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How can I become a pediatric nurse, right after graduation from nursing school with my bachelors of nursing#Spring24?
Hello, I’m a sophomore in college and finishing my pre-reqs for nursing and later on wanting to apply to nursing school to get my bachelors of nursing. And my main goal for becoming a nurse is not just in general I want to get into a special field like pediatric nurse and just what to know will that be enough for me to become a pediatric nurse right after getting my bachelors of nursing or is there any requirements for me to do in order to become a pediatric nurse?? Also, with that question what should I know when becoming a pediatric nurse the pros and cons and will it be worth it? #Spring24
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Martin’s Answer
Pediatric nursing is a field that tends to polarize people, largely based on their affinity for working with children. If you feel a deep, compelling pull towards this area, you might consider pursuing it after earning your Registered Nurse (RN) qualification. This would involve seeking out positions in pediatric units to accumulate as much experience as you can.
Do you find joy in caring for newborns, children battling cancer, those grappling with mental health issues, or those in critical care? While the children are often the less challenging aspect, dealing with their families can present its own set of hurdles. It's not uncommon for a child who is gravely ill to understand and accept their prognosis, while their family clings to the hope of a miracle.
Are you prepared to comfort a child in pain who can't articulate their discomfort? When a young child gets their tonsils removed, the promise of unlimited ice cream can be a special treat. However, a teenager in the same situation might dread the thought of consuming anything too hot or cold.
Pediatrics can pose many challenges due to the youth of the patients, but the rewards it offers can be immense. It's a specialty that requires careful consideration to determine if it's the right fit for you.
I recall an experience early in my career when I cared for a child from my neighborhood who had been sent home for hospice care. The child was easy to manage, but the parents were extremely challenging. The situation was further complicated when a novice resident incorrectly set up the IVs, causing the child to receive large doses of pain medication all at once, which led to the child going into cardiac arrest at home. I was able to resuscitate the child and stop the pain medication. Once the child was stable, they behaved as if everything was fine, but the parents were understandably distraught.
Do you find joy in caring for newborns, children battling cancer, those grappling with mental health issues, or those in critical care? While the children are often the less challenging aspect, dealing with their families can present its own set of hurdles. It's not uncommon for a child who is gravely ill to understand and accept their prognosis, while their family clings to the hope of a miracle.
Are you prepared to comfort a child in pain who can't articulate their discomfort? When a young child gets their tonsils removed, the promise of unlimited ice cream can be a special treat. However, a teenager in the same situation might dread the thought of consuming anything too hot or cold.
Pediatrics can pose many challenges due to the youth of the patients, but the rewards it offers can be immense. It's a specialty that requires careful consideration to determine if it's the right fit for you.
I recall an experience early in my career when I cared for a child from my neighborhood who had been sent home for hospice care. The child was easy to manage, but the parents were extremely challenging. The situation was further complicated when a novice resident incorrectly set up the IVs, causing the child to receive large doses of pain medication all at once, which led to the child going into cardiac arrest at home. I was able to resuscitate the child and stop the pain medication. Once the child was stable, they behaved as if everything was fine, but the parents were understandably distraught.
I'm excited to put your great advice to good use!
Malak
Updated
Carol’s Answer
Get a part time job in a pediatric hospital or other pediatric facility as a technician or secretary. It will give you an opportunity to see if this area is for you, and when you graduate they may hire you as a nurse. In the USA it is common that hospitals you are employed at will pay your college fees if you promise to work for them for 2 years after graduation. Even volunteering at a hospital is good for your resume and a good way to see if you like it. I volunteered in the ER as a teenager, then worked as a nursing tech while going to school. I loved ER so much, that I spent 45 years working in it. Good luck with you schooling.
I appreciate this, thank you for the advice.
Malak
Updated
Hailey’s Answer
I am an LPN of 15 years with about 1/3 of my career spent in pediatrics. I’ve worked for a couple of private pediatric offices, both had RNs on staff. I did not need any specific training or schooling besides training at the office. My days consisted of tons of vaccines, sick visits, and check ups. I found pediatrics extremely rewarding! There have been difficult days as well, but the good days outweigh the bad. My hardest days have been finding out a patient had passed. I found both of the positions I’ve had in pediatrics by just applying to job openings on Indeed.
Thank you for the advice, Hailey.
Malak