What does it really mean to be a pediatric nurse?

I'm thinking about going into nursing and love working with kids. Could someone explain what being a pediatric nurse involves? How different is it from general nursing, and what extra skills or qualifications do I need?

A pediatric nurse is a specialized role within the nursing field, generally focused on the care of children and adolescents, from birth up to the age of 21 in some cases. As with any nursing discipline, pediatric nursing involves a wide range of tasks including conducting physical examinations, measuring vital stats, and administering medications and vaccinations.

However, as a pediatric nurse, you not only care for a child's physical health but also their developmental and emotional needs. You'll often work in teams with other healthcare professionals and liaise with the child's family, supporting and advising them through often difficult times. Compassion, communication, and patience are therefore vital skills in addition to clinical competence.

Pediatric nursing does require additional qualifications beyond those of a general nurse. Firstly, you'll need to be a registered nurse (RN), which involves completing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and passing the NCLEX-RN examination. Following this, you would typically gain some general nursing experience before specializing.

Once in pediatrics, some nurses choose to further specialize in areas such as neonatal care or pediatric oncology, each with its unique set of qualifications and certifications required. One common certification for pediatric nurses is the Certified Pediatric Nurse (CPN) credential, which affirms your specialized knowledge in the field.

In summary, while the essential components of nursing – such as patient care and medical knowledge – remain the same, pediatric nursing requires an additional emphasis on child development and family dynamics. The qualifications are more specialized, but for those who enjoy working with children, the rewards can be great.