How to Become a Pediatric Nurse
If you have a passion for working with children, a career in pediatric nursing might be the right fit for you. 
Pediatric nurses engage in the rewarding challenge of caring for young patients at various developmental stages. To determine if this career path aligns with your goals, explore the educational, licensing, certification, and experiential requirements. Learn about the steps to become a pediatric nurse, the necessary licenses, recommended certifications, and the responsibilities associated with this profession.
Duration of Education
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2-4 years
Degree Requirement
ADN or BSN
Certification
Pediatric Nursing Certification (Certified Pediatric Nurse – Optional)
What is Pediatric Nursing?
Pediatric nurses, who are registered nurses (RNs), specialize in providing care to children from birth to age 18 across various healthcare settings, including hospitals, outpatient care centers, and rehabilitation facilities. The responsibilities and work hours of pediatric nurses may vary.
These professionals assess patients, administer treatments and medications, and offer comfort during procedures. Additionally, they play a crucial role in educating both patients and their parents or guardians.
Steps to Become a Pediatric Nurse
To embark on a career as a pediatric nurse, follow these key steps:
1. Earn an ADN or a BSN degree from an accredited program:
Obtain at least a two-year associate degree in nursing or consider graduating from a four-year bachelor of science in nursing program. BSN programs offer a comprehensive understanding of nursing practice within the broader healthcare context, providing more career options in the future.
2. Pass the NCLEX exam to receive RN licensure:
Take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) for RNs approximately a month after completing your nursing degree. Employers often require a passing score before hiring, with some allowing you to take the exam by a specified date after hire.
3. Gain experience in pediatric nursing:
Apply for entry-level positions or pediatric nurse residency programs to accumulate experience. Both types of experience contribute to eligibility for the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board’s Certified Pediatric Nurse Exam.
4. Consider becoming a certified pediatric nurse:
Apply for pediatric nurse certification from either the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board (PNCB). Certification signifies specialized knowledge and distinguishes you from nurses with only an RN license. Eligibility requires a minimum of two years of nursing experience and an unrestricted license.
Pediatric Nurse Education
While an ADN degree is the minimum requirement for obtaining an RN license, a BSN degree can offer enhanced opportunities for leadership roles, ongoing education, promotions, and higher salaries.
ADN Degree
– Admission Requirements:
High school diploma or GED certificate; transcripts; physical exam; drug screening; CPR certification.
– Program Curriculum:
Nursing across the lifespan; patient care management; basic nursing skills; anatomy and physiology.
– Time to Complete:
Two years.
– Skills Learned:
Patient safety; critical thinking; communication; evidence-based practice; patient-centered care.
BSN Degree
Possessing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree can potentially result in a higher salary, increased chances for career advancement, and eligibility for a broader range of job opportunities.
For those who have already completed their Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) and aspire to obtain a BSN, enrolling in an RN-to-BSN degree program is a viable option. This program facilitates the transition from an RN (Registered Nurse) to earning a BSN in a condensed timeframe, typically allowing completion in as little as nine months. This pathway enables ADN graduates to enhance their qualifications and reap the benefits associated with a BSN degree, including expanded career prospects and potential salary advancements.
– Admission Requirements:
Overall GPA of at least 3.0; GPA of 2.75 for science courses; 45 completed credit hours from an accredited university; at least a C- in prerequisite courses.
– Program Curriculum:
Pediatric nursing; maternal health; nursing leadership and management; medical-surgical nursing; community and public health; pharmacology; healthcare policy; evidence-based practice.
– Time to Complete:
Four years.
– Skills Learned:
Behavioral health; ethics; cultural competence; professionalism; communication; critical thinking; patient-centered care; patient safety; patient and family education; nurse leadership.
Becoming a Pediatric Nurse: Licensing and Certification
To pursue a career as a pediatric nurse, securing and maintaining an unrestricted Registered Nurse (RN) license in your state is crucial. Familiarize yourself with your state’s specific licensure requirements.
The RN license serves as the foundation for job applications and certifications within your nursing specialization.
Pediatric nurses have the option to pursue one of two certifications: pediatric nursing certification from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or certified pediatric nurse from the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board (PNCB).
In the eyes of nurse managers and healthcare leaders, hiring a certified pediatric nurse is preferred over 80% of the time. These certifications differ in duration, applicant volume, application prerequisites, and exam expectations.
For PNCB certification, applicants need either 1,800 clinical hours of pediatric nursing in the past 24 months or five years of RN experience with 3,000 clinical hours of pediatric nursing within five years. Among those 3,000 clinical hours, 1,000 hours must fall within the past 24 months. Relevant experience in pediatric nursing encompasses clinical, management, consultation, or education roles.
To apply for ANCC pediatric nursing certification, candidates must possess 2,000 hours of clinical or direct clinical supervision experience and complete 30 hours of continuing education for nurses within the last three years.
Working as a Pediatric Nurse
Pediatric nurses earn an average annual salary of $60,070, based on October 2022 Payscale data. Research from the Institute of Pediatric Nursing reveals that almost 69% of pediatric nurses work in various hospital settings:
1. Independently operated children’s hospitals (30.3%)
2. Children’s hospitals connected to major medical centers (28.3%)
3. Community hospitals (9.9%)
Pediatric nurses in these settings often specialize in areas like oncology, intensive care, or palliative care. Those opting for specialization should explore certifications relevant to their chosen field.
The second most common work setting for pediatric nurses is outpatient primary care centers. Nurses in this setting administer vaccinations, record vitals and medical histories, schedule appointments, and assist doctors during routine wellness checks.
FAQs About Becoming a Pediatric Nurse
1. Where do pediatric nurses earn the highest salaries?
Pediatric nurses specializing in pediatric intensive care units in hospitals may earn up to 18% more than the average, according to October 2022 Payscale data. Salaries also vary based on geographical location.
2. What are the benefits of being a pediatric nurse?
Benefits include working with children, frequent interaction with others, exposure to various health conditions and developmental stages, and the rewarding experience of caring for children who express appreciation through thank-you notes or drawings.
3. What skills are essential for a pediatric nurse?
Key skills for pediatric nurses include effective communication, interpersonal skills, critical thinking, decision-making, and attention to detail.
4. How long does it take to become a pediatric nurse?
With an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), you can start working as a pediatric nurse in as little as two years. Opting for a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree extends the timeline to four years before launching your career as a pediatric nurse.
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