provide info please.

Specialties Pediatric

Published

Is working with peds harder than adult patients? I want to be a Pediatric Nurse Practioner any advice?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Pediatric Rehabilitation.

I don't believe it's any harder, just different. Peds gives you a very broad age range to work with, anywhere from newborn to 18+ years old. I can't imagine myself doing anything other than peds. My advice would be to work in a peds enviroment and see for yourself. Just as I don't like adult nursing, many people do not like peds. It definitely takes a love for kids. As for the technical side of nursing, everything's just a little smaller. You usually have three patients( the actual patient and the parents and/or grandparents) so it requires great patience. If it's what you want to do, do it!! Good Luck!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Nurse4kids what part of alabama are you from. I am from Columbus, MS? Where do you work?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I agree that peds is not necessarily harder, just unique. I'm a MS native who moved to LA to do pediatric nursing. A good way to try it before you by it is to see if the hospitals in your area have student nurse extern programs. These programs may be called senior nurse techs, nurse interns, or nurse extern programs depending on your part of the country. That's how I was hooked. I started in NICU as a nurse intern, and have been in peds ever since. This is a great way to explore differnent areas of nursing before you decide on a specific area. It also allows you to use the skills you are learning in nursing school. :D

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Hi there.

I agree with the other nurses that posted in saying that Peds is not harder, just different.

Each age group needs to be dealt with in a different way, you are constantly switching back and forth. Newborn in one room, toddler in the next, teens, back to toddler, school age. etc.

You are also very involved in the family dynamic. You nurse the entire family. Parents, grandparents, siblings.

I love Peds. Never worked anywhere else (except when floated to Nursery, Maternity, L&D) when I did clinical nursing. I'm in a law firm now and can't wait to return to my kids in the hospital.

Do some volunteer work on peds and see if you like it. You definitely have to LOVE CHILDREN.

:)

Patti

;)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment