Pediatric Nursing

PurifyMe · Nov 9, 2007

Okay, I'll try to explain this as I think I understand what you are asking.... To answer your question. to become a Peds Nurse you would need to complete a Nursing program, ADN or BSN,you said you are trying to become an RN so that's a good start. Then you would need to SPECIALIZE in Pediatrics. Meaning work at a children's hospital, or Peds Clinic. All RN training is general, to teach you to be a RN for any group of individuals, it's when you decide to specialize that you get trainied in the particulars of that population you are interested in. You do not need to go to medical school to become a Peds Nurse. You would however, need med school to become a Pediatrician, so you may need to ask yourself do you want to be a nurse or a doctor. If you chose doctor the same rules apply. Med school is general training. Fellowships and residencies are for the specialization part of it. Hope this helps.

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Nov 9, 2007

There's no such college major as "pediatric nursing." The name of the major is "nursing," and it is so versatile that it will get you into virtually any specialty, including pediatrics.

You have two choices that will lead you to a career as a pediatric nurse. You can (1) earn an associate degree in nursing at a local community college, and then apply at local hospitals or home health agencies for positions in pediatrics. You can also (2) earn a bachelor's degree in nursing at a local university, and apply for pediatric positions afterwards.

RNAnnjeh, MSN, CNS · Nov 9, 2007

Once you have some experience as a peds nurse, you can take the pediatric nursing certification exam if you wish.