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A pediatric nurse is an advanced nurse who treats all ages of children, from infancy to young adulthood. They will often assist pediatricians in a hospital or private practice, treating patients with hands-on care based on the diagnosis of the doctor. An advanced degree in pediatric nursing can open many doors for a nursing student, particularly if a student specializes in a particular field within pediatric health. With a shortage of experienced nurses in hospitals, pediatric wards are eager to hire pediatric nurses.
The duties of a pediatric nurse vary depending on both the patient's condition and the health care facility that the nurse is employed with. Since pediatric health covers children from birth to early adulthood, a broad knowledge of holistic health is required. A wide variety of pediatric nurse specialties exist, from critical care to oncology. A pediatric nurse practitioner is the highest station for a pediatric nurse, as a nurse practitioner also examines and diagnoses like a doctor.
While pediatric nursing is often about hands-on medical treatment, the career also demands that the nurse become an educator to families. Sharing medical information with parents and caregivers, as well as their children, will help to foster a healthy life for the nurse's patients. Pediatric nurses are considered advanced practice nurses and make a higher-than-average salary. However, many nurses who specialize in pediatrics do so because of their love of children. Compassion is just as important as knowledge and skill in this career.