What To Know About Working As A Pediatric Nurse

Pediatric nursing is one of the few specialties where you treat a patient and educate a whole family at the same time. The work is demanding, but you get to shape a child's health for life. Here is what two practicing pediatric nurse practitioners want you to know before you go into it.

Why Choose Pediatric Nursing

For most people it is a personal decision. Lisa Rinsdale, a board-certified pediatric primary care nurse practitioner, knew this was her calling when she became a mother and wanted to give other families the care her own had received.

"I gained a great deal of knowledge at their wellness visits, and I could see myself in that role," says Rinsdale, DNP, PPCNP-BC.

Melanie Wilhelm, also a board-certified pediatric nurse practitioner, was drawn in by her daughter's experience with severe asthma.

"It is truly a gift to work with children," says Wilhelm, DNP, CPNP. "Their innocence and candor are refreshing."

Working With Children

Communicating with children takes a different approach than with adults, Rinsdale notes. With most adults you can hand over information and calm their fears directly. With children, you have to earn their trust first.

"Working with children can be fun, but it can also be a team effort since you are essentially treating a family," she explains. "Understanding, caring, and patience are probably the most important traits. Children can be scared of the unknown or experiencing pain."

Wilhelm makes the same point about the whole family. "You must be patient, gentle, and kind to work in pediatrics. It is important to be honest and trustworthy to build relationships with families as you provide healthcare for their children."

The Challenges

Young children often can't describe their symptoms or grasp that an uncomfortable treatment will help them, and that is frustrating to work through.

"One challenging aspect is working with families that have a lot of social needs, whether from poverty, a lack of education, or no mental health intervention. It can be hard to provide care that is equal when a family has access to fewer resources," Rinsdale says.

Pediatric nurses are also legally mandated reporters. Reporting suspected child abuse takes a real emotional toll.

The Rewards

You also deliver health education that pays off for decades. "It is most rewarding to watch a child you have cared for since infancy grow up and become an amazing adult," Wilhelm says.

Recovery is fast at this age, too. "Sick children tend to bounce back very quickly with evidence-based care," Rinsdale says. "Seeing a smile from a child who couldn't smile a couple of days ago is my best reward."

Building Trust With Parents

You are building trust with the child and the guardians at the same time.

"Caring for children from birth to 21 years old lets you develop true relationships with families," Wilhelm says. "It is a great honor to be trusted that way, and it goes a long way in providing exceptional care."

Rinsdale frames her role as listener and teacher. "I am there to listen to the parents who know their child best, then intersect that with my knowledge of pediatrics."

Advice for Future Pediatric Nurses

Get clinical experience first. Both nurses recommend working in pediatrics before pursuing an NP track. "Evaluate if you love working with children and explore if you have the skills to work with families," Rinsdale says. Wilhelm calls the bedside experience "invaluable."

Stay flexible. "Families come in all shapes and sizes, so a standard solution might not fit," Rinsdale says. "I have learned to be creative."

Never assume a parent understands you. "Take the time to completely answer every question and explain each direction," Wilhelm says.

Read everything you can get your hands on in the field. The learning does not stop.