1. You have a toy or doll on you at all times. Usually to distract a small patient during a procedure. Your stethoscope or badge has something attached to it.
2. You know all the newest Disney and Cartoon Network shows. And which stars are dating whom.
3. Your nursing bag is half toy box. Dig in and you'll find nail polish, plastic rings, and suckers, even if you don't have kids of your own.
4. You use high-pitched baby talk with patients. Your voice gets sweeter and "cutie pie" slips out. You can't help it with those little faces.
5. You don't panic easily. There has to be a lot of blood, and even then you may hold steady until someone loses consciousness. You've seen it all.
6. You know every superhero, cartoon character, and Disney princess by name. You probably own scrubs featuring all of them.
7. You've mastered distraction. Infant to teenager, you can pull a kid's attention off the pain. A toy, a game, a silly song, whatever works. It is not just a knack: distraction is the most-studied nonpharmacological strategy for needle-related pain and distress in children, and reviews in Pediatrics find it reliably lowers both (AAP). Patients and parents both love you for it.
8. Your imagination runs like a child's. It has to, to make the hospital less scary to a three year old. X-ray machines become spaceships, gloves blow up into balloons, and saline syringes make great squirt guns.
9. Your house looks like a daycare. Artwork covers the walls and the fridge.
10. You'd rather talk to kids than adults. You might even be a little awkward with people your own age.
Peds nurses are creative, spontaneous, and tough on the things that count. Thanks for taking care of the little ones.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a pediatric nurse do?
A pediatric nurse is a registered nurse who cares for patients from newborns through adolescents, handling assessments, medications, procedures, and family teaching. The role leans heavily on communication and comfort skills because children experience illness and pain differently than adults.
How do you become a pediatric nurse?
Earn an ADN or BSN, pass the NCLEX-RN to get your RN license, then gain experience in a pediatric setting. Many nurses then pursue the Certified Pediatric Nurse (CPN) credential through the PNCB, which requires an active RN license plus pediatric practice hours.
Is distraction really an effective way to manage a child's pain?
Yes. Distraction is the most widely studied nonpharmacological strategy for needle-related pain and distress in children, and systematic reviews in Pediatrics show it reduces both pain and anxiety during procedures. Active techniques like games or interactive videos tend to work better than passive ones.
What is the CPN certification and who is it for?
The Certified Pediatric Nurse (CPN) credential, offered by the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board, recognizes RNs with proven pediatric expertise. Candidates need a current, unrestricted RN license and a minimum number of pediatric clinical hours before sitting for the exam.
How much do registered nurses earn?
The BLS reports a median annual wage of $93,600 for registered nurses in May 2024, with employment projected to grow 5 percent from 2024 to 2034. Pay varies by specialty, setting, and location, and pediatric roles fall within that broader RN range.