This is how you become a pediatric nurse (2023)

Pediatric nurses are Registered Nurses (RNs) or Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) who choose to specialize in pediatrics. This allows them to take on roles that work specifically with babies, toddlers, tweens and teenagers. Because there are so many conditions and issues specific to the growing and developing body, pediatric nursing requires specialized knowledge to provide the best patient care. This article explains how to become a pediatric nurse.

For example, pediatric RNs may work in the pediatric department of a hospital. You must have at least an Associate's Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and be certified as Registered Nurses to practice in this role.

There are alsoPediatric Nursing Nurses (PNPs)who perform additional duties such as prescribing medications, conducting developmental screenings, and administering vaccinations. They hold advanced nursing degrees and pass additional exams in order to practice.

Being a pediatric nurse means you need to know how to deal with the sensitivities and limitations of the age of the patient you are caring for. You must be a great communicator with a soothing bedside manner who can inform and educate concerned parents. Helping children grow up big and strong is really at the heart of what pediatric nurses do every day, making it an important career for a healthy population.

Each job has its own unique set of responsibilities, but one thing that remains constant with any pediatric nursing job is interacting with children. Patients ranging in age from newborns to teenagers have very different needs and frames of reference than adults. Although pediatric nurses require the same nursing skills as those caring for adult populations, they also benefit from a background in everything from fairy tales and cartoon characters to video games and the latest music.

Depending on the work environment, the tasks include:

1. administration and education about vaccines
2. administration of medications and treatments
3. Assessment of the condition of patients
4. Creating care plans for patients
5. Assistance in conducting diagnostic tests and analyzing their results
6. Support in the coordination of medical aftercare
7. Monitoring of vital signs
8. Observing behavior and recording observations
9. Conducting physical examinations
10. Recording of symptoms and medical histories
11. Collection of blood and urine samples
12. Teaching patients and their families how to deal with illness or injury

While pediatric nurses who work in a doctor's office see very different patients and families than their compatriots who work in a PICU (pediatric intensive care unit) or pediatric oncology center, all pediatric nurses need the ability to listen and observe, both verbally and non-verbally Hints; to understand children's unique needs and healing powers; and to understand that although their patients are the children, they must extend their nursing practice to the adults in their patients' lives as well.

What day-to-day work looks like really depends on the type of healthcare facility. Pediatric nurses in hospitals work multiple shifts providing around-the-clock care, while those working for a community organization may have more traditional hours.

The hours a pediatric nurse will work also depends on these variables, as well as whether the facility assigns nurses to specific shifts. In most hospitals, pediatric nurses work 12-hour shifts, and this can extend into more time when patient needs are high. If the facility uses a three-shift model with overlapping shifts, the pediatric nurse will likely work a ten-hour shift.

For pediatric nurses working in clinics or private offices, working hours will generally be limited to 8 am to 5 pm during the day, although an increasing number of pediatric facilities are offering extended evening and weekend hours.

The median annual salary for RNs was $77,600, or $37.31 per hour, according to theFederal Office for Labor Statistics (BLS)ButGehalt.comreported that the averagePediatric nurse salaryin the United States is $75,000.

Keep in mind that salaries for each nurse can vary widely, increasing with experience and by employer. For example, a school nurse at a small private school is likely to make much less than a pediatric nurse at a reputable children's hospital.

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Highest Paying Cities for Pediatric Nurses

Another important factor in the salary of a pediatric nurse is where you work. AccordinglyZipRecruiter.com, are among the 10 cities with the highest average salary for pediatric nurses:

• New York City, New York – 100.308 $
• San Mateo, California – $97,221
• Boston, MA - $95,350
• Daly City, California – $95,267
• Berkeley, California – $95,217
• Green River, Wyoming – 94.516 $
• Santa Monica, CA – $94,110
• Renton, Washington – 94.025 $
• Juneau, AK- $93,774
• Palm Springs, CA – 93.692 $

Whether your lifelong dream was to become a pediatric nurse or you are considering the profession for the first time, you will find that the effort you put into obtaining the skills and education required for this specialty will be well worth it. Although there are a variety of ways to achieve this goal, most nurses today pursue a path that involves either a bachelor's degree in nursing or a master's degree. Here is an overview of how long it will take:

1. Earn your Bachelor of Science in Nursing or your Master's degree - 4-5 years
2. Get a License as a Registered Nurse
3. Gain valuable experience working as a Registered Nurse - 2 years
4. Take and pass the national certification exam for Certified Pediatric Nursing

Step One: Become an RN

The first step to becoming any type of registered nurse is to become an RN or Registered Nurse. From there you can go into various specialties such as pediatric nursing. To become a licensed RN, you must be pursuing an accredited program of study (either an undergraduate or associate degree) and pass the NCLEX-RN.

For more information on becoming an RN, see ourRN Career Guide.

Step two: gain experience

Once you become a practicing RN, you can look for positions that will give you experience in pediatrics. This can help you decide whether to pursue the specialty and earn additional certifications.

Step Three: Decide if you want to pursue an advanced degree

As previously mentioned, to become an RN you must complete a nursing degree. You can also choose to pursue postgraduate studies or even become a registered nurse specializing in paediatrics.

See oursGuide for Nursing Practitionersfor more details on this career path.

Step Four: Get certified

To truly demonstrate a specific knowledge of pediatrics, RNs may take additionalcertification exams.

There are currently three organizations that offer pediatric nurse certification:

1. Certification Body for Pediatric Nursing(PCNB)
2. American Nurses Credentialing Center(ANCC)
3. National Certification Society(NCC)

Each has an exam, requirements for recertification, and eligibility criteria for exams.

>>Explore the materials for the pediatric nurse certification exam*

There are numerous programs that prepare students to become pediatric nurses and our panel of nurses have ranked them based on the factors mentioned in the methodology. Because individual nursing paths and careers take different forms, the top 10 programs are presented in no particular order.

1.University of Pennsylvania

• Annual fee: $78,720
• Online: No
• Program duration: 1 year

Founded in 1740, the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia is one of the oldest institutions in the nation. The university has an impressive 6:1 student-to-faculty ratio, so nursing students spend a lot of time with professors. UPenn's Pediatric Primary Care Nurse program is available as either a one-year full-time option or a 2-3 year part-time option, giving students multiple options. The program leads to an MSN, which means students take fewer courses than if they had enrolled in a DNP. UPenn prefers applicants with a BSN, RN license and one year of pediatric nursing experience.

2.Duke University

• Tuition: $12,896/semester
• Online: Me
• Program duration: 2 years

Often considered one of the top universities in the world, Duke University educates over 15,500 students each year. Duke's NP programs, including MSN for pediatric NP primary care, are also among the best in the world. The pediatric NP MSN takes just one year to complete, is available in both part-time and full-time formats, and uses a mix of online courses and on-site clinics and simulations. Current NPs wishing to transition into pediatric nursing may also enroll in Duke's postgraduate NP pediatric primary care program.

3.University of Washington

• Quarterly Tuition: $9,934/resident $14,150/non-resident
• Online: Hybrid
• Program duration: 3 years

The University of Washington, based in Seattle, does not offer MSN for pediatric nursing. Instead, aspiring pediatric nurses enroll in UW's pediatric NP Primary Care DNP, a three-year program designed for current BSN holders. Students practice at some of the area's top healthcare facilities, including Seattle Children's Hospital. At the end of the program, students complete a final project with a local clinical agency or organization. Courses are offered in a hybrid format, requiring students to reside in the Seattle area.

4.University of Columbia

• Annual fee: $68,140
• Online: No
• Program duration: 2 - 3 years

Columbia University is a premier research center in bustling New York City and a popular destination for graduate students. Columbia's DNP in primary care pediatrics lasts two to three years, and students complete clinical trials throughout the tri-state area. Columbia states that students complete the coursework over a two-year period, although clinical trials can easily stretch this program to a three-year duration. Upon graduation, students are eligible to earn a license in New York, although many graduates go on to work in other states.

5.Yale University

• Annual fee: $50,713
• Online: No
• Program duration: 2 years

Yale University, an Ivy League school founded in 1701, offers its Pediatric Nursing Acute Care program as both MSN and Postmaster certification. The master's degree takes two years to complete, so the total cost of the program may be higher than other options. However, Yale also allows students to choose a major in diabetes care, oncology, gender and sexuality justice, or research. Students can also decide to study part-time and continue working alongside their studies.

6.University of Pittsburgh

• Annual in-state tuition: $28,278 Annual out-of-state tuition: $33,770
• Online: Hybrid
• Program duration: 3 years

Founded in 1787 as the Pittsburgh Academy, the University of Pittsburgh is now one of the top public schools in the country. Pitt is particularly known for his doctoral programs, including the DNP in primary pediatric care. Designed for current BSN holders, the DNP takes three years to complete and leads to Pennsylvania certification. Most of the program's courses are held on campus, but some can also be taken remotely. Pitt also offers an MSN DNP for current NPs and this option is available entirely online. As a public school, Pitt is an excellent option for those who can take advantage of state tuition.

7.Rush University

• Annual Tuition: $39,168 (based on per-credit tuition rate)
• Online: Me
• Program duration: 2-3.5 years

The academic portion of Rush University Medical Center, Rush University offers some of the best medical and nursing programs in the Midwest. Based in Chicago, Illinois, Rush offers students many excellent clinical practice sites. Rush's DNP in Primary Care Pediatric Nursing lasts only two years, although some students take as long as three and a half years. Designed for registered nurses with a BSN, the DNP is primarily offered in a part-time format, with most courses delivered online. Students complete their clinical studies in Chicago, the most important personal requirement for the DNP.

8.Johns Hopkins University

• Annual fee: $57,518
• Online: Hybrid
• Program duration: 3 years

Johns Hopkins University, a private school in Baltimore, Maryland, is the country's original research university. The university is best known for its graduate degrees, especially in science fields. The DNP in primary pediatric care has students complete most of their courses online, with the exception of some on-campus immersion. The program only accepts BSN or MSN students with at least one year of RN experience, although no prior pediatric nursing experience is required. Although the cost is high, Johns Hopkins is recognized worldwide for its academic excellence.

9.Vanderbilt University

• Tuition: $1,883/credit hour
• Online: Hybrid
• Program duration: 1 year

Vanderbilt University has a prime location in Nashville, Tennessee and is home to one of the region's finest medical facilities. Nurses who enroll in the NP MSN pediatric program complete their clinical training in Vanderbilt and the surrounding area, including Kentucky and Alabama. Students can also request to be placed outside of the area, which is useful for anyone seeking certification in a specific state. MSN relies on distance learning and allows students to complete a large part of their education online. Full-time students complete this program in just one year, so the high price is essentially a one-time cost.

10.University of California, San Francisco

• Annual in-state tuition: $31,755 Annual out-of-state tuition: $44,000
• Online: No
• Program duration: 2 years

The University of California San Francisco, a national leader in health education, offers one of the best MSN primary care programs for pediatric nurses. Students in the program enjoy clinical rotations in a variety of settings throughout the Bay Area, from public health clinics to private family practices. Interestingly, UCSF requires no prior RN experience, so anyone can apply to this advanced nursing program. Of course, non-RN applicants must complete basic nursing courses and clinics during the program. Anyone living in California can also benefit from UCSF's lower state tuition rates.

methodology

This list is based on a number of factors, including:

• Ruf
• Instruction
• Acceptance rate, if available
• Only ACEN or CCNE accredited schools are eligible to participate

Many pediatric nurses choose to pursue a college degree, so this list considers the best college degrees for pediatric nurses.

nurse panel

Our selection committee consists of 3 qualified nurses with many years of experience and multiple degrees:

• Tracy Everhart, MSN, RN, CNS
• Tyler Faust, MSN, RN
• Kathleen Gaines, MSN, BSN, RN, BA, CBC

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One of the real benefits of becoming a pediatric nurse is that you can choose from all sorts of employment opportunities as long as it involves babies or children. Hospitals and private pediatric practices are the most obvious choices; However, there is a need for pediatric nurses in clinics, government agencies, social services, community groups and schools.

Some pediatric nurses focus on positions providing health education for the family, offering presentations and screening at health fairs.

AccordinglyThe Institute for Pediatric Nursing, here is a breakdown of the most common pediatric nursing jobs:

1. 30.3% in freestanding children's hospitals
2. 28.3% in children's hospitals attached to a large medical center
3. 11.7% in outpatient special care
4. 9.9% in community hospitals
5. 5.1% in primary outpatient care
6. 4.8% in a large medical center
7. 2.4% in a school setting
8. 2% in home nursing
9. 0.8% in an outpatient surgery center
10. 0.4% in a psychiatric/psychiatric facility
11. 0.2% in emergency care
12. 0.2% in rehabilitation or care facilities

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Pediatric nurses require a wide range of skills, including the ability to remain calm under pressure and communicate easily with both children and adults.

Additionally, it is helpful for nurses working with this particular patient population if they have personal qualities that help them engage with their patients and provide them with the high levels of compassion, accessibility, and understanding they need.

People who are sensitive, empathetic, emotionally stable, and responsible make excellent pediatric nurses.

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Nursing care will continue to be a sought-after area due to the impending nursing shortage and the aging population. In fact, according to the BLS, RN jobs are projected to grow 9% through 2030, faster than most jobs. Adding a specialty like pediatric nursing will likely provide even more job security.

Additionally, pediatric nurses are in high demand with some types of employers. For example, working in a children's hospital is a natural fit for a pediatric nurse. Considering that Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Texas Children's Hospital in Houston and Boston Children's Health are on the list of25 Best Hospitals to Work For in 2021-22, you can understand why pediatric nursing can be a very rewarding career.

Having specialist knowledge is also an excellent way to be a strong candidate for travelnursing professions. Travel nurses can work short-term across the country, usually for 12-week contracts (or sometimes longer). Experience and qualifications in a high demand field like pediatrics can give you an advantage.

To learn more about careers in pediatric nursing, it's a good idea to explore the resources offered by the various professional organizations. Here are a few to get you started:

• Pediatric Nursing Certification Board (PNCB)- Provides certification services for nurses serving pediatric populations.
• National Association of Pediatric Nurses (NAPNAP)- the professional association of all pediatric-oriented Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs).
• American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)- Despite being an organization of 66,000 paediatricians, there is much to learn about the field from this enormous group.
• Society of Pediatric Nurses (SPN)- is committed to advancing the specialty of pediatric nursing through excellence in education, research and practice
• Institute for Pediatric Nursing (IPN)- a standing committee created by the PNCB to promote a unified voice for pediatric nursing

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Additionally, Nurse.org is an invaluable resource for everything you need to know about a career in pediatric nursing. You can find answers to many of your questions in these articles:

• Pediatric Nurse Jobs
• 10 Top Pediatric Nursing Programs 2019
• How to get your pediatric nurse certification
• Salary and Career Opportunities as a Pediatric Nurse
• 4 key differences between pediatric and adult nurses

Being a pediatric nurse is an incredibly rewarding career. By helping children thrive, you are helping the world to do the same.

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