# data[].attributes.body
Pediatric Nurses may provide examinations, administer vaccinations and take blood samples. With additional training, nurses can develop health care plans and treatments for young patients. Specialized training in neonatal , critical care or oncology opens up many other pediatric nurse jobs in hospitals and clinics. A pediatric nurse may work with a school system.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
A look at pediatric nursing careers, including the highest-paying specialties, educational paths, and how they are changing the health care field.

# data[].attributes.body
You need a high school diploma and an associates degree and bachelors degree. You also need to get your RN license. Usually this career takes 3 years and 3 months to accomplish it and graduate with a bachelors degree and the RN license. An exam you will need to pass is the CPN (Certified Pediatric Nurse)O exam.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
For a pediatric nurse, jobs are available in private medical offices, schools, urgent care centers, hospitals and more. For those that enjoy working with children, a career in the pediatrics field is an excellent choice. These nurses work, with doctors, to care for patients ranging in age from infants to the late teenage years.

To become a pediatric nurse, advanced training in pediatrics is normally required. Children have many different medical needs than adults. Their growth must be monitored, and children may need extra medical guidance as they mature. Nurses must be alert to early signs of childhood diseases and vaccinations must be giving according to schedule.
Duties
Young children are often unable to verbally express why they do not feel well or what hurts. Children are also often afraid of medical procedures, testing and shots. The role of a pediatric nurse involves more than just health care. This professional must be able to communicate and understand the things a child is unable to say. Pediatric nurses provide comfort to both the child and the child's parents or caregiver.

Like many nursing fields, a pediatric nurse may provide examinations, administer vaccinations and take blood samples. With additional training, nurses can develop health care plans and treatments for young patients. Specialized training in neonatal, critical care or oncology opens up many other pediatric nurse jobs in hospitals and clinics.
In addition to caring for patients, pediatric nurses work with parents and caregivers. Nurses play a key role in providing the health information parents need to care for their children.

A pediatric nurse may work in a school system. School nurses may be required to administer prescription medications that a child needs during school hours. They need to be alert to various outbreaks of flu and provide education to students to prevent the spread of viruses. School nurses often provide first aid treatment for minor injuries. These nurses also are alert to signs that a child may be endangered.
Pay
The salary for a pediatric nurse depends greatly on the amount of educational and number of years of experience in the pediatric field. The place of employment and geographic area are also factors in the pay rate. The average salary for a pediatric nurse was $78,000 per year as of January 2013. For an RN with pediatric training, the figure is $62,000.

A first year nurse might expect to earn $35,000 to $54,000 depending on the location and type of pediatric nursing. For example, nurses working in the Northeast or West Coast tend to receive a higher rate of pay than those in the South or Midwest.

A nurse working in NICU will likely earn more than a nurse in a clinic setting. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the projected growth for pediatric nurse jobs is 22% through 2020.
Benefits
The benefits provided to a pediatric nurse will vary by the employer. A nurse in a school system will usually work during school hours. Unless the school is on a year-round calendar, a nurse in this position will be off during most of the summer months. They can also enjoy normal school vacation breaks. For a pediatric nurse with young children, school positions provide a desirable schedule.

Most employers offer nursing professionals medical benefits including vision and dental insurance. Vacation and sick time packages are usually included. Flexible work shifts and employer paid continuing education are available for many nurses. Since skilled pediatric nurses are being highly demanded, job stability should be considered a benefit. The specialized skills demanded translate to better job security.

Working as a pediatric nurse includes the opportunity for advanced education and further specialization. With continued training, a nurse may become a pediatric nurse practitioner. For many individuals in the field of children's health care, the most important benefit is helping children become healthy, and the ability to watch them as they grow.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Pediatric Nurse Jobs: Duties, Pay, and Benefits

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
For a pediatric nurse, jobs are available in private medical offices, schools, urgent care centers, hospitals and more. For those that enjoy working with children, a career in the pediatrics field is an excellent choice. These nurses work, with doctors, to care for patients ranging in age from infants to the late teenage years.

# data[].attributes.body
Pediatric Nurses make around $32.00 hourly if they are RN Certified. Annually they will make around $69,790. A first year nurse may expect to earn $35,000 to $54,000 depending on the location and type of pediatric nursing.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Pediatric nurses are primarily licensed nurses who specialize in treating young patients. Read on to find out how salaries are determined by a number of factors, including experience, location and education. Schools offering Nursing degrees can also be found in these popular choices .

Job Duties

As a pediatric nurse, you are responsible for the care of infants, children and adolescents in hospitals and medical facilities. You must have advanced knowledge of pediatric growth and development, because you work closely with patients' families to provide the best possible treatment and care.

Important Facts About Pediatric Nurses

Required Education

Bachelor's of science in nursing (BSN), associate's degree in nursing (ADN), or completion of approved nursing program

Licensure

Mandatory in all states; all nurses must pass the National Council Licensure Exam, and additional requirements vary by state

Key Skills

Critical thinking, social awareness, problem solving, clear and concise communication, good judgment and decision making, reading comprehension

Similar Occupations

EMTs, paramedics, nurse practitioners, licensed vocational nurses, licensed practical nurses, physician assistants

Salary Overview

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported in May 2014 that the mean annual salary of registered nurses (RNs), which included pediatric nurses, was at $69,790 ( www.bls.gov). In addition, PayScale.com reported in September 2015 that pediatric nurses made a median salary of $53,444, with most of these professionals earning $34,768-$84,445. Your income will be determined by a few factors, such as experience, location and education.

Salary by Experience

As a pediatric nurse, you can expect your salary to increase with experience. According to Payscale.com, the median yearly wage range for those with 0-5 years of experience was $52,000 in September 2015. Pediatric nurses with 5-10 years of experience made $59,000 a year at that time, while those with 10-20 years of experience earned $60,000 a year. Nurses with over 20 years had a yearly wage range of $57,000.

Salary by Industry

According to the BLS, general medical and surgical hospitals employed the most RNs in May 2014 and paid workers an annual average salary of $71,640. Workers in the offices of physicians made $63,800, while those working for home healthcare services made an average wage of $67,880. At the same time, nursing care facilities paid an average wage of $62,440, and outpatient care centers paid an average wage of $72,390.

Salary by Location

Location is another factor that will have an impact on your salary. The BLS reported in May 2014 that RN salaries were generally higher on the West Coast and in the Northeast. Five states with the highest average pay were California ($98,400), Hawaii ($88,230), Massachusetts ($85,770), Alaska ($85,740) and Oregon ($82,940). The lowest average earnings for RNs were found in areas that included South Dakota, Tennessee, Kansas, Iowa, Alabama and Mississippi. These workers averaged $33,740-$57,830 a year.

Salary by Level of Education

Salaries are often determined by your level of education. PayScale.com reported in December 2015 that RNs with the Certified Pediatric Nurse (CPN) credential had an hourly wage of $25.33-$48.27. A pediatric nurse with RN certification made $32.00 an hour.

Employment Outlook

The registered nursing field in general was expected to grow by 19% from 2012-2022, according to BLS figures. RN employment within outpatient care centers and home health services was projected to experience the most growth. The growth of the aging population was expected to prompt faster-than-average growth in the field.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.keywords[]
what is the average income of a pediatric nurse?

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
What Is the Average Income of a Pediatric Nurse?

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Pediatric nurses are primarily licensed nurses who specialize in treating young patients. Read on to find out how salaries are determined by a number of factors, including experience, location and education. Schools offering Nursing degrees can also be found in these popular choices .

# data[].attributes.body
* Take vital exams
* Check Temperature
* Check Height/ Weight
* Administer whether or not they need vaccinations.
* Fill out paperwork for new patients.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Every nurse who works specifically with children undergoes pediatric nurse training. Nurses handle a number of tasks every day. They take medical histories from patients, soothe the frazzled nerves of anxious and worried parents, take blood samples and check vitals. Those working with kids must have a good bedside manner and understand the particular worries that children have. Pediatric nurses learn those skills with the training that they do during college and in the field.

College Degree

The first step in pediatric nurse training is college. If you want to work around children or a in a pediatrician's office, you must have an associate's degree or a bachelor's degree. Many registered nurses have a two-year degree, but other nurses complete a four-year degree, which gives them a chance to make more money. Depending on what you hope to do after graduating, you might consider finishing a graduate degree as well. According to the Society of Pediatric Nursing, clinical nurse specialists and pediatric nurse practitioners must posses a graduate degree. Students spend a portion of their time in the classroom and a portion of the time working on their clinicals.

Clinical Experience

Before a doctor becomes a doctor, the person must complete a residency. During his or her residency, the student will work with patients under a doctor's supervision and on a one on one basis. Before you become a pediatric nurse, you must also spend some time working with patients. The Pediatric Nursing Certification Board requires that you complete 1,800 hours of clinical experience before seeking employment as a pediatric nurse. You can often complete those hours in college, but you'll need to specialize in the pediatric nursing field. This ensures that you spend more time working with kids and less time working with adults.

Nursing Certification

Nursing is one of the few fields that requires the passing of a major test before finding a job. Nurses must take and pass the nursing boards exam in their home state, but if you pass the test, you can often transfer your license to another state. In addition to passing your test, you pay need other types of certification. The Pediatric Nursing Certification Board offers a licensing exam that lets you work as a pediatric nurse after you pass the test. If you pass the traditional nursing board exam, you can work as a nurse, but you cannot specifically work as a pediatric nurse. You might work around some children with your license, but you'll need to pass the pediatric boards to bill yourself as a pediatric nurse.

Related Resource: Physician's Assistant

Other Skills

Pediatric nurse training gives you the skills that you need to possess when working with kids, but you might consider taking a first aid course as well. Many pediatric nursing jobs require that applicants have CPR certification, which ensures that you know what to do when an emergency occurs. You can also replace CPR certification with certification you receive from the American Red Cross.

Nothing beats the thrill that you'll feel after you help save the life of a child. Pediatric nurses work with children of all different ages, including babies, toddlers and teens, and they love helping those kids. Going to college, finishing your CPR certification and going through other types of pediatric nurse training can teach you how to work with children.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.keywords[]
what training does a pediatric nurse need

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
What Training Does A Pediatric Nurse Need?

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Every nurse who works specifically with children undergoes pediatric nurse training. Nurses handle a number of tasks every day. They take medical histories from patients, soothe the frazzled nerves of anxious and worried parents, take blood samples and check vitals. Those working with kids must have a good bedside manner and understand the particular worries that children have.