How to become a Pediatric Nurse
Do you like being around children? If this is you, then choosing to become a pediatric nurse as a career can be a rewarding experience for you. The role of a pediatric nurse is to provide acute care to children and also to provide preventative care to young children. The following information will help you to start your career as a pediatric nurse.
Research
It is advisable for you to find out the requirements and find out which colleges or institutions offer nursing programs in your area. Get all the details about tuition, financing options and the location of the various colleges and institutes which offer nursing programs.
After you have identified the college or institution which you wish to take your course you can now put in your application and wait for an admission letter.
Education requirements
You should first of all enroll for a Bachelor of Science (BSN) degree in nursing in an accredited college or institution before you can become a registered nurse. Pediatric nurses are registered nurses who have successfully completed the BSN degree in nursing.
The BSN is a 4 year’s course which one must take if they want to become a registered nurse. You can also enhance your knowledge in nursing by taking a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN).
Training andskillsrequired
After you have enrolled for a nursing course you should ensure that you take as many classes as possible which focus on pediatric nursing as a way of getting yourself more familiar with pediatric nursing.
Gain more experience in pediatric nursing by working in hospitals or clinics which provide care to children. You can also apply for an intern program in any health facility which deals in pediatric care. You can also volunteer to work in pediatric wing of the local hospital in area for more exposure and experience in pediatric nursing.
Certification
You can opt to become certified in pediatric nursing by applying for the Certified Pediatric Nurse exam which will show that you are now specialized in providing care to pediatric patients and health assessments. After you have successfully passed the certification exam you will receive a certificate from the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board.
Tips and advice
As a pediatric nurse it is essential for you to make sure that you read more about pediatric nursing and enrich your knowledge about pediatric nursing Spend more time with children and get to learn more about child psychology Make sure that you enrich your knowledge about pediatric nursing through learning the latest mode of health assessment, using of the latest technology in medicine etc
