Adult Care RN to DNP Pediatric Advice

[lolita17]

I am currently a new grad tele nurse but my dream has always been to be a pediatric nurse. I have my MSN in case management and was looking at furthering my education. I am currently looking at applying to DNP programs. However, I wonder if I should apply directly to the DNP Pediatric programs or if I should apply to the general adult DNP programs and then do a pediatric certification.

Also is there anything I should be doing to make me a stronger candidate for the pediatric program through my resume?

Any advice is much appreciated!

[AnnieOaklyRN, BSN, RN, EMT-P]

Hello,

You need to look at the BIG picture (Getting a job after your graduate with that DNP Pediatric), and not just the little picture (getting into a school). You would probably have a hard time getting a job without any background as a pediatric nurse either on a floor, in a pediatric ER, NICU, or PICU. Look at hospitals/clinics in your area, specifically children's hospitals, and look at what their requirements are for NP jobs and then you will know more. Just know also it could be a competitive job market and it would be very hard to back track after you get your DNP and work as a regular floor RN.

Get the pediatric experience first and then do the DNP, why the rush?

Annie