Overview of Pediatric Nurse Job Duties

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Pediatric nurses are responsible for taking care of child and adolescent patients. It is their responsibility to explain to the patient in an appropriate and sensitive way the exact nature of their condition and to appropriately inform the family of possible courses of action. It is a truly responsible job that can go in several directions. This is a clear and precise preview of the job duties of a pediatric nurse in the United States.

Job Duties

The usual duties of pediatric nurses involve helping doctors by whatever means necessary in order for the correct treatment of the young patients (up to 21 years-old) to be carried out. Such responsibilities may range from administering different kind of therapies, medications and the placement of intravenous lines on patients and most of all, the provision of total care and attention directed at a patient. It is the nurse’s job to call the doctor, if an accident or any problem happens during the course of medical treatment.

Depending on the skills and experience of the individual nurse, duties might include the prescription of medications, immunizing children, conducting physicals, disease screening and disease diagnosing. When it comes down to responsibilities connected with the doctor they are assisting, they have to keep a thorough record on the patient and notify them in case of any change. As far as regular duties regarding the patient, a pediatric nurse draws blood, gives all the necessary medical shots, acquires information regarding vital signs and acquires medical history files.

Specialization with Children

Pediatric nurses can specialize in working entirely with children by becoming a Clinical Nurse Specialist. This is a profession that deals with underage patients who suffer from chronic conditions. Duties of the CNS may span beyond the patient. For instance, if the child’s parents are disabled or if there are any other special circumstances surround the child. Becoming a CNS requires a licensure and an advanced degree that is connected with developmental or physiological pediatric need.

A good pediatric nurse will allow oneself to act beyond the borders of the medical facility by coming up with extra-curricular activities, which will boast the patient’s health when he or she is ready to go back home. For instance, overweight children can be provided with a special diet that will help them get on the right track and troubled children who are recovering from a severe illness can be psychologically supported in order to regain their normal lifestyle.

Pediatric Nurse Practitioners (PNP) is another specialization of nurses whose duties and skill sets are concentrated more on the management of an illness; it’s removal and diagnosis. They are required to give children basic and essential healthcare at all medical facilities where children can be properly treated. The Pediatric Nurse Practitioner can also practice in surgeries and intensive care facilities. Examples of further specialization with PNPs are neonatal or acute care. This is a great career for the right type of person – one who is naturally gifted at talking to and caring for children, and a talented and quick thinker.