Pediatrics?!

[_nurse_to_be]

im going to be starting the practical nursing program at Centennial college in September 2014, and was interested in pediatrics.. do you have any idea of how I could become a pediatric nurse? do I have to become a registered nurse first than specialize in pediatrics? or can I just do it as a practical nurse? also what other types of nurses are there?

[queenb13]

You would have to complete your degree to work in pediatrics. I know McMaster children's hospital and Sick Kids do not hire RPNs

[NotReady4PrimeTime, RN]

In Alberta we have lots of PNs working peds. In our most recent round of RN layoffs one of the peds units and several peds clinics had the vacancies created converted to PN positions.

[xokw, BSN, RN]

You would have to complete your degree to work in pediatrics. I know McMaster children's hospital and Sick Kids do not hire RPNs

You do not need a degree to work in peds. The hospitals you listed may not hire RPNs but there are still other facilities that do.

[vintage_RN, BSN, RN]

McMaster DOES hire RPN's in their level 1 nursery, as I know a girl who was in my class that works there. I don't know about peds or other units though.

All I know is that I'm going back and doing the bridging program in September so that I can work in peds/neonatal....so you would definitely have more opportunities with your degree.

[queenb13]

thanks for clarifying, during my practical nursing program I was always told that RPNs do not work in peds by instructors.

[Fiona59]

I know LPNs who work in Peds, NICU, and specialized programmes at the Glenrose here in Alberta.

[_nurse_to_be]

Is there any type of nurse that doesn't just specialize in one unit but in all units of the hospital? (Im starting PNursing in September, just starting to learn about the different types of nurses)

[Fiona59]

Is there any type of nurse that doesn't just specialize in one unit but in all units of the hospital? (Im starting PNursing in September, just starting to learn about the different types of nurses)

All nurses in Canada are general nurse trained. During your education you will be exposed to all areas of nursing with time spent on different units. You may go in wanting to do Peds but graduate wanting to work Surgery. Specialization only happens after graduation.

[campbe11]

I know of LPNs who work in ICUs and peds floors as well - sajeda_, just be aware that some areas may not use a LPN or RPNs license to full scope though. Depends on the unit.

[vintage_RN, BSN, RN]

If you're in Ontario, you will not be instructed on pediatrics in your PN program nor will you have any pediatric placements. Maybe it's just Mohawk college but I didn't learn a thing about peds...only like 3 days on newborns.

[_nurse_to_be]

VintagePN I'm at centennial college so I'm not really sure how it goes yet, I start in September