Are there different requirements to be a pediatric nurse instead of a general nurse?

There is no difference in the initial schooling requirements of a general nurse (called Medical-surgical nurse) and a pediatric nurse. Pediatric nursing is a specialty. The difference lies in experience with pediatric versus adult population. When you graduate with your nusing degree, you can care for pediatric, adult, and geriatric populations, and you may apply to work on such different units. Pediatric, labor and delivery, maternity, neurology, etc, are units that require an additional set of skills which you can acquire during orientation. Now, if you only want to work with peds, you may decide to become board certified in that specialty which solidifies your status as a pediatric nurse.

There's not special training you have to go through to qualify or start working on a pediatric unit. Youu'll get on-the-job training through through the hospital and your preceptor on the Pediatric unit. Depending on where you work, what kind of unit, there are some special classes you can take, for example, PALS: Pediatric Advanced Life Support and ENPC: emergency nurse pediatric course. If you are still in nursing school, my advice I give my students is this: when doing your clinicals, especially on a unit you like, do your best to make a positive impression. Ask the other nurses if they need help with anything, be willing to do anything even if it's just turning the patient. Have a real positive attitude, ask questions,and be engaged.

Good luck,
Jason

No. Once you get your nursing license you can move from specialty to specialty. Hope this helps.

Hi Maria,

No there is nothing different in your general nursing education that prepares you to be a pediatric nurse. Once you start working in a pediatric setting you will be oriented to the area in which you work. I started my nursing career as a pediatric nurse and received extensive training in the NICU. Pediatrics offers a wide range of specialties and experiences. Good luck with your plans!

Jane

Most pediatric nurses have a bachelor degree and are RN.