Pediatric Nurse Requirements

It takes more than a degree to become a pediatric nurse; you must also have the ability to show compassion, patience and remain calm under pressure. As a pediatric nurse, you will play a pivotal role in the lives of the children in your care. You can work in many settings, and the rewards are great. However, so are the demands. It is definitely the career choice for you though, if you want to make a difference in the life of a child.

Educational Requirements

• To become a pediatric nurse, you must first obtain a four year, Bachelor of Science degree.

Primary Care Requirements

• When working in a primary care setting, such as a doctor's office, you will be giving immunizations, performing school physicals and performing well child exams.

Acute Care Requirements

• In the hospital setting, you will be ordering prescribed medications and performing therapeutic treatments for children who are acutely or critically ill.

School Nurse Requirements

• As a school nurse, you will provide emergency and non-emergency care, as well as maintain immunization records and perform regular hearing and vision tests.

Considerations

• Many nursing schools offer a two year program that specializes in pediatrics. When taking this course, you will earn a Master of Science Degree, rather than a Bachelor degree.