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how do i know if i'm going to like working in pediatrics ?

i am very interested in going into the medical field and so far my biggest interest is going into pediatric nursing. i just want to know if i'm going to love it there

nursing medicine healthcare pediatrics pediatric-nursing
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Sabeena’s Answer

Hi there - I am an internist and I also love children. I learned from my pediatric rotation in medical school that being a pediatrician involves not just treating the child but also having a strong trusting relationship with the parents. After all, parents are trusting you with the lives of their children - which can be daunting. There is a lot of education involved in being a pediatrician as first time parents especially need a lot of reassurance. Remember also that infants and toddlers cannot tell you what is wrong - so you learn to be a diagnostician sometimes based on very subtle signs of illness (ie a rash that doesn't itch), watery eyes, or a lot of crying vs more objective signs like a high fever or if a child is unable to walk. That all being said, it is so wonderful and rewarding to be around children and a privilege to care for them, especially in underserved communities. It's can be hard to hear children cry (shots) and most do not like going to the doctor, but pediatricians get used to it and can often turn things around to make it a pleasant experience. I do think you need to be really tough as it can be very emotional as a doctor to see a very sick child or sick premature baby. However the rewards of seeing an infant until they are teenagers, and establishing a bond with an entire family can outweigh the challenging aspects. Pediatric RNs are INVALUABLE to pediatricians - no doctor can do their job without a nurse. In an ideal situation they work together to take care of children during the office visits and the RNs can make it a way more pleasant experience for the family (they often take the initial history, give injections, take vital signs). In hospital settings, children are more sick so there are more demands on pediatric RNs. As above - I think once you get into medical school and do you rotations, you will really discover what you love.
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Jenna’s Answer

As a pediatric RN, my journey began in a long-term pediatric care facility during my nursing studies. It was clear from the start that this was my true calling. People often remark that working with children requires a unique individual and it's something they couldn't possibly do. Yet, when you pose the same question to a pediatric nurse, they'll tell you they couldn't imagine doing anything else. Yes, it can be challenging at times, but the rewards far exceed the difficulties, tenfold. As a nurse, you witness both the highs and lows of a child's life. If you have a deep love for children, the patience to support them at their worst, and the joy of being their "favorite doctor," then pediatric nursing could be your calling.

Remember, it's impossible to know what you'll truly love until you're immersed in it. During your studies, you'll be exposed to a wide array of experiences, so my advice is to absorb as much as you can. I initially aspired to be a cardiac ICU nurse, but pediatrics captured my heart entirely. You might just find yourself falling in love with a completely different field. Approach your studies with an open mind and heart, and explore the endless possibilities.
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