A pediatric nurse is a nurse who works with children
from infancy through age 18. The nurse sees patients with various conditions,
in a variety of developmental stages.
Pediatric nurses use empathy, patience, and
communication skills to explain to patients and parents about treatment plans
and diagnoses. Their connection with their patients makes them important for
their patients’ health and builds future relationships.
If you enjoy working with children and are
excited by the challenge of constantly changing minds and bodies, pediatric
nursing may be for you. Find out what pediatric nurses do, where they work, and
how you can become a pediatric nurse.
What
Does a Pediatric Nurse Do?
Pediatric nurses work with children from the time they
are infants until the age of 18. Some pediatric nurses may work in health
clinics that treat children until the age of 21.
Pediatric nurses focus on
keeping patients as healthy as possible. They also assist physicians in
creating and carrying out plans to keep patients healthy throughout childhood
and into adulthood.
Key
Responsibilities
- Teach parents how to care for their child in person and over
the phone
- Collect and record patients’ health information and vital
signs
- Perform physical exams on patients
- Give medication and other treatments
- Comfort children who may be scared or confused
Career Traits
- Communication and interpersonal skills
- Empathy
- Attention to detail
- Decision-making skills
- Ability to cope with stress under pressure
Where Do Pediatric Nurses Work?
Pediatric nurses work in all types of
healthcare settings: community hospitals, specialty hospitals, and outpatient
centers, etc.
Community and Teaching Hospitals
Most nurses work in this setting. Nurses in teaching
hospitals will likely have longer shifts. They may work nights and weekends.
They care for patients before and after surgery, participate in rounds with
doctors, and give IV medications.
Specialty Hospitals
Nurses work about the same hours and perform similar
tasks as they would in community hospitals. However, they may provide more
intensive care for patients. Their patients may have varying health needs such
as end-of-life care, cancer, or developmental disabilities.
Physician’s Offices or Outpatient Care Centers
Nurses in physician's offices and outpatient care
centers often work regular business hours. They may see the same patients on a
routine basis for either primary or specialty care. They greet patients,
schedule appointments, and answer parents’ questions by phone in addition to
their other nursing duties.
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