If child psychology, child development and biology are listed as favorite subjects in high school, pediatric nursing might by an ideal career path. The desire to work with children and stress management and people skills are characteristics one might possess. Knowing career goals before enrolling in a nursing program will allow academic counselors to tailor the coursework around pediatrics. No undergraduate or accelerated nursing programs offer specializations in pediatrics, according to the Society of Pediatric Nurses.
Apply and be accepted into an accredited nursing program (traditional or accelerated). Students must choose electives such as child psychology, social work and education that will apply to career goals. The pediatric society recommends earning a bachelor of science in nursing, especially if becoming a nurse practitioner is in sight. An internship in pediatric nursing will help students gain practical experience in the area. Upon completing the nursing program, apply and pass the NCLEX-RN exam to become a registered nurse.
The Society of Pediatric Nurses suggests that RNs accept positions that will allow them to gain practical experience in working with children. Ideal situations include working as a school nurse or at a pediatrician's office. In the hospital setting, the general pediatric care unit provides nursing care to children being treated for a large range of conditions. The pediatric intensive care unit allows nurses to earn valuable experience in the treatment of children suffering from intensive and life-threatening illnesses.
After extensive work dedicated to pediatric care, RNs are eligible to apply and test to become a Certified Pediatric Nurse. The Pediatric Nursing Certification Board oversees the CPN credential. To sit for the exam, nurses must hold a license in good standing in the United States or Canada and provide documentation of at least 1,800 hours of pediatric clinical practice in a pediatric specialty within the past 24 month period of application. After passing the test, RNs are able to call themselves CPNs.
Nurses can pursue an option to become a pediatric nurse practitioner. For admittance into this master's degree level program, candidates must have completed a nursing program (preferably a bachelor of science in nursing) and earned a nursing license. According to the Society of Pediatric Nurses, the master's in nursing programs usually take at least two years to complete. After completion of the master's degree, PNPs apply to the state board of nursing for recognition as an advanced practice nurse and take their national exam for certification. Certification is required in many states and recommended in the others.