Pediatric nursing for new grads

[nursetobein2010]

I am planning to enter an ADN or BSN program in Fall 2008. It has been my dream to become a pediatric nurse ever since I volunteered at Children's Hospital Oakland.

Couple questions - Do you need extra certification to get a job as a pediatric nurse? Is a BSN preferred, or is an ADN okay? As a new grad, can I get a job at a Pediatric hospital/unit just as easily as I could get a new job at an "adult" hospital? If not, how can I improve my chances of getting a job at a Pediatric hospital and/or are there any new grad programs at Pediatric hospitals (specifically in the Bay Area if anyone knows).

Thanks for your help! I can tell this forum is going to be a life-saver!

[EricJRN, MSN, RN]

Congratulations on your upcoming school stuff! As far as certification, that's something you obtain after you've been working for a while. The two largest accrediting bodies that certify pediatric nurses both require experience - one requires 1800 hours before the exam; the other requires 2000 hours of experience.

Around here, getting a job in pediatrics is not all that much harder than getting hired on with an adult floor. Most children's hospitals are affiliated with academic institutions, so they're committed to teaching and often offer internship programs for new graduates to enter pediatric specialties.

The ADN/BSN thing depends on where you're applying, but in my area ADN's don't get shut out of too many opportunities.

[jprn05]

Congrats on a great decision. I went right into pediatrics after graduation. But, I would suggest getting your BSN. Also, if you can work in a pediatric setting while you are going to school, that would probably help you get placed after you graduate. Best of luck!

[jlouden_rn]

I just graduated this past May, and I went right into Pediatrics. We're a small unit, so it's nothing too overwhelming. I have my BSN degree, but even then I don't think it makes a difference here. I've made a really smooth adjustment working in Peds (after having no healthcare experience, even while in school) and I am happy with what I'm doing! Good luck!