For Students

Pediatric nurses provide care to infants, children and adolescents. After graduating from nursing school (at a college, university, or hospital) with a nursing diploma or an associate's or bachelor's degree in nursing, you would take an exam called the NCLEX to become licensed as a registered nurse (RN).

You would then specialize in pediatrics by finding employment in a healthcare setting that serves pediatric patients. This setting could be a hospital clinic, school, doctor's office, emergency room, hospital floor or intensive care unit. Pediatric nurses know a lot about the growth and development of children, and they need to be skilled at communication with both their patients and caregivers.

You can find additional information at the The Society of Pediatric Nurses website. Your school or neighborhood library can help too!

Pediatric nurse practitioners (PNPs) also play a special role in the lives of young people, both sick and healthy. To become one, you'll need to go to school for at least two years after earning a bachelor's degree, and you'll need to apply to your state board of nursing to be recognized as an advanced practice nurse. You would need to pass a national board exam to practice as a PNP.

Like pediatric nurses, PNPs work in a variety of settings, such as medical offices or hospitals, and they are able to diagnose illnesses and prescribe medication. They may see children for routine exams, or they may take care of children with serious or chronic conditions.

Visit The National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners (NAPNAP) website or the the Society of Pediatric Nurses (SPN) website for additional information. Your school or local public library will also offer books on nursing careers.