3 answers
Jada
Student
Rock Hill, South Carolina
1
Question
Updated
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What is most important about becoming any type of pediatric nurse?
i go to rock hill high school, and I was very interested in being a ped nurse, like a NICU nurse, or like some type of kid nurse and I wanna learn more about it.
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3 answers
Aleshia Harrison
Nursing
3
Answers
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Updated
Aleshia’s Answer
Hi Jada,
I agree with the suggestions provided already. I would add that another opportunity would be to research if the local pediatric hospital has a volunteer service where you could have an opportunity to be in the environment. This allows you to see if you feel comfortable in the hospital environment and or have an ability to work around children. The other suggestion would be to explore summer programs that some hospitals offer for high school and or college students to work in the hospital exploring career opportunities.
You could also work or volunteer at daycare centers. This will give you an opportunity to learn about child development which is also important for pediatric nurses.
Lastly, have a love for math and the sciences, you will take a fair number of those courses on your journey to nursing.
I agree with the suggestions provided already. I would add that another opportunity would be to research if the local pediatric hospital has a volunteer service where you could have an opportunity to be in the environment. This allows you to see if you feel comfortable in the hospital environment and or have an ability to work around children. The other suggestion would be to explore summer programs that some hospitals offer for high school and or college students to work in the hospital exploring career opportunities.
You could also work or volunteer at daycare centers. This will give you an opportunity to learn about child development which is also important for pediatric nurses.
Lastly, have a love for math and the sciences, you will take a fair number of those courses on your journey to nursing.
Jane Phillips-Jones
MSN, RN, RNC-NIC, CBC at Riddle Hospital
20
Answers
Media, Pennsylvania
Updated
Jane’s Answer
Hi Jada,
The first step in becoming a pediatric or NICU nurse is to set your sights on becoming an RN. Sometimes the best way to get a feel for any kind of nursing is to work as an aide or unit clerk on those type of units. In the past, prior to Covid, it was difficult to start your nursing careere by being hired into a pediatric or NICU position. Hiring practices have changed. My advice would be to realize that in any area of nursing it takes quite a while to become comfortable in knowing your pateints and the care they recieve. Your are always learning and adjusting in nursing. Good luck in your endeavors.
The first step in becoming a pediatric or NICU nurse is to set your sights on becoming an RN. Sometimes the best way to get a feel for any kind of nursing is to work as an aide or unit clerk on those type of units. In the past, prior to Covid, it was difficult to start your nursing careere by being hired into a pediatric or NICU position. Hiring practices have changed. My advice would be to realize that in any area of nursing it takes quite a while to become comfortable in knowing your pateints and the care they recieve. Your are always learning and adjusting in nursing. Good luck in your endeavors.
I think the most important thing is to be sure that a pediatric nurse is what you want. Taking care of babies and children is very different from taking care of adult patients.
Nailya Muganlinskaya, ACNP-BC, DNP, MPH
Colleen Seelen
Nurse Practitioner
1
Answer
Milaca, Minnesota
Updated
Colleen’s Answer
Hi Jada!
Becoming a nurse is the first step, then applying for jobs in pediatric areas. It is helpful to work during the summer as a patient care assistant in a pediatric floor or hospital. This will give you basic experience and can be used on your resume. It will also provide an opportunity for you, when a job opens up. You can apply and they will know you and your work.
Becoming a nurse is the first step, then applying for jobs in pediatric areas. It is helpful to work during the summer as a patient care assistant in a pediatric floor or hospital. This will give you basic experience and can be used on your resume. It will also provide an opportunity for you, when a job opens up. You can apply and they will know you and your work.