Become A Pediatric Nurse
Where do you want to work?
Working As A Pediatric Nurse
- Assisting and Caring for Others
- Documenting/Recording Information
- Getting Information
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems
- Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
Deal with People
Unpleasant/Angry People
Unpleasant/Hazardous Environment
Make Decisions
$76,060
Average Salary
What Does A Pediatric Nurse Do
How To Become A Pediatric Nurse
Registered nurses usually take one of three education paths: a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing (BSN), an associate’s degree in nursing (ADN), or a diploma from an approved nursing program. Registered nurses also must be licensed.
EducationIn all nursing education programs, students take courses in anatomy, physiology, microbiology, chemistry, nutrition, psychology, and other social and behavioral sciences, as well as in liberal arts. BSN programs typically take 4 years to complete; ADN and diploma programs usually take 2 to 3 years to complete. All programs include supervised clinical experience.
Bachelor’s degree programs usually include additional education in the physical and social sciences, communication, leadership, and critical thinking. These programs also offer more clinical experience in nonhospital settings. A bachelor’s degree or higher is often necessary for administrative positions, research, consulting, and teaching.
Generally, licensed graduates of any of the three types of education programs (bachelor’s, associate’s, or diploma) qualify for entry-level positions as a staff nurse. However, employers—particularly those in hospitals—may require a bachelor’s degree.
Many registered nurses with an ADN or diploma choose to go back to school to earn a bachelor’s degree through an RN-to-BSN program. There are also master’s degree programs in nursing, combined bachelor’s and master’s programs, and accelerated programs for those who wish to enter the nursing profession and already hold a bachelor’s degree in another field. Some employers offer tuition reimbursement.
Clinical nurse specialists (CNSs) must earn a master’s degree in nursing and typically already have 1 or more years of work experience as an RN or in a related field. CNSs who conduct research typically need a doctoral degree.
Licenses, Certifications, and RegistrationsIn all states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories, registered nurses must have a nursing license. To become licensed, nurses must graduate from an approved nursing program and pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN).
Other requirements for licensing vary by state. Each state’s board of nursing can give details. For more information on the NCLEX-RN and a list of state boards of nursing, visit the National Council of State Boards of Nursing.
Nurses may become certified through professional associations in specific areas, such as ambulatory care, gerontology, and pediatrics, among others. Although certification is usually voluntary, it demonstrates adherence to a higher standard, and some employers require it.
CNSs must satisfy additional state licensing requirements, such as earning specialty certifications. Contact state boards of nursing for specific requirements.
Important QualitiesCritical-thinking skills. Registered nurses must be able to assess changes in the health status of patients, including determining when to take corrective action and when to make referrals.
Communication skills. Registered nurses must be able to communicate effectively with patients in order to understand their concerns and assess their health conditions. Nurses need to explain instructions, such as how to take medication, clearly. They must be able to work in teams with other health professionals and communicate the patients’ needs.
Compassion. Registered nurses should be caring and empathetic when caring for patients.
Detail oriented. Registered nurses must be responsible and detail oriented because they must make sure that patients get the correct treatments and medicines at the right time.
Emotional stability. Registered nurses need emotional resilience and the ability to manage their emotions to cope with human suffering, emergencies, and other stresses.
Organizational skills. Nurses often work with multiple patients with various health needs. Organizational skills are critical to ensure that each patient is given appropriate care.
Physical stamina. Nurses should be comfortable performing physical tasks, such as moving patients. They may be on their feet for most of their shift.
AdvancementMost registered nurses begin as staff nurses in hospitals or community health settings. With experience, good performance, and continuous education, they can move to other settings or be promoted to positions with more responsibility.
In management, nurses can advance from assistant clinical nurse manager, charge nurse, or head nurse to more senior-level administrative roles, such as assistant director or director of nursing, vice president of nursing, or chief nursing officer. Increasingly, management-level nursing positions are requiring a graduate degree in nursing or health services administration. Administrative positions require leadership, communication skills, negotiation skills, and good judgment.
Some nurses move into the business side of healthcare. Their nursing expertise and experience on a healthcare team equip them to manage ambulatory, acute, home-based, and chronic care businesses. Employers—including hospitals, insurance companies, pharmaceutical manufacturers, and managed care organizations, among others—need registered nurses for jobs in health planning and development, marketing, consulting, policy development, and quality assurance.
Some RNs choose to become nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, or nurse practitioners, which, along with clinical nurse specialists, are types of advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs). APRNs may provide primary and specialty care, and in many states they may prescribe medications.
Other nurses work as postsecondary teachers in colleges and universities.
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Pediatric Nurse jobs
Pediatric Nurse Career Paths
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Pediatric Nurse Practitioner 5.9 years
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Staff Nurse 5.9 years
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Registered Nurse 5.7 years
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Licensed Practical Nurse 5.7 years
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Registered Professional Nurse 5.2 years
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Registered Nurse Charge Nurse 4.4 years
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Nurse Clinician 4.3 years
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Head Nurse 4.1 years
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Nurse Coordinator 3.4 years
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Clinic Registered Nurse 3.4 years
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Psychiatric Nurse 3.4 years
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Agency Nurse 3.4 years
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Surgical Nurse 3.3 years
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Licensed Practical Nurse/Supervisor 3.2 years
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Nurse 3.1 years
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Field Nurse 3.0 years
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Pediatric Nurse 3.0 years
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Practical Nurse 2.9 years
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Special Duty Nurse 2.8 years
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Home Care Nurse 2.7 years
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Registered Nurse Med/Surg 2.7 years
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Home Health Nurse 2.7 years
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Progressive Care Nurse 2.7 years
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Telemetry Nurse 2.7 years
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Registered Nurse Field Nurse 2.7 years
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Contractor-Registered Nurse 2.5 years
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Registered Nurse PRN 2.3 years
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Registered Nurse 36.7%
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Staff Nurse 12.8%
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Licensed Practical Nurse 10.8%
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Nurse 7.7%
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Nurse Extern 3.0%
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Surgical Nurse 2.7%
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School Nurse 2.5%
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Home Health Nurse 2.4%
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Student Nurse 2.1%
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Traveling Nurse 1.7%
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Volunteer 1.6%
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Case Manager 1.4%
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Home Care Nurse 1.4%
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Emergency Room Nurse 1.4%
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Private Duty Nurse 1.2%
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Registered Nurse 33.3%
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Nurse 8.3%
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Staff Nurse 7.0%
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School Nurse 4.6%
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Case Manager 3.8%
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Home Health Nurse 3.4%
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Nurse Manager 2.9%
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Nurse Practitioner 2.5%
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Nursing Director 2.5%
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Emergency Room Nurse 2.2%
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Home Care Nurse 1.9%
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Clinical Instructor 1.5%
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Surgical Nurse 1.5%
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Nurse Case Manager 1.4%
Average Length of Employment
Top Careers Before Pediatric Nurse
Top Careers After Pediatric Nurse
Pediatric Nurse Demographics
Gender
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Female
90.1% -
Male
8.1% -
Unknown
1.9%
Ethnicity
-
White
80.0% -
Hispanic or Latino
10.3% -
Asian
6.9% -
Unknown
2.0% -
Black or African American
0.9%
Languages Spoken
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Spanish
55.8% -
French
8.4% -
German
5.3% -
Mandarin
3.2% -
Russian
3.2% -
Polish
3.2% -
Vietnamese
2.1% -
Hindi
2.1% -
Filipino
2.1% -
Tagalog
2.1% -
Portuguese
2.1% -
Chinese
2.1% -
Romanian
1.1% -
Gujarati
1.1% -
Dutch
1.1% -
Zulu
1.1% -
Afrikaans
1.1% -
Malayalam
1.1% -
Japanese
1.1% -
Kannada
1.1%
Pediatric Nurse
Unfortunately we don’t have enough data for this section.
Pediatric Nurse Education
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University of Phoenix
15.7% -
Walden University
9.7% -
Grand Canyon University
9.7% -
Chamberlain College of Nursing
9.4% -
University of South Alabama
6.0% -
University of Texas at Arlington
5.0% -
University of Pennsylvania
4.0% -
Frontier Nursing University
4.0% -
Indiana Wesleyan University
3.7% -
Liberty University
3.3% -
Indiana State University
3.3% -
Saint Louis University-
3.0% -
Kaplan University
3.0% -
Arizona State University
3.0% -
Florida State University
3.0% -
Marquette University
3.0% -
Florida Atlantic University
3.0% -
University of Florida
2.7% -
Emory University
2.7% -
Drexel University
2.7% -
Nursing 83.8%
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Nursing Science 1.9%
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Business 1.8%
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Nursing Assistants 1.6%
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Education 1.0%
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Public Health 0.8%
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Clinical Psychology 0.8%
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Psychology 0.7%
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Management 0.5%
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Liberal Arts 0.4%
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Elementary Education 0.4%
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Medicine 0.3%
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General Studies 0.3%
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Social Work 0.2%
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Health And Wellness 0.2%
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Criminal Justice 0.2%
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Bachelors
33.8% -
Masters
24.7% -
Associate
17.6% -
Other
12.2% -
License
3.6% -
Certificate
3.1% -
Diploma
2.8% -
Doctorate
2.1%
Schools
Majors
Degrees
Pediatric Nurse
Unfortunately we don’t have enough data for this section.
Real Pediatric Nurse Salaries
Job Title
|
Company
|
Location
|
Start Date
|
Salary
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pediatric Intensive Care Registered Nurse | Santa Clara Valley Medical Center | San Jose, CA | Sep 15, 2011 | $139,871 |
| Pediatrics Nurse | Swedish Health Services | Seattle, WA | Jun 06, 2016 | $93,685 |
| Pediatrics Nurse | Swedish Health Services | Seattle, WA | Jun 06, 2016 | $93,226 |
| Director, Center of Pediatric Nursing Excellence | VHS Childrens Hospital of Michigan, Inc. | Detroit, MI | Jan 01, 2011 | $84,870 |
| Director, Center of Pediatric Nursing Excellence | VHS Childrens Hospital of Michigan, Inc. | Detroit, MI | Nov 01, 2010 | $84,870 |
| Director, Center of Pediatric Nursing Excellence | Children's Hospital of Michigan-DMC | Detroit, MI | May 01, 2010 | $74,090 - $85,000 |
| Pediatric ICU Nurse | Rosario E. Magno International Staffing, Inc. | Jersey City, NJ | Nov 15, 2010 | $73,045 |
| Supervisory Nurse-Pediatric Care | Nurses Night & Day, Inc. | Houston, TX | Oct 01, 2011 | $70,000 |
| Pediatric Transport Team Registered Nurse II | El Paso County Hospital District | El Paso, TX | Jan 31, 2011 | $68,287 |
| Pediatrics Nurse | Swedish Health Services | Seattle, WA | Jun 06, 2016 | $62,151 - $117,707 |
| Pediatric Nurse-Rn | New Alternatives for Children, Inc. | New York, NY | Dec 29, 2011 | $62,000 |
| Pediatric Transport Team Registered Nurse II | El Paso County Hospital District | El Paso, TX | Jan 31, 2011 | $56,808 |
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Top Skills for A Pediatric Nurse
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Top Pediatric Nurse Skills
- Phone Triage
- RN
- Charge Nurse
- Roomed patients, administered immunizations/injections/treatments, phone triage, called in Rx's, stocked rooms, other duties as requested.
- Functioned as lead RN to the unit and other staff members.
- Delegated to and supervised nursing staff as charge nurse.
- Assessed, monitored, and documented patient progress, symptoms and vital signs on each visit.
- Responded to various emergency situations on unit and coordinated response to resolve the situation.
Top Pediatric Nurse Employers
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Pediatric Nurse Videos
Pediatric Nurse
A Day in the Life - Stephane (Pediatric Nurse)
Gloria Kindzeka, RN: The 2013 Amazing Nurse (Pediatric Nurse)