Pediatric nursing is a rewarding, high demand career in healthcare. As a pediatric nurse, you care for babies, children, and teens across various settings, hospitals, pediatric clinics, home care, schools, and even via telehealth. Because children need gentle care and attention, a pediatric nurse needs unique medical and emotional care. However, these highly specialized professionals are the most in-demand nurses. Therefore, in this blog, let’s explore the skills and certifications to become a certified nurse and the best ways to find jobs as a nurse in pediatrics.
What is a Pediatric Nurse?
A nurse who works in pediatrics is a registered nurse (RN) who specializes in the medical care of infants, children, and adolescents. They work closely with families to support the health and well-being of young patients, offering both medical care and emotional support. However, nurses who work in pediatrics are skilled in performing health assessments, administering vaccinations, managing chronic conditions, and educating families on illness prevention and health maintenance. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, registered nurse (RN) employment is projected to grow about 6% from 2023 to 2033, and children’s hospitals and clinics are constantly seeking skilled pediatric nurses to meet this need. Moreover, this growth trend indicates a promising future for those considering or already in pediatric nursing.
How to Become a Pediatric Nurse
Becoming a nurse in pediatrics is a rewarding journey that allows you to make a profound impact on children’s lives. To start, you need to complete a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from an accredited institution. However, this four-year program includes foundational nursing courses, clinical practice, and specialized training in pediatric care. After graduation, you must pass the NCLEX-RN exam to become a licensed registered nurse (RN). Furthermore, many aspiring nurses in pediatrics choose to gain experience in general nursing before specializing in pediatrics. This hands-on experience helps build critical skills like patient communication, clinical assessments, and teamwork. For those looking to deepen their expertise, pursuing certification as a CPN is a strong next step. Additionally, this certification, awarded by the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board (PNCB), demonstrates advanced knowledge and commitment to pediatric care. However, some nurses expand their education by becoming Pediatric Nurse Practitioners (PNPs), allowing them to take on more responsibilities, such as diagnosing illnesses and prescribing medications. To achieve this, you’ll need a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) with a pediatric specialization.
What Does a Pediatric Nurse Do?
Nursing in Pediatric gives you a diverse range of responsibilities; all centered on the health and well-being of children. Their daily tasks often include:
- Patient Assessments: Conducting physical exams, measuring vital signs, and evaluating developmental progress.
- Administering Medications and Vaccinations: Ensuring proper dosage and educating parents on potential side effects.
- Wound Care and Treatment Plans: Assisting with minor procedures, dressing wounds, and implementing care strategies for chronic conditions.
- Family Education: Providing guidance on managing illnesses, maintaining proper nutrition, and understanding developmental milestones.
- Emotional Support: Offering comfort and reassurance to both children and their families during medical treatments.
- Coordination of Care: Working with pediatricians, specialists, and social workers to deliver comprehensive healthcare.
High-Demand Pediatric Nursing Roles and Specialties
Children’s hospitals and pediatric units offer a variety of specialized RN roles. Neonatal ICU (NICU) nurses care for newborns requiring intensive support. However, demand for NICU nurses is exceptionally high – one industry report projects NICU RN jobs to grow 12% from 2018–2028. Similarly, Pediatric ICU (PICU) nurses manage critically ill infants and children. Travel nursing agencies report nationwide staffing shortages for PICU nurses, noting that children’s hospitals constantly seek qualified PICU RNs. Moreover, another specialty area is pediatric oncology nursing, where RNs support children undergoing cancer treatment. These nurses not only administer chemotherapy and manage symptoms but also counsel families through complex emotional journeys. Pediatric emergency nurses work in children’s ERs, and pediatric cardiology nurses care for kids with heart conditions.
Advanced Roles in Pediatric Nurse Practitioners
A Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP) is an advanced practice RN who provides primary or acute care to children. The NP workforce is expanding dramatically, the U.S. News 2022 Best Jobs Report ranked NPs #1 in healthcare jobs, and BLS predicts 52% growth in NP jobs from 2020–2030. This reflects a greater demand for primary care providers, including in pediatrics. However, becoming a PNP is a promising path if you’re an RN considering advanced practice. PNP education involves a graduate degree and specialized pediatric training (for instance, PNCB offers Pediatric Primary Care (CPNP-PC) and Pediatric Acute Care (CPNP-AC) certifications). Nurse practitioner jobs span primary care practices, specialty clinics (cardiology, endocrinology, etc.), and telehealth.
How Much Does a Pediatric Nurse Make?
The salary of nursing in pediatrics varies based on factors like experience, location, and education level. According to recent U.S. data, the average salary for a nurse pediatric is around $75,000 to $85,000 per year. However, those with additional certifications, such as a Certified Pediatric Nurse (CPN), or advanced roles like PNP can earn significantly more often ranging from $90,000 to $120,000 annually. Moreover, geographic location also plays a role; nurses working in urban areas or high-demand states like California, Texas, and New York typically earn higher wages. Additionally, nursing in pediatric settings like pediatric intensive care units (PICUs) or pediatric oncology tend to receive higher compensation due to the demanding nature of the work.
Conclusion
Pediatric nursing offers a diverse array of rewarding career paths. With a degree in nursing, you can thrive in fast-paced hospital wards (NICU, PICU, oncology) or prefer ambulatory and home care settings, find top jobs in nursing all at one place. Moreover, you can maximize your job prospects by pursuing specialized skills, relevant certifications (like the CPN) and even an advanced degree as a Nurse Practitioner. However, as the demand for pediatric expertise grows, we can connect you with the best opportunities more easily. Furthermore, if you’re a pediatric nurse or aspiring PNP, consider exploring HealthCare Talent Link’s platform that helps nurses find job matches, advance their careers, and secure positions in leading U.S. healthcare settings.
