be heartwarming and joyful to work with children and be a part of their healing journey, it can also be emotionally challenging when facing cases of severe illness or abuse. The ability to balance clinical care with emotional sensitivity is a vital aspect of being a successful pediatric nurse.
I hope this provides a comprehensive overview of what a pediatric nurse does, but let me know if you have any other questions!
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.