Question from a Nursing Student about Peds

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Hi I am a junior in college studying nursing and I love it! We have just started clinicals in the hospital which are challenging but I am learning so much each day I am there. I have always wanted to be a nursing in the NICU or in Pediatrics but I am keeping an open mind as I go through all the different areas. I was wondering what qualities does a pediatric or NICU nurse posses that differntiates them from nurses in other areas?

Also if anyone has any tips or bits of advice for nursing students let me know!

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Specializes in Peds - playing with the kids.

[mouse]welcome!!![/mouse]

hi,

i've worked peds for 13+ years now. i don't know if peds nurses contain anything that others don't. i worked adult med-surg too. however, in peds and nicu, you are not just caring for a child, you are caring for their parents (and grandparents & aunties... ) too. there is lots of teaching going on (just like in adults). you have to be willing to bargain with kids, but not let them walk all over you.

every nurse in every dept has their thing...it all depends on where your :redbeathe heart:redbeathe is!!

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Specializes in Peds Urology,primary care, hem/onc.

I have been a pediatric nurse for 7 years. I have been in peds since I got out of nursing school. I just have an innate love for children and I always knew that is where I wanted to be. I always say that I have no patience with grown-ups but for some reason I have endless patience with children. I also like the aspect of caring for the whole family.

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I totally agree rnsrgr8t!I am the same way! I am a nursing student but have worked with children in one way or another for 8 years. I am currently a medical assistant in the pediatric clinic setting and have been for four years. Kids are sunshine! They amaze me every day--I love working with them.

As stated above, children require a lot of bargaining, a lot of coaxing, a lot of patience, tons of creativity. BUT if it's in your heart to work with kids, that will all come naturally and you will love it! Working with the parents is also very rewarding but can be frustrating-just like anything else.

Good luck! Let us know what you decide!

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Specializes in er, pediatric er.

I agree with the above post. I have worked in Pediatrics for just 2 years. both as a nurse and a tech. I always knew I wanted Peds. I have always loved children. I think if I had not went to nursing school, I might have been a teacher or in daycare. I as the other posters mentioned just can't tolerate adults. Many adults just lay down and act they are dying when they are hurting or are sick. But kids will be up playing just a few hours after a surgery that would have an adult rolling around in the fetal position moaning. Children with cancer are still playful and laughing. They always find unique answers to their challanges. I love their spirit and many times their determination to be playful kids no matter what is wrong with them.

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I am a senior nursing student and I have a question one of you Peds nurses may can answer. I am writing a paper for my peds class and am trying to find the most up to date hot topic in peds that is a problem going on right now that I can propose and give advantages and disadvantages. I know I read about the baby being snatched so maybe I could write about How much security is needed on floors with children. I know at UAB you can't pose as a nurse because you have to have a certain badge, the doors are locked where the stairwells are and other precautions. Any ideas. I had also thought of Are doctors overmedicating/overdiagnosing ADHD children.

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I am a senior nursing student and I have a question one of you Peds nurses may can answer. I am writing a paper for my peds class and am trying to find the most up to date hot topic in peds that is a problem going on right now that I can propose and give advantages and disadvantages. I know I read about the baby being snatched so maybe I could write about How much security is needed on floors with children. I know at UAB you can't pose as a nurse because you have to have a certain badge, the doors are locked where the stairwells are and other precautions. Any ideas. I had also thought of Are doctors overmedicating/overdiagnosing ADHD children.

Southjag,

You might also want to consider vaccinations as another topic. There is much debate on the necessity of vaccines and whether any of the preservatives or formulations cause other health problems.

Kidsrme

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What about the ethics behind prenatal testing? You might start your own thread and call it 'Looking for Hot Topics in Peds Nursing.'

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