Going from Adult to Pediatrics

[monRN]

Hi all,

Just wanted to see if anyone can shed light on this. I am a new grad and still looking for a job. And I would love to be a Pediatric nurse from the start, but since landing a job is so hard, I might have to start out in Adult care. So I am wondering if it is hard to be hired as a Pediatric nurse down the line after only getting Adult care experience.

If anyone can give some advice, I would definitely appreciate it!

[mluvsgnc]

You could try private duty nursing- often times they are pediatric clients, and I was hired as a new grad into this situation. And it's nice to get the experience and opportunity as a new grad! I never intended to go into peds, but that's where I am now.

As far as getting hired down the line, I would think that any kind of experience I appreciated, but you could make sure you emphasize pediatrics by, say, getting your PALS certification for example. If you are able to volunteer in a pediatric setting, do that. Go and work in the adult world, and once you're ready to make the switch, show your potential employer that you've been keeping your foot in the pediatric door

[krice7]

I graduated in May of 2012 and started on a med/surg floor in a small community hospital that September. It was mostly adults but we did get the occasional pediatric patient especially during RSV season. After almost a year at this hospital, I was ready to move on and so I started applying for full time or prn positions. Ended up getting a prn position in pediatrics at a bigger hospital that turned into full time 3 months later. So it's definitely possible to go from adults to peds. Most employers from what I've seen really like to hire nurses with med/surg experience.

[anon456, BSN, RN]

I agree. I was hired as both a home health peds nurse (very part time) and a full time peds nurse through a special program at my local hospital that was for new grads.

[KelRN215, BSN, RN]

I've known many nurses who have done it. There are more jobs available for new grads in the adult world. You could do some per diem PDN work or do volunteer work with children, either will help you with obtaining a full-time pedi job down the road.

[classicdame, MSN, EdD]

I think it is more important at this stage in your career to get a job, then get specify later. Learning to do a really good assessment and managing your time will be helpful regardless of which nursing unit you are in and youo might be able to network with the Pedi supervisor!