Qualifications/Skills of a Pediatric Nurse

How to become a Pediatric Nurse 

If you’re interested in a career in pediatric nursing, it’s useful to begin by considering the steps you’ll need to take to become a pediatric nurse. 

The first thing that you must do is complete nursing school. You need to graduate from an accredited nursing program with an associate degree or bachelor’s degree in nursing. (Pro tip: it could be beneficial, if you’re able, to pursue a BSN as your first degree, as a growing number of hospitals and healthcare organizations are requiring new nurses to have a bachelor’s degree prior to their employment.) 

Next, it is time to study in order to prepare to pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN). Once you successfully pass the exam, you are on your way to becoming a pediatric nurse. 

Then it’s time to apply for a nursing license in the state where you live or plan to practice nursing. After obtaining your RN licensure, you can begin to look for work as a nurse!

Many pediatric nurses also choose to get certified as a pediatric nurse. Becoming a certified pediatric nurse can definitely help boost your career. For one, it shows that you have achieved a certain level of knowledge and developed your skills in your specialty. It shows a commitment to excellence and to patient safety. For another, it can also help you earn more money. 

The Pediatric Nursing Certification Board (PNCB), the largest nonprofit organization for pediatric nursing, offers internationally acclaimed certification exams, including the prestigious Certified Pediatric Nurse (CPN) designation. The PNCB calls this credential “the gold standard for the specialty,” and the credential is endorsed by the Society of Pediatric Nurses (SPN). More than 25,000 nurses currently hold this credential, according to the PNCB. 

Read More About Pediatric Travel Nursing Salary and Requirements from the link below.