what does it take to be a pediatric nurse??

[butterfly134]

I'm 20 and a student nurse, I'll be qualified soon and I think I want to specialise in peds but I don't know if I have what it takes. My grades are really really good, I love working with children and infants because on my ped rotation I was smiling a lot, I like to think I'm caring and kind and I'm quite a softie and I'm fun (in a giggly way- I'm 20 okay ) however, my main concern is that although I think I might make a good pediatric nurse, I don't know if I could deal with children dying. Do you toughen up, did anyone else ever have this fear? would appreciate any feedback :) :)

[PediatricRNTX]

Depends on where you work...of course anyone can die at anytime...but youre more likely to experience death in an ICU than a general med surg peds unit. So choose wisely. Don't forget youre going to still have to do scary and painful procedures regardless...IVs, Shots..etc. It's great to be around the kids, but remember they r sick..and usually terrified of you. Plus THE PARENTS are the hardest part. Overall it is rewarding to serve children. Good luck.

[KelRN215, BSN, RN]

Honestly, I think you do toughen up. I have seen many patients die over the past 6 years. I used to cry and now I don't. My most recent patient who died, when I found out she had died, I felt glad that her parents had stopped putting her through experimental treatments and agreed to the DNR in time for her passing to be peaceful.