where, & how do I get pedi experience?

[mightymitern]

Hello, my name is Amy and I have been an RN for 2 years now. I always knew in my heart that I wanted to work with children, it is in fact pulling at me very strongly. I started out as a new nurse working at a summer camp for Diabetic girls, the same camp I attended as a child. It was the best experience I could have asked for. I then did Hospice nursing at a "hospice house" and loved it. It was wonderful to be able to help the patients and families through such a difficult time. I currently work as a Med/Surg, Tele nurse in a hospital. I am learning so much, BUT yes here is the but part, I constanlt think about Peds, and how to get there. I live on the Cape and most of our peds are sent to Boston for anything beyond appendicitis.

Can anyone explain to me where to take the first step to get into pedi, most dept's want experience, but will not hire me without it? So I feel stuck between a rock and a hard place. Anyone work for PSA? The tug for pedi and I am talking pedi oncology or NICU eventually, is so strong. Any help would be much appreciated.

Amy :)

[IGiveTheShots]

I know there are hospitals (like Children's National in DC) that have a peds orientation for experienced nurses. Also, I wouldn't be discouraged in applying for positions, even if it requires a year or more of experience. If you find a job that does not require RN experience (and I know they are out there...Children's Memorial in Chicago likes to hire experienced nurses that may not have peds experience), you will have a one-up on the other applicants. I guess what I'm trying to say is that effort and searching pays off. If you really want to go into peds, seek out positions, call HRs and inquire about their hiring policy with experienced nurses that dont have peds experience (which by the way, the camp IS peds experience), send out your resume, etc. You can do it!

[NeoPediRN]

Hi Amy, I too am a nurse from MA who felt that same passion. I think it's harder to have that drive for peds and live in MA because the economy is still in the toilet here and nursing jobs in general are few and far between, nevermind trying to get into your dream specialty. Living on the Cape makes it more difficult too because you're going to have to commute a good distance to be able to get solid pedi experience. Are you willing to relocate? Beth Israel currently has NICU openings but you're going to have to really impress because the nurse manager is a tough cookie! A sweet cookie, but a tough one to convince to hire without NICU experience. BMC also has current NICU openings. Children's is also expanding their CICU, you could always apply. They're only requiring a year of experience at this point.

[smurfynursey]

Maybe try pedi homecare? I do it and it is like skilled babysitting in some ways, but easy to get into - I got hired with 6-7 months experiance out of school. It was pedi experiance, however...

good luck!