RNs are the most employed group out of any nursing group, and as such, they fill a crucial role in American hospitals, clinics and other healthcare facilities. Nurses are the primary person to interface with the child and parents, and can successfully follow a child through development, document any problems and establish an effective care plan. Pediatric nurses provide children with holistic care that includes help with not only physical but also psychological, cultural, spiritual, economic, and lifestyle factors. In fact, RNs supervise LPNs and LVNs, as well as certified nurse assistants (CNA) who are not registered nurses but who complete a high school diploma and CNA certification. RNs fulfill a unique role compared to non-registered nurses like l icensed practical nurses (LPN) and licensed vocational nurses (LVN). Many pediatric nurses choose to focus on a particular area or specialty such as oncology or cardiology. These nurses interpret lab and test results, order medications, provide therapies and treatments and perform in-depth physical assessments. Nurses who work in a hospital or critical care facility care for children who are acutely, chronically or critically ill. Give immunizations and school physicals.Guide parents on common child health concerns.
PNPs frequently work in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) as part of a team of pediatricians and other health care providers. With further training, you can become a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner ( PNP) and perform physical exams, diagnose illnesses and injuries, and provide patient education. While you can work as a registered pediatric nurse (RN) having completed an Associate Degree in Nursing ( ADN) and passed the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) certification exam known as the NCLEX-RN exam, most pediatric nurses these days have a BSN degree. Pediatric nurses are a specialization for registered nurses who care for children and adolescents by providing both preventative and acute care. Pediatric nurses work in all types of healthcare facilities and have extremely rewarding careers. If you have dreamed about becoming a nurse who cares for sick children, you might consider becoming a pediatric nurse or pediatric nurse practitioner.