The ultimate guide on how to become a pediatric nurse
Becoming a pediatric nurse is one of the most fulfilling career paths for aspiring health care professionals. You have the opportunity to work and care for infants, children, adolescents up to 18 years old and their families, providing compassion and support during some of the most vulnerable moments in their lives.
There are several pediatric nurse specialties in addition to general pediatric nursing, which you could pursue if you wanted to specialize further.
Pediatric oncology nurse
A pediatric oncology nurse is a specialized nurse who provides care to children and adolescents diagnosed with cancer. They work very closely with oncologists, radiation therapists, and other health care professionals to develop and implement treatment plans, administer chemotherapy and other medications, monitor patients for side effects and complications and provide emotional support to the patient and their family.
PICU nurse
A PICU nurse works with critically ill children who require intensive medical attention. They work in pediatric intensive care units, which are specialized departments within hospitals equipped with advanced medical technology and staffed by highly trained health care professionals.
Travel nurse pediatrics
Travel pediatric nursing is a unique career choice that allows nurses to combine their passion for pediatric nursing with their love for travel. As a travel pediatric nurse, you'll have the opportunity to work in a variety of health care settings across the country, from large hospitals in urban areas to small clinics in rural communities and experience working in many diverse environments, learn about different health care systems, and develop a versatile set of skills that can be applied to various nursing specialties.
How to become a pediatric nurse?
What are the steps to become a pediatric nurse? How long does it take to become one? Typically, it takes two to four years to complete a nursing program and become a registered nurse (RN), which is the minimum requirement for a career in pediatrics.
Step 1: Complete a nursing program
The first step towards becoming a pediatric nurse is to enroll in and complete an accredited nursing program. There are two main types of programs: Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) and Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
An ADN program typically takes about two years to complete and focuses on the foundational knowledge and skills needed to become an RN, while a BSN program typically takes four years to complete and offers a more comprehensive education in nursing theory, research and leadership.
Nightingale College is an excellent choice for aspiring professionals who want a career in pediatric nursing. Our BSN program, which can be completed in as few as 32 months, follows a blended format with online didactic instruction and on-ground supervised field experience.
Step 2: Obtain a nursing license
After completing a nursing program, the next step is to obtain a nursing license and pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN), a standardized test that evaluates your knowledge and competency in nursing practice. Passing the exam is critical, ensuring you have the knowledge and skills to provide safe and effective care to young patients.
Step 3: Gain nursing experience
After becoming licensed as an RN, it's helpful to gain some experience in pediatric nursing by working in a hospital, clinic or other health care facility that specializes in pediatric care.
Start by fine-tuning your nursing resume, applying for jobs, and showing off your best self in interviews for pediatric nursing positions. Your first year as a nurse may be challenging, but don't fret. Our guide will equip you with the tools and knowledge to tackle any obstacle that comes your way.
Step 4: For ADN nurses, consider degree advancement opportunities
While an ADN program is a great option for those who want to become an RN as quickly as possible, a BSN program offers many additional benefits, such as a more comprehensive nursing education that helps prepare nurses for a broader range of career opportunities and a deeper understanding of health care policy, public health and ethics, which are all increasingly important in today's complex health care environment.
Furthermore, many health care facilities now prefer or require nurses to have a BSN degree and may only hire BSN-prepared nurses for certain positions. BSN-prepared nurses have been shown to have better patient outcomes, such as lower mortality rates and fewer complications, than nurses with an ADN degree.
Nightingale College’s RN-to-BSN track takes as few as 12 months to complete. It is entirely online and career-friendly, so if you’ve been looking for the right program to advance your education, this is it.
Step 5: Obtain certification in pediatric nursing
Obtaining certification in pediatric nursing is not required, but it can demonstrate your expertise and commitment to the field. Several organizations offer pediatric nursing certifications, such as the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board (PNCB) and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).
The PNCB offers the following certifications:
- Certified Pediatric Nurse (CPN)
- Acute Care Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (CPNP-AC)
- Primary Care Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (CPNP-PC)
- Pediatric Primary Care Mental Health Specialist (PMHS)
Meanwhile, the ANCC offers one main certificate for registered nurses in the pediatric specialty: Pediatric Nursing Certification (PED-BC)
Are you ready to become a pediatric nurse?
Becoming a pediatric nurse requires hard work and dedication, but the impact you'll have on the lives of your young patients and their families will be immeasurable. If you're ready to take your career to the next level, enroll today in Nightingale College's BSN program or take your skills and knowledge to new heights with our RN-to-BSN.