[janfrn]

I think I'll merge this thread with another thread that is similar in nature. The other thread is from an RN starting a new job in a peds office, and although scope of practice is a little different, there will be a lot of pertinent information there for you.

[Duckyaryj]

I too am a LPN and I have just accepted a job at a larger peds office in our area. I currently work at a SNU unit and after 6 months of being a new nurse I am already ready for a change (i think it has something to do with the unit not the pts) anyway. I start in 2 weeks and I am so very excited!
Any advice is greatly appreciated! I love kids and I want this job to work out!

[smanion]

BE there for the parents. When you are doing anything to their child, speak to them (and the child) explain to them what is going on and why. Even if it is something as simple as a routine vaccine, make sure their questions are answered and that they feel reassured that YOU do know what you are doing. Most parents are like me, when it comes to the kids, the letters by your name mean nothing. I don't care if you are an MD, RN, LPN, MA... whatever, if YOU dont sound informed about what you are doing to my child, then you wont be doing it! That was something I had to really work on when I started working in Peds a few years ago. I was young, but being able to walk in their and answer their questions made them feel a lot more comfortable with me. Now I feel comfortable and walk in with my head held high and that helps!
Peds is a crazy busy world. But can be so rewarding. I absolutely love it!

[danda22]

anyone willing to share what they make as an lpn in a peds office and how much experience you have? amanda

[JessPedsRN]

Originally Posted by stardogdaisy

I'm just curious. How did you decide to go from nursing care of adults to children? I am considering taking a job at Children's Hospital. I am currently working as an ER nurse with adults. I have been a nurse for 12 years, and caring for adults is all I have done. I am very nervous, but need a change. Can you please help with some advice. Thank you.

I have never worked with adults, but have several coworkers that made the switch from geriatrics to peds and many of them have stated that reaaaaally old people and children are very much alike. The big thing with kids is to really practice family centered care, which means explaining everything to the family, making sure their questions are answered and that they know that their opinion and input is valued and wanted, and a big part of family centered care is having family present during invasive procedures like starting IVs, induction to anesthesia, and even during codes. The other thing with peds is to really understand what mindset the patient is in depending on their age...all of the Erikson/Piage stuff we learned back in the day. You can't explain a procedure to a 5 year old the same way you explain it to a 12 year old. Understanding what stage of development they are in will help you connect and explain things better.
Good luck!