When you are a pediatric nurse, you have the joy of working with children on a daily basis. You are the friendly face who greets children before their appointments with a doctor. You may also need to be the person who administers tests or shots before a child’s appointment with a doctor. As a pediatric nurse, it is important for you to have a calming and compassionate manner. Children will likely be very anxious before their appointment with a doctor, and it is important for you to calm them and make them feel comfortable. Pediatric nurses also may work in hospitals and help children recover from surgery procedures. You may need to administer medications to a child who has had an operation procedure. Maybe you have wondered, “How do I become a pediatric nurse?” When you want to become a pediatric nurse, it is important for you to obtain a nursing degree and have the right skills for the profession.
What’s it like to be a pediatric nurse?
When you are a pediatric nurse, you typically see young patients before they go into an appointment with a doctor. You may need to ask the child about his or her illness. You may also need to administer routine tests, such as taking the child’s weight or recording the height of the child. It will also be important for you to make sure that the child is up to date on all of his or her shots. You will need to make sure that the child is ready to see a doctor. If a child is crying, it is your job to calm the child down before he or she meets with a doctor. If you work in a hospital, then your job will be to take care of children after their surgery procedures. You will need to ensure that all of the bandages have been changed for a child. You will also need to make sure that a child is receiving all of the medications that he or she requires.
Education Requirements
To become a pediatric nurse, you should obtain a nursing degree. You will need to complete pre-requisite courses before you become a pediatric nurse. It will be important for you to complete these courses and then apply for nursing programs. Getting into a nursing program can be very competitive. You should try to maintain a high grade point average during your years in college. You should also try to complete an internship at a hospital. These sorts of qualifications are what admissions committees want to see on an application. After you complete a nursing program, you will need to obtain a license to become a practicing nurse. You will need to look into the state requirements to receive your license. The state exams can be very difficult, and it is important for you to prepare for them as much as possible.
Salary & How to Get a Job
According to the BLS, the average salary of a pediatric nurse is about $65,000 a year. When you want to become a pediatric nurse, it is important for you to apply for jobs at hospitals and clinics. You should also try to apply for positions at private medical offices that have a need for pediatric nurses.
References:
1. http://www.bls.gov/ooh/Healthcare/Registered-nurses.htm
2. http://www.ehow.com/about_6578617_pediatric-nursing.html