Pediatric Nurse

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Pediatric Nurse

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Pediatric Nurse

Pediatric nurses care for children from birth through adolescence. They perform a wide range of clinical nursing tasks such as direct patient care, conducting assessments, and administering medication. The profession requires advanced training in pediatrics and special skills that set them apart from other nurses.

Pediatric registered nurses (PRNs) are highly valued for their expertise, bravery in the face of illness, and empathetic nature towards their patients. Taking on a career in pediatric nursing requires a deep commitment to the health and wellbeing of children, which is why nurses employed in this field typically express deep satisfaction from their work.

If you are interested in a career in pediatric nursing, this guide will help you understand the requirements of the profession, how to become a pediatric nurse, and what to expect in your daily role as a pediatric RN.

What Is a Pediatric Nurse?

Pediatric nurses are registered nurses (RNs) who specialize in caring for children at every stage of development, from infancy to adolescence. They may provide direct patient care, education, and specialized clinical support for their patients and families. In addition to standard nursing skills, pediatric nurses have advanced training in the specific needs of infants, children, teens, and those with special health care needs. They collaborate with other nurses, physicians, and related health professionals to establish individualized care plans for their patients.

Important Facts About Pediatric Nurses

  • According to the American Nurses Association, 92% of pediatric nurses are satisfied or very satisfied with their work, compared to 84% for all registered nurses.
  • An estimated 180,000 registered nurses provide patient care to a pediatric population.
  • 30% of certified pediatric nurses work in free-standing children’s hospitals.
  • PRNs are employed in a variety of settings, including pediatric intensive care units (PICUs), pediatric specialty clinics, emergency rooms, and other facilities that specialize in providing medical services to children

What Does a Pediatric Nurse Do?

Pediatric nurses perform many of the same duties as registered nurses who work with adult patients, such as monitoring vital signs, administering treatment, and providing routine bedside care. They also provide advanced therapeutic and rehabilitative care for child patients with chronic, acute, and critical illnesses, such as cancer and chronic heart or lung conditions.

Though many of the tasks carried out by pediatric RNs are similar to what they would be in a nursing unit for adults, the nature of their work is very different. A PEDS nurse must perform their duties with extra care and attention, and treat their patients in a way that respects their age and level of understanding. The hospital can be a very confusing and scary environment for young children, so pediatric nurses work to make their service feel safe and comforting. They may also adapt treatments and methods of care for children with unique conditions and disabilities.

Some common tasks and duties of a pediatric nurse include:

  • Monitor vital signs, including temperature, pulse rate, and blood pressure.
  • Perform physical examinations, take blood and urine samples, and order diagnostic tests.
  • Educate patients and their families about their child’s treatment plan how to manage illnesses or injuries.
  • Provide emotional support, especially when a child is undergoing a difficult medical procedure.
  • Perform physical therapy, speech or occupational therapy.
  • Help set up equipment, such as oxygen tanks or ventilators.
  • Work with other healthcare providers to establish treatment plans for children with chronic or acute conditions.

Types of Pediatric Nurses

Under the umbrella of pediatric nursing, there are many opportunities for specialized nursing work. A pediatric nurse may specialize in a specific medical subspecialty, care setting, or age group. For example, a PRN may specialize in neonatal intensive care, pediatrics, or adolescent medicine. Some of the most common specialties in pediatric nursing: are listed below:

Pediatric Registered Nurse

A pediatric registered nurse (PRN) works closely with physicians, pediatricians and other nurses to provide specialized healthcare to children. Their primary role is to treat common illnesses and injuries, while closely monitoring patients for complications and responses to medication. They may also find themselves working alongside other healthcare providers to provide patient education, consulting with physicians and nurses when necessary.

Pediatric Oncology Nurse

A pediatric oncology nurse is a nurse who functions as a member of a pediatric cancer team. Working with a team of other healthcare professionals, they provide comprehensive care to pediatric patients with a variety of types of cancer. They may consult with physicians and nurses when needed, assist in the treatment plan for children with special needs, perform research on cancer treatments, and educate patients and their families about this very serious condition.

Neonatal Nurse

A neonatal nurse is a registered nurse who provides specialized care to newborn children in the neonatal intensive care unit. They play a vital role in the care of premature and newly born children. They may assist in caring for infants who have special needs, such as those who require intubation or ventilation. They may also assist in teaching the parents of these children various routines for their home care.

PICU Nurse

A PICU nurse provides comprehensive care to critically ill pediatric patients. They work alongside surgeons, physicians and other healthcare professionals to provide treatment and care for children with severe injuries, such as those who need amputations, chemotherapy or dialysis. They may also play a role in educating parents and family members about the diagnosis and treatment of their child’s illness.

Palliative Pediatric Nurse

A palliative pediatric nurse works with a team of healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive care for children who are dying or have a life expectancy under one year due to a serious illness or injury. They play a role in the diagnosis and treatment of the child’s illness, coordinating their care with other providers and family members. They may also work with physicians and nurses to determine the appropriate end-of-life care for a child.

Labor and Delivery Nurse

A labor and delivery nurse works in a variety of settings, including obstetric units, emergency rooms, and medical centers. They are responsible for assisting physicians or midwives with the safe delivery of newborn children. They may also assist mothers with childbirth preparation exercises, providing education about the birthing process and answering any questions they may have.

Pediatric Nurse Salary 

Pediatric nursing is an area of specialization for RNs, which means that the salary of a pediatric nurse is generally comparable to that of other registered nurses. According to the most recent data published in 2020 by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, registered nurses earned an average annual wage of $80,010, the equivalent of $38.47 per hour. By comparison, the average annual salary for a Pediatric Registered Nurse is $76,848, or $37.00 per hour.

Highest Paying States for Pediatric Nurses

Pediatric nurse salaries vary widely by state, with some pediatric registered nurses earning substantially more than others with a similar job description in different areas of the country. For example, PRNs in Massachusetts earn an average annual salary of $83,944, whereas PRNs in Florida earn $59,470. The states listed below represent the five highest-paying states for Pediatric Nurses in 2021.
STATEHOURLY MEAN WAGE *ANNUAL MEAN WAGE *
Massachusetts$40.36$83,944
Hawaii$40.07$83,355
Connecticut$39.95$83,092
Rhode Island$38.63$80,343
North Dakota$37.95$78,928
* Zip Recruiter, Pediatric Nurse Salary by State, October 2021

Additional Resources for Pediatric Nurses

Pediatric Nurse FAQ

Pediatric nursing is challenging, but rewarding. Nurses work hard to support children with chronic illnesses or other conditions that are difficult to manage. The emotional aspect of the job is often taxing, as nurses sometimes have to provide care for children who are grieving or stressed about their health or treatment.
Pediatric nursing is a specialty that requires dedication, preparation, and hard work for those with a genuine interest in the care and well-being of children. It is generally considered one of the most rewarding and emotionally fulfilling careers in nursing. The field of pediatric nursing has a variety of specialties you can choose from based on your goals for entering the profession.
Pediatric nurse salaries are similar to those of other registered nurses. The biggest factors at play include a nurse’s level of education, relevant certifications, and level of experience.  Students with specialized pediatric nurse schooling can anticipate higher salaries and more challenging work in environments such as the PICU, where demand for highly skilled nurses is very high. 

The job outlook for RN’s is encouraging. The Bureau of Labor Statistics is anticipating that the available jobs for RN’s are projected to grow by 12% by 2028.

These projections are highlighted by a growing need for nurses that work with babies, especially at hospitals. This is due to the increase in childhood illnesses and the need for both inpatient and outpatient coverage during a hospital stay. Nurses in this specialty area are retiring at record rates, so there is increased demand for new nurses in this specialization.

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