which is harder.. to be a pedi nurse or geriatric?

~PedsRN~, BSN, RN · Dec 15, 2012

I have only ever been a pediatric nurse... and I will tell you the patients are a breeze, it's the parents you have to watch out for. :)

Sadala, ADN, RN · Dec 15, 2012

I think ltc is frequently sad. That said, I LOVE the geriatric population and I think I could work with them just fine. I don't see older adults as diminished people. I see them as unique individuals (frequently with unique medical issues) who just have a few more years on them than I do.

I also absolutely LOVE kids. I think they are absolutely brilliant and funny and uniquely honest.

I just cannot imagine doing painful procedures on them. It just twists me into knots to think about it. When I had my son I made them give him a local before his circumcision (yes, I'm THAT bad). And then I worked with child victims for about ten years. That was difficult, but I could do it because I felt that I was providing protection and better futures for the children with whom I was involved.

I have so much respect for those of you who do peds and NICU. Honestly, I wish I could do peds because I really am good with kids and I enjoy working with them, but I just don't think I could hang.

tyvin, BSN, RN · Dec 15, 2012

A young life compared to an older life...I have never been able to work with children. During clinical, when I was in school during the peds rotation, I could barely maintain. My heart was constantly breaking. The rotation was at a children's cancer ward. Those brave young angels encountering such a fate too early in their lives. I found I was too sensitive. Perhaps if I would have been in a med/surg children's surrounding it would have turned out different but I don't think so. When my nursing rotation had to watch 2 circumcisions (1 for each method) it was horrifying. I had one son at that time who had been circumcised and after the rotation I had one more....he is "not" circumcised.

Now on the other hand working with older people I had absolutely no problem. I've worked mainly in hospice & psych. Sure, there can be kids in hospice but I've always let management know my position on kids. I have a gift when it comes to hospice and passing on. It's my job to help them go to where ever it is they want to go. Older vs younger...gotta go with the oldies but goodies.

netglow, ASN, RN · Dec 15, 2012

I have no problem working with kids. Kids are a product of their parents tho! You have to BS both of them sometimes, it's true. But I remember when I was taking my prereqs, so many others about to try to get into nursing ONLY wanted to work with kids for the same layperson reasons of kids aren't gross. LOL!!!!

I don't recommend anyone work with peds unless they have some experience working with difficult adults. Peds parents will really give you a run for the money and you have to have some tricks up the 'ol sleeve in dealing with them. The kiddos, you get on their level and be a pal. What I found from past experience is that when they are school age, you can be in "cahoots" with them in regards to their parents being embarrassing! Of course, a wink and a quick eyeroll of acknowledgement with a 10 year old eg his/her parents goes far in bonding. Just make the working relationship be with the child.

ashbeth78 · Dec 15, 2012

which is mentally draining?

I couldn't work in peds I work Geri & love it. It's very draining physically & mentally but its worth every minute. Peds I couldn't deal with the parents. Geri patients we have to deal with children,spouses, friends,etc, but for the most part they are easy to get through to. I couldnt handle dealing with parents with their child dying.