Pediatric Nurse Salary - What is Pediatric Nursing?
Interested in becoming a pediatric nurse? We have pediatric nurse salary and job description information.
What is Pediatric Nursing?
Pediatric nurses care for patients from birth through adolescence. While pediatric RNs may perform similar duties to nurses caring for adult patients, they often have to provide emotional support and education to children and their parents.
The Job Description of a Pediatric Nurse
In a pediatric nursing job, you will be responsible for providing care for children of all ages. Job duties often include assessing patients’ conditions, recording patients’ medical histories and symptoms, administering medicines and treatments, and performing diagnostic tests. Pediatric RNs typically care for about four patients at one time. They work closely with doctors and other healthcare providers and often function as counselors and educators in addition to their nursing role. Pediatric nursing is a rewarding specialty where the impact you have on others is incalculable.
Where do Pediatric Nurses Work?
Pediatric nurses may be employed in critical care facilities, doctor’s office, and outpatient medical facilities. Pediatric RNs may specialize further, moving to intensive care units like the Pediatric ICU (PICU) or Neonatal ICU (NICU).
What is the Salary for a Pediatric Nurse?
The median pediatric nurse salary as of 2024 is $80,600 per year, according to current Salary.com figures. Pediatric RN salaries
tend to track with this average, though specialization and years of experience can raise pediatric nurses above this average. Regional differences also affect pay, with some states like California promising high pay.
How Much do Pediatric Travel Nurses Make?
Travel nursing can increase your pediatric nurse salary beyond that of many permanent staff nurses. In addition to your nurse pay, travel nursing positions frequently offer stipends to cover housing, travel, and state licensing costs as well as health, life, dental, and vision insurance. Furthermore, if you qualify, your per diem and other benefits may be tax-free.
What are the Job Requirements for a Pediatric Nurse?
To start, you must acquire a nursing degree. Some positions require a four-year Bachelor of Science (BSN), so if possible, BSNs are preferable to associate’s degrees. After completing your degree, you must also pass the
NCLEX-RN exam.
Next come nursing certifications. Two certifications are required for most on-staff pediatric RN jobs and almost all pediatric travel nurse jobs:
- American Heart Association Basic Life Support (BLS)
- American Heart Association Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)
Additional certifications can open additional doors for you, including higher paying pediatric jobs around the country. Certifications you may choose to pursue include:
- American Heart Association Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)
- The Certified Pediatric Nurse (CPN)
- Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP)
- Emergency Nursing Pediatric Course (ENPC)
- Certified Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Nurse (APHON)
- Pediatric Emergency Assessment, Recognition, and Stabilization (PEARS)
Is there a Demand for Pediatric Travel Nurses?
Absolutely. Nurses in general are in demand nationwide, and specialized nurses like pediatric RNs will find high-paying opportunities across the country.
Last Modified On: Jan 28, 2020
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