What are the down sides of nursing in pediatrics?

As with all nursing, things can and do go wrong in healthcare, and yes even children die. Being present, compassionate, and caring during those times is hard for the most resilient nurse. I was in nursing school when a 6month old infant died unexpectedly during a relatively simple procedure. I, a student, was sent out to ‘distract’ the mother as that doc and his interns ‘practiced’ intubation on that baby’s body. I nearly left nursing then and there...but stayed and became a strong advocate for those in my care, speaking up and speaking out when I saw danger in any form.

Just realize that nursing can and will give you some of the greatest joys in your life...but also some of the greatest sorrows ever. Nursing is not for the faint of heart, or for those looking for an easy job. To me, it has been an awesome journey of discovery and learning at every turn.