Want to become a peds nurse

[katielam616]

hey guys! i am a new grad RN and just got a job on a med surg floor in a local hospital. my dream has always been to be a pediatric nurse. i was sick as a kid and had a lot of surgery and spent a lot of time in the hospital. i am working on a med surg (adults) floor and was wondering how long i should work on this type of floor before trying to get a peds job? how much experience is enough? i applied for peds jobs but they wont hire new grads in a specialty where i am located (most of the time unless you are REALLY lucky!) if any of the peds nurses on here could give some insight i would really appreciate it. i love nursing, i really believe it is what i am meant to do, especially peds. thanks everyone!

kate

[llg, PhD, RN]

I have 4 suggestions to offer. I can't guarantee any of the me will get you a peds job, but all of them can help.

1. Get experience working with kids any way that you can. If you can get some in a health care environment, that's even better. Volunteer somewhere that involves children. Get involved with some agencies that deal with children, etc.

2. Find some way to keep learning and up-to-date in the peds specialty. If there is a local peds nursing group, join it. Join a national organization. Subscribe to peds nursing journal. Go to an a peds nursing conference ocassionally. etc.

3. Network. Get to know the people in your region that work in pediatrics. You can do that by doing the things in #1 and #2. They can be good resources for you regarding available opportunities. They might also be good references when you apply for peds jobs. Even if you don't get to know them well enough to use as references, getting to know people will help you develop a positive professional reputation among the peds community. That will help.

4. Apply to any jobs you hear about. Submit a resume and cover letter to people who hire peds nurses. Let them know of your interests. Don't become a pest ... but if they start seeing your name periodically and know of your serious ongoing interest, they will be more likely to give you an interview someday.

The first 2 suggestions give you "peds things" to highlight in your resume and cover letter that demonstrate your committment to peds. The 2nd 2 suggestions put you in a position to get your committment noticed. You need to do both to get a job in a competitive market.

Good luck!

[~Mi Vida Loca~RN, ASN, RN]

I started working in Peds as a new grad and ironically it wasn't my plan but now I can't see myself anywhere else except maybe PRN in the ED or something. Anyway, once you start gaining experience maybe pop over to the unit and get yourself seen, talk to the manager and tell them your interest in Peds and show them your enthusiasm and ask them what would be your best route to get there. I mean might as well get feedback straight from the person that would be hiring you.

LLG has given some really great advice too!