Pediatric Emergency Nurse Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the realm of healthcare, pediatric emergency nurses hold an essential role.

As the pace of medical advancement quickens, the need for capable, compassionate professionals to navigate, enhance, and protect our pediatric emergency services grows increasingly crucial.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a pediatric emergency nurse?

Whether you are:

• An aspiring nurse seeking to understand the intricacies of this role,
• A hiring manager trying to define the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the field of pediatric emergency nursing,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a customizable pediatric emergency nurse job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Pediatric Emergency Nurse Duties and Responsibilities

Pediatric Emergency Nurses specialize in providing urgent and emergency care to children and adolescents.

These healthcare professionals play a critical role in ensuring young patients receive the necessary immediate care in emergency situations.

Their daily duties and responsibilities include:

• Triaging and prioritizing patient care based on the severity of condition
• Performing emergency medical procedures, such as basic life support, advanced cardiac life support or pediatric advanced life support
• Administering prescribed medications and monitoring patient’s response to the treatment
• Collecting samples for lab testing as needed
• Working closely with doctors and other healthcare professionals to deliver comprehensive emergency care
• Providing comfort and support to distressed children and their families during emergency situations
• Monitoring and ensuring the safety of patients who are sedated
• Educating parents and guardians on how to care for their child’s illness or injury at home
• Maintaining up-to-date knowledge of nursing techniques and medical equipment
• Documenting and maintaining accurate medical records
• Maintaining a clean and safe environment in the emergency room

 

Pediatric Emergency Nurse Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Pediatric Emergency Nurse to join our team.

The Pediatric Emergency Nurse is responsible for providing immediate medical attention to children in critical or emergency situations.

This includes diagnosing and treating illnesses or injuries, administering appropriate care, and advocating for the child and their family during their stay.

Our ideal candidate has exceptional clinical skills, as well as a deep understanding and compassion for the unique challenges and concerns faced by children and their families during medical emergencies.

 

Responsibilities

• Assess patients’ condition upon arrival and initiate immediate treatment protocols
• Record patients’ vitals and medical history, and report changes to physicians
• Administer medications, treatments, and therapies as ordered by physicians
• Perform emergency medical procedures, such as basic life-support (BLS) and advanced cardiac life-support (ACLS)
• Coordinate with healthcare team to develop and implement patient care plans
• Provide education and support to patients and their families
• Maintain patient confidentiality and comply with all healthcare regulations
• Ensure emergency room equipment and supplies are properly stocked and maintained

 

Qualifications

• Active and unrestricted Registered Nurse (RN) license in the state of employment
• Minimum of 2 years of nursing experience, preferably in pediatric emergency care
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certifications
• Excellent assessment, diagnostic, and critical thinking skills
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to work under pressure and multitask in a fast-paced environment
• Compassionate and patient-centered approach to care

 

Benefits

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Tuition reimbursement
• Professional development opportunities
• Employee wellness programs

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Pediatric Emergency Nurse
• Work Environment: Hospital setting. This job requires shift work, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Nurse Manager or Charge Nurse.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Pediatric Emergency Nurse Do?

Pediatric Emergency Nurses are specialized registered nurses who provide urgent care to infants, children, and adolescents in emergency settings.

They work closely with pediatricians, emergency room doctors, and other healthcare professionals to assess, diagnose, and treat children facing severe and life-threatening illnesses or injuries.

Their tasks include monitoring vital signs, administering medication, performing emergency medical procedures, and providing emotional support to the patients and their families.

Pediatric Emergency Nurses are also involved in patient education, explaining the child’s condition, treatment plans, and any required post-treatment care to the parents or guardians.

Moreover, they are responsible for documenting each patient’s medical history and treatment, communicating updates to the healthcare team, and ensuring the safety and comfort of the child in a potentially stressful environment.

These nurses must have a deep understanding of child growth and development, as well as the specialized skills needed to interact effectively with children of different age groups and their families.

 

Pediatric Emergency Nurse Qualifications and Skills

Pediatric Emergency Nurses are registered nurses who have specialized in treating children in emergency situations.

They need to possess a specific set of skills and qualifications that include:

• Strong knowledge of pediatric nursing practices and emergency care to provide immediate assistance to children in critical condition.
• Exceptional communication skills to effectively interact with children of various age groups and their families, clearly explaining the medical procedures and providing emotional support.
• Excellent observational skills to accurately assess and monitor the health condition of pediatric patients and to recognize any signs of discomfort or change in symptoms.
• Proficiency in using various medical equipment and technology to administer treatment and monitor patient’s vitals.
• Strong decision-making and critical thinking abilities to effectively handle emergency situations, including making crucial decisions on the spot.
• Ability to work well under pressure and manage stress, as the role involves dealing with life-threatening situations and distressed families.
• Compassion and patience, given the nature of the job which includes working with sick or injured children and their anxious families.
• A high level of physical stamina and endurance to stand for long periods, move quickly, and perform potentially strenuous activities.

 

Pediatric Emergency Nurse Experience Requirements

Pediatric Emergency Nurses are generally expected to begin their journey with a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree, after which they should pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) to become a Registered Nurse (RN).

Entry-level pediatric emergency nurses might have 1 to 2 years of general nursing experience, often through internships or part-time roles in pediatric or emergency departments.

These nurses can gain substantial experience and specialized skills in handling pediatric emergencies through direct patient care, medication administration, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Candidates with over 3 years of experience are typically expected to have honed their pediatric nursing skills in emergency settings.

They might also have pursued additional certifications such as Certified Pediatric Emergency Nurse (CPEN) or Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certification, further demonstrating their competence in pediatric emergency nursing.

Those with more than 5 years of experience may have additional experience in clinical leadership or nursing education.

They may also have participated in research or quality improvement projects, and could be ready for roles such as Pediatric Emergency Nurse Manager or Clinical Nurse Specialist in Pediatric Emergency.

 

Pediatric Emergency Nurse Education and Training Requirements

Pediatric Emergency Nurses typically have a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing (BSN) from an accredited college or university, after which they need to pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) to become a Registered Nurse (RN).

RNs interested in pediatrics may obtain work experience in general pediatrics or a related field before transferring to a pediatric emergency department.

To become a Certified Pediatric Emergency Nurse (CPEN), nurses must have at least 1,000 hours of pediatric emergency experience and pass the CPEN exam.

In addition to these qualifications, Pediatric Emergency Nurses are also required to maintain Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS), and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certifications.

Some Pediatric Emergency Nurses choose to pursue a Master’s degree in a specialized area such as Pediatric Acute Care, Pediatric Critical Care, or Family Nurse Practitioner, which can lead to higher-level roles and increased responsibilities.

Continuous education is important in this field, given the rapidly evolving medical practices and technologies.

Therefore, many Pediatric Emergency Nurses participate in professional development opportunities, workshops, and seminars to keep their knowledge up to date.

 

Pediatric Emergency Nurse Salary Expectations

A Pediatric Emergency Nurse earns an average salary of $68,450 (USD) per year.

The salary may vary depending on the nurse’s level of specialized training, years of experience, and the location of the hospital or medical facility.

 

Pediatric Emergency Nurse Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Pediatric Emergency Nurse need?

Pediatric Emergency Nurses need to have strong interpersonal and communication skills to effectively interact with children and their families.

They also require a high level of patience and empathy to deal with anxious or upset children.

These nurses should have strong critical thinking and decision-making skills to handle emergencies effectively.

Mastery in clinical skills like IV insertion, intubation, CPR, and administration of medication is also vital.

 

Do Pediatric Emergency Nurses need a specific degree?

To become a Pediatric Emergency Nurse, one must first become a Registered Nurse, which requires either an Associate Degree in Nursing or a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing.

After gaining experience as a registered nurse, further certification in pediatric nursing can be pursued.

This includes the Certified Pediatric Nurse (CPN) credential or specialized training in emergency pediatric care.

 

What should you look for in a Pediatric Emergency Nurse resume?

Firstly, ensure the candidate has a valid nursing license.

They should also have a degree in nursing and ideally, specialized training or certification in pediatric nursing.

Look for experience in an emergency room or pediatric setting.

Any additional certifications such as Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) or Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) can be advantageous.

 

What qualities make a good Pediatric Emergency Nurse?

A good Pediatric Emergency Nurse is calm under pressure, as they often deal with life-threatening situations.

They should be compassionate and patient, especially when dealing with children and anxious families.

Good pediatric emergency nurses are also knowledgeable about the unique medical needs and conditions of children, and are able to communicate effectively with both their young patients and concerned parents.

 

Is it difficult to hire Pediatric Emergency Nurses?

Pediatric Emergency Nursing is a highly specialized field, and finding experienced and well-qualified candidates can be challenging.

It requires a combination of specific education, certifications, and hands-on experience.

The hiring process may be eased by offering competitive salary and benefits, opportunities for professional growth and a supportive work environment.

 

Conclusion

There you have it.

Today, we’ve pulled back the curtain on what it truly means to be a pediatric emergency nurse.

Surprised?

It’s not just about administering medical care.

It’s about creating a safe and nurturing environment for children in their most vulnerable moments, one child at a time.

With our essential pediatric emergency nurse job description template and practical real-world examples, you’re ready to take the next step in your career.

But why stop there?

Delve deeper with our job description generator. It’s your key to crafting precision-tailored job listings or refining your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every moment of care is part of a bigger picture.

Let’s shape that future. Together.

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