What's a Pediatric Nurse? What do they do? Is the pay good? How long does it take to become one?

A pediatric nurse works with children.Go to nursing school first,then try to get a job in pediatrics upon hire. I say try,and it is not impossible,but sometimes you may find you are asked for medical surgical experience before going to work in a speciality.If you are going into nursing for the money,then you are barking up the wrong tree.You may want to join AllNurses.Com. You can read and post there, from students to advanced practice nurses. You will pick up and learn a lot about the nursing profession

It is a registered nurse who works with children. Nurses are in high demand and they are paid well. They work very hard and earn every penny they make. It takes about the same time to earn a nursing degree as a bachelor. Some hospitals require a master in nursing.

Suzy gave you a good answer. I would also suggest you visit the Pediatric Forum of Allnurses for more information:

http://allnurses.com/forums/f41/

You can be a RN with as little as a 2-year degree. In most cases, you do not need to further your education to focus in any specialty area (such as pediatrics) because your employer will provide you with unit-specific training.

While there is always the encouragement from hospitals to continue your education to pursue a bachelor's degree, with the nursing shortage, hospitals will not be able to be picky and hold out for only BSN or Master's prepared nurses or they would be severely understaffed. I graduated from a 2-year program initially, and just about everyone in my graduating class had multiple job offers. It's really not an issue having a 2-year degree unless you know you want to try to advance into a leadership position later on. Even then, it's not impossible to have a leadership position with only a 2-year degree - but it is more difficult in a hospital setting.

A Pediatric Nurse provides care for young children, infants who are not critical, sometimes, even teenagers if the other medical floors are full. Duties of a Pediatric Nurse, are numerous as with any other Nurse. The pay is good but, Nurse's, are under paid. They work hard for their money. You can obtain a RN License with a two year nursing program ( ADN), Associate Degree in Nursing. But, you will next to take The Board Exam, once you pass, you will receive your RN License. There really isn't any reason to do a 4 year program, as there is very little difference in pay. However, if you are interested in getting a position that is administrative or Nurse Manger, then a BSN ( Bachelor's in Nursing) is what you should go for. But, to become a Pediatric Nurse, simply just apply for such positions that are available. The hospital will train you to so that you can become experienced. I hope that this helps and Good Luck in achieving your goal (s ).

A nurse specializing with children

As stated by other respondants a Pediatric Nurse is a registered nurse, 3 years at Uni and 1 year as a post grad to become a Pediatric Nurse. A Pedriatric nurse is paid lthe same as any other nurse. Nurses are paid under a state award. Depending on which State, you will start on around $42000, and after 8-9 years will be earning $56,000. Nurses work shift work, mornings, afternoons, nights, weekends and public holidays. Nursing is a very responsible position that quiet often involves hazardous work and is paid a relatively low wage.