Are you considering becoming a Paediatric Nurse and want to know more about the role? This guide will help you understand the requirements of the profession, how to become a Paediatric Nurse, and what to expect in your daily role.
In addition to standard nursing skills, Paediatric Nurses have advanced training in the specific needs of infants, children, teens, and those with special health care needs. They collaborate with other nurses, physicians, and related health professionals to establish individualised care plans for their patients.
What is a Paediatric Nurse?
A Paediatric Nurse is a registered nurse that specialises in caring for patients from birth through adolescence. They possess profound knowledge of child growth and development and how to treat diseases and conditions in children – which is often treated differently than in adults.
It takes a lot of dedication and passion to become a Paediatric Nurse because their patients are so much younger. Paediatric Nurses often bond with their patients on a different level than from adult patients. This may include playing games, telling jokes, acting silly or holding their hand during tough procedures.
Though some Paediatric Nurses perform similar duties to RN’s caring for adult patients, their duties are carried out with extra care and attention. “Paediatric Nurses have a greater influence on their patient’s future—from growth and development to health promotion and practices,” says Rasmussen University Nursing instructor Brooke Cobb.
Common Paediatric Nurse responsibilities
A Paediatric RN performs many of the same functions of Registered Nurses, though the ways they perform them are very different since their patients are often more vulnerable and require greater support.
Some common tasks and duties of a Paediatric Nurse include:
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Monitoring vital signs, including temperature, pulse rate, and blood pressure.
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Performing physical examinations, taking blood and urine samples, and ordering diagnostic tests.
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Educating patients and their families about their child’s treatment plan and how to manage illnesses or injuries.
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Providing emotional support, especially when a child is undergoing a difficult medical procedure.
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Performing physical therapy, speech or occupational therapy.
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Help set up equipment, such as oxygen tanks or ventilators.
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Working with other healthcare providers to establish treatment plans for children with chronic or acute conditions.
Required Skills
Paediatric RN’s are highly valued for their expertise, bravery, and empathetic nature towards their patients. In order to provide this specialised care, one must earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree to be qualified as a Registered Nurse.
Along with that, an internship needs to be completed that allows RNs to work alongside a Paediatric Nurse Practitioner or a doctor. This internship is usually 12 weeks long and involves both practical training and classroom learning.
To increase your employability, enhance career mobility and also raise compensation, you can apply for a Certified Paediatric Nurse (CPN) certification. This can be done after 1,800 hours of career experience as a Paediatric Nurse over a 24-month period. Although the CPN certification is completely voluntary, it can greatly benefit your employment opportunities.
If you are committed to the health and wellbeing of children, becoming a Paediatric Nurse may just be for you. Positions for Paediatric Nurses are growing in demand, so you are likely to find a position with ease.
Clinical24 have a range of job opportunities to suit your needs. Browse through our available jobs, or register your CV with us and we’ll give you a call back!
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