How Much Training to Become a Pediatric Nurse?
- A pediatric nurse first must have training as a registered nurse. This requires a bachelor's degree in nursing. There is no formal undergraduate training in pediatric nursing. Prospective pediatric nurses should get as much practical experience as possible working with children in schools, clinics and other settings. Pediatric nurses receive on-the-job training after graduating from nursing school in clinical settings providing acute and preventive care to patients under the supervision of a pediatrician. After accumulating 1,800 hours of training and experience, you can take steps to become certified.
- Registered nurses must pass certification exams in order to practice in the state they reside in. Each state has its own set of requirements. Check with the board of nursing in your state to find out what these requirements are.
- To gain the credential of certified pediatric nurse, you must pass the certified pediatric nurse exam. Candidates must have accrued 1,800 hours of pediatric care to sit for the exam. The Pediatric Nursing Certification Board oversees the credential process.
- The median salary for pediatric nurses is $60,822, according to Salary.com. The 90th percentile median salary is $73,433. The 10th percentile median salary is $50,319. Salaries vary and depend on experience, credentials and geographic location.
- Some pediatric nurses choose to specialize in certain areas, such as oncology, cardiology and dermatology. Additionally, you can obtain a Master's of Science in Nursing through a program that offers curriculum focusing on pediatrics. This is one step toward becoming a pediatric nurse practitioner. Pediatric nurse practitioners can command $20,000 more per year in salaries than registered nurses.
