As a pediatric nurse you must have more than just a compassionate nature and superb medical knowledge. You must also have a strong love for children. A career in pediatric nursing is an especially challenging field, dealing with sick or injured children on a daily basis has a tendency to make one question how the world works.
Duties of a Pediatric Nurse
In general, a pediatric nurse performs the same duties as other nurses. They measure blood pressure and other vitals, conduct physical exams and draw blood to test for illness. They often serve as a liaison between a doctor and a child's parents, ensuring proper communication between both sides.
Pediatric Nursing as a Career
There are no special requirements--no rigorous exams or recommendations--to begin working as a pediatric nurse in a doctor's office or clinic. Instead, you simply make the choice to work with children. You will find work as a nurse in a pediatrician's office or in the pediatric wing of the local hospital. To properly prepare, take child development classes or volunteer any way you can to work with children. Some regional medical centers will offer in-service training for nurses who work in particular areas of the hospital. Ultimately you may wish to expand your career options by becoming certified in pediatric nursing.
Becoming a Certified Pediatric Nurse
As a registered nurse you have already been through one certification process and might even have your Bachelor's Degree in Nursing. To make a career of pediatric nursing and solidify your opportunities for advancement you may want to become certified specifically in pediatric nursing. Apply for entry into a Master's degree specializing as a pediatric nurse practitioner or as a clinical nurse specialist. With this advanced training you will be qualified to diagnose or manage the care of children without the supervision of a physician.
The demand for advanced care pediatric nurses is only expected to grow in the next few decades, making certification as a pediatric nurse a valuable commodity for any registered nurse who has a knack for kids.
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