Tips on becomming a pediatric nurse...

[whatsarahsaidxox]

My question is.... what's the best way to better ensure a job in pediatric nursing later down the road?

I am currently taking my prerequisites at a community college. I plan on getting my associates degree there and then transferring to a university to get my BSN.

I debated on becomming a nurse aid through my community college over the summer, so that way I can rack up some experience as a nurse while I am going to school, but I'm not sure if that would be beneficial or not. I have also applied to a volunteer program at CHOP. I've considered dropping my job in retail/ customer service and looking for something that is along the lines of a daycare aid. And of course I am constantly looking for jobs in pediatric hospitals/ facilities that require no expericnce, since I don't really have any. Not much luck though.

So, does anyone have any tips? What will best get me a job as a pediatric nurse? I get great grades and I'm willing to put in as much effort as I have to... ahether that means searching for some kind of job, taking extra classes, getting involved in other activities, etc. I just am really hopping to stand out to my future employer.

Any input on the subject would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!!!

[Jmej]

If you can find a job as an acp or cna on a peds unit, you will have your foot in the door. It is difficult to get into peds without some sort of "in". You can also make connections during your pediatric clinical rotations. If you are willing to relocate, you will increase your chances of starting your career in pediatrics exponentially :)

[KelRN215, BSN, RN]

Definitely try to get a job as a nurse's aide...it will absolutely be beneficial. Getting a job in pediatrics without connections is very difficult as a new grad. If you get a job as an aide and the floor knows you/your work ethic, you will have a leg up on other new grads. Make sure the hospital hires ADN new grads before you commit yourself to them though.

[phillycpnp-pc, MSN, RN, NP]

My first job was On the floor where I did my peds clinical. The manager and staff got to know me and when I applied I easily got the job.... I chose it over another offer at a different peds hospital because I was already familiar with the population from clinical.