No Kidding Around: Your Career as a Pediatric Nurse |
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October 19, 2006
by AJ Fanter
aj.fanter@healthcare-programs.com
Healthcare Programs Columnist
Nursing is one of the nation's fastest-growing careers. According to the most recent data available from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, registered nurses are in serious demand, with outstanding job opportunities in most sectors and specializations.
In fact, the need for new nurses is critical; the number of new nursing jobs available ranks second among all careers tracked by the BLS. And one of the most in-demand specialties right now is pediatric nursing.
What Do Pediatric Nurses Do?
If you think you'd enjoy working primarily with children, you may wish to pursue a career as a pediatric nurse. Pediatric nurses work with children of all ages to improve their health and overall well-being. They also work with the children's parents to ensure that the child is getting appropriate care.
What Do Pediatric Nurses Study?
In addition to offering all of the traditional nursing courses, pediatric nurse education programs instruct students in many additional skills, including how to properly care for children from infancy to adolescence. Owing to the specialized nature of this age group, additional courses are generally offered in child development and physiology, as well as disease prevention. There are several specialties available within the pediatric nursing field, such as special-needs children or children of a particular age.
Furthering Your Nursing Career
In most cases, becoming a pediatric nurse involves getting your master's degree. However, upon completion of some of these highly focused two-year programs, you will be eligible to become a nurse practitioner, which means you can examine, diagnose and treat your own patients.
If you enjoy working with kids and are looking to further develop your nursing career, it could be time to consider specializing in pediatric nursing.
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About the Author
AJ Fanter is a freelance writer based in Reno, NV.
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