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What Does a Pediatric Nurse Do?

A pediatric nurse provides nursing care to patients from birth through adolescence. This may range from neonatal intensive care for high-risk infants to preventive well-child care for healthy school-age children to mental health services for at-risk teens. Inherent in pediatric nursing is also the ability to provide education and support to parents. Pediatric nurses help to promote normal development in growing children, to prevent illness and injury, and to restore children to health.

Education and Training for Pediatric Nurses

Pediatric nursing degree programs train nurses to care for children of all ages. Pedatric nurses may have a variety of educational backgrounds and certifications, ranging from licensed practical nurses to registered nurses at both the associate's degree and bachelor's degree level. Advanced practice nurses typically have master of science in nursing degree and may be certified as pediatric nurse practitioners or clinical nurse specialists. It is becoming increasingly common for nurses to pursue doctorate degrees in nursing as well.

At the entry level, pediatric nurses gain skills by working with children and families in the clinical setting. At the graduate level, nursing curricula are focused specifically on pediatric issues and practice. Educational programs, including online degree programs, may help RNs to obtain BSN and MSN degrees.

Typical Characteristics of a Pediatric Nurse

A pediatric nurse needs to be able to adapt the care provided to the unique needs of children and adolescents at various ages. This requires the ability to work with families and to be respectful of their concerns, as well as being technically competent in procedures. The maxim in pediatrics has long been that children are not small adults, but have unique characteristics. It follows that pediatric nurses understand both normal growth and development and pathological variations.

High Demand for Pediatric Nurses

While population trends in general would indicate that the US population is aging, compassionate and skilled pediatric nurses should always be in demand. The Bureau of Labor Statistic projects excellent job prospects for RNs is the future, with growth in the areas of preventive care and high tech services. Salary figures indicate a median annual wage of about $62,000.