Qualifications/Skills of a PICU Nurse

There is no better qualification for working as a pediatric ICU nurse than a passion for making a difference in the lives of children. 

With the right education and experience—and a caring heart—a PICU nurse can positively impact a child’s hospital experience and recovery in a way that child will never forget. It’s a powerful connection.

The first step in your journey to the pediatric intensive care unit is to become a registered nurse. Here’s what you’ll have to do:

1) Enroll in a diploma from an accredited nursing program or;

2) Enroll in an associate’s degree in nursing (ADN) or;

3) Enroll in a bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN)

4) After graduating from an accredited nursing program, you must obtain your nursing license by passing the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN).

PICU Nurse Job Experience

After getting a state-issued license, you’re ready to find your first job as an RN. It will be beneficial to gain experience working with pediatric patients. All PICU nurses are certified in Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS).

Many PICU nurses are certified to provide pediatric critical care through the American Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACN). Specialty certification validates a nurse’s expertise and is typically considered a path to higher wages.

Larger salaries also follow if you decide to pursue the advanced practice path, which typically requires a graduate degree or graduate coursework.