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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What credentials do pediatric nurse practitioners hold? Two common credentials cover primary care: the Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner-Primary Care (CPNP-PC) from the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board, and the Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (PPCNP-BC) from the American Nurses Credentialing Center. Both follow a master's or DNP program (PNCB; ANCC).
Do I need experience before becoming a pediatric NP? Both practicing NPs in this piece recommend it. Work in pediatrics at the bedside first to confirm you enjoy working with children and families, then pursue the NP track. They call that hands-on experience invaluable.
What ages do pediatric nurses care for? Pediatric primary care covers children from infancy through adolescence, and many NPs follow patients from birth to age 21, building long-term relationships with the whole family.
What is the job outlook for the field? Registered nurse employment overall is projected to grow 5% from 2024 to 2034, with about 189,100 openings each year, which supports steady demand for pediatric roles (BLS).
What makes pediatric nursing different from adult nursing? You treat the child and educate the whole family at once, you have to earn a child's trust before you can help, and young patients often cannot describe their symptoms. The work rewards patience, honesty, and creativity.