Interested in pediatric nursing..

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Specializes in (Hopefully one day..) neuro/urology ^.^.

Hello everyone. :)

I'm planning on attending nursing school sometime in '10 (just gotta finish up those pre-reqs!) and lately (must be all the babysitting I've been doing) I've felt a little bit drawn towards pediatric nursing.

I was wondering if members of the board could just share some words of wisdom or advice with me about how to enter into that sort of specialty. I know when I get my RN license I probably won't be able to go straight into pediatric nursing, but I just want to know how others have done it.

Thanks everyone. :)

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I'd like to know too as I am considering going into pediactric nursing as well...

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Specializes in PNP, CDE, Integrative Pain Management.

Do you live near a pediatric hospital? It is definitely possible to start out in peds! If there is a peds hospital nearby, you might check into becoming a care assistant while you finish your nursing education. You will get invaluable experience hands-on with patients and families. You will hopefully work around some awesome RNs who love their jobs and will be an inspiration to you as you push forward into pediatric nursing. You will also get to glimpse many specialties.

Your BSN program should have a rotation in pediatrics. Make the most of the contacts you find there. If your senior practicum allows you to have choices, choose peds as your first choice! If there are openings when you graduate, you can bet that nursing students who have made great impressions during their practicums fare well when its time to hire!

In the meantime...as you finish your pre-reqs and enter nursing school...read everything you can about child growth and development. This is the area that makes peds stand out so much from adult nursing. Your professors will surely notice your "expertise" and interest.

My best advice: find a nurse mentor who will "process" with you throughout your education. This can be an experienced nurse friend or even a professor or advisor. It is so great to have someone on your side, who can listen to you and help you focus your thoughts, ideas, skills, etc. into finally pursuing that first position. Not the same as "friend," but more, a mentor is able to help you examine the tough stuff, the realities, and be your cheerleader through the ups and downs.

Congratulations on making it this far...and good luck as you become a pediatric nurse!

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Specializes in Pediatrics Only.

pediatric nursing is wonderful. :yeah:you can start straight into it if you sign on to a pediatric facility. i have been doing it for 24 years. good luck and go for it!

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Specializes in PICU.

I agree with the PP, find a children's hospital, try to get a job as a nurses's assistant/HUC/UAP while you're in school and you'll gain valuable experience and have a terrific in when it comes time to hunt for a job. And if it's not for you, you'll figure that out pretty quickly also.

I remember worrying when I was in school that I wouldn't like peds nursing once I got into it, but it's been over 19 years now and I am more dedicated to pediatrics than ever! GL!

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Specializes in Pediatrics.

I love it and would never want to do anything else! Funny thing...I never liked peds before I was in it. I only dealt with Adults (urgent care setting) until I was offered a job at a pedi clinic close to home with good pay,benifits, and hours. It was to good to turn down. I was very nervous about it becuase I couldn't stand peds before that. Within a month or two I fell in love with it. That was over 6 years ago. I love going to work and I love all my patients on there good days and bad. :redbeathe:heartbeat:redbeathe:heartbeat:redbeathe:heartbeat

You will have lots of fun! Good luck to you.:clown:

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