Nurses who specialize in pediatrics devote their knowledge and skills to caring for children from

infancy through the late teen years and their families. These specialized nurses usually
complete advanced training in pediatrics and collaborate closely with physicians and other
health care providers who share their dedication to children’s health.

Like other nurses, pediatric nurses can perform physical examinations, measure vital statistics, take blood
and urine samples and order diagnostic tests. Nurses with advanced training can interpret test results to
form diagnoses and develop treatment plans.

Parents often prefer to have their children treated by pediatric specialists, because children have special
health care needs. Their bodies are growing and changing, and they often react differently to injury,
illness and even common medications.

In addition, children get scared and can’t always clearly communicate “what hurts.” Pediatric nurses know
how to talk to children and how to dispel their fears. They also know how to ask children questions about
their health, so they can gather complete and accurate information to aid in diagnosis and treatment.

In addition to caring for patients with injuries and illnesses, pediatric nurses spend a significant amount of
time educating parents and other caregivers about how to care for their children and protect children’s
health. For families of children with chronic conditions, such as juvenile diabetes or paralysis, they design
home care plans to help the families meet their child’s special needs.

Prevention and health education is a big part of pediatric nursing. Pediatric nurses often staff community
health fairs and visit schools to perform physical exams, immunize children and provide routine
developmental health screenings.

Pediatric nursing is a very special vocation, because it provides the opportunity to play a key role in a
child’s life when that child needs you most.

Working Conditions | Academic Requirements | Resources

Working Conditions
Pediatric nurses work in doctor’s offices, clinics, hospitals, surgical centers and other health care settings.
Their skills bring particular comfort to children being treated in acute care departments, such as the
neonatal unit, pediatric critical care unit and pediatric oncology ward, and to their parents.

Pediatric nurses also work in schools, in private practice and for community groups and other
organizations that provide outpatient and preventive health care services for children, including children
who have limited access to health care.