Pediatric Emergency Room Nurse Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In today’s complex healthcare landscape, the focus on Pediatric Emergency Room Nurses has never been more crucial.

As medical knowledge and technology advance, the need for skilled professionals who can navigate, enhance, and safeguard our pediatric emergency care system grows significantly.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a Pediatric Emergency Room Nurse?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker aiming to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the intricacies of pediatric emergency nursing,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable Pediatric Emergency Room Nurse job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right in.

Pediatric Emergency Room Nurse Duties and Responsibilities

Pediatric Emergency Room Nurses provide critical and immediate care to children in emergency medical situations.

This role requires not only nursing skills but also the ability to comfort and communicate effectively with children and their families.

The typical duties and responsibilities of a Pediatric Emergency Room Nurse include:

• Assessing and stabilizing patients upon arrival to the emergency room
• Administering medication, treatments, and IVs as ordered by physicians
• Monitoring vital signs and reporting changes to the medical team
• Collaborating with physicians, nurse practitioners, and other healthcare professionals to develop a care plan
• Communicating with patients and their families, explaining treatment plans and addressing concerns
• Collecting samples for laboratory tests and interpreting results
• Documenting all care information concisely, accurately and completely, in a timely manner, in the appropriate format and on the appropriate forms
• Providing emotional support and reassurance to patients and their families
• Maintaining up-to-date knowledge of pediatric emergency nursing procedures and best practices

 

Pediatric Emergency Room Nurse Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are looking for a dedicated and experienced Pediatric Emergency Room Nurse to join our healthcare team.

This professional will be responsible for providing immediate and effective medical services to children who are critically ill or injured.

Pediatric Emergency Room Nurse responsibilities include conducting thorough assessments, developing care plans, administering medication, and collaborating with doctors and the pediatric care team.

Our ideal candidates are compassionate, have excellent problem-solving skills, and are adept at working in high-stress situations.

 

Responsibilities

• Evaluate and monitor the patient’s progress
• Identify sudden or subtle changes in a patient’s medical condition
• Deliver regular updates to doctors, patients, and their family members
• Begin treatment and monitor doses
• If necessary, respond to a medical emergency and alert the appropriate doctors
• Care for patient needs throughout their recovery in the ER unit
• Offer words of encouragement and emotional support to patients and their families
• Record medical history and symptoms
• Collaborate with team to plan for patient care
• Advocate for the health and wellbeing of patients

 

Qualifications

• Registered Nurse (RN) license
• Proven experience as a registered nurse
• Excellent knowledge of emergency care
• In-depth knowledge of health and safety guidelines and procedures (sanitation, decontamination etc.) and willingness to follow them at all times
• A team player with excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Responsible and compassionate
• Outstanding organizational and multi-tasking skills
• Patient with excellent problem-solving skills
• BSc or other diploma from a nursing program

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Pediatric Emergency Room Nurse
• Work Environment: Hospital setting. Shift work may be required, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Pediatric Department Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• 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 Room Nurse Do?

Pediatric Emergency Room Nurses are specialized healthcare professionals who work primarily in the emergency department of hospitals, urgent care clinics, or trauma centers providing care to children, adolescents, and infants.

Their job involves assessing, planning, implementing, and evaluating the care of ill or injured young patients.

They work closely with doctors, pediatricians, and other healthcare staff to ensure the best possible care and treatment.

Pediatric Emergency Room Nurses are trained to quickly identify and treat a variety of medical emergencies such as fractures, head injuries, severe allergies, and asthma attacks, among others.

They also perform necessary procedures like IV insertion, medication administration, wound dressing, and more.

They provide emotional support to the young patients and their families during these stressful times.

They often explain procedures and treatments, answer questions, and provide reassurance.

In addition to these responsibilities, they also keep detailed records of the patient’s symptoms, medical history, performed treatments, and observed outcomes.

As part of a multidisciplinary team, they communicate with other healthcare professionals about the patient’s progress or concerns.

Pediatric Emergency Room Nurses also keep the department prepared for emergencies by ensuring supplies are stocked and equipment is functioning properly.

They continuously update their skills and knowledge to be able to respond effectively to a wide variety of pediatric emergencies.

 

Pediatric Emergency Room Nurse Qualifications and Skills

A Pediatric Emergency Room Nurse needs a diverse set of clinical skills, soft skills, and specialized knowledge to provide critical care to children in emergency situations, such as:

• Comprehensive pediatric nursing skills to provide immediate care to critically ill or injured children and to assist doctors during treatment procedures.
• Excellent communication skills to explain medical procedures to children in a compassionate and understandable manner, and to relay vital information to doctors, other nurses and family members.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills to build trust and rapport with children and their families during stressful and emotional situations.
• Strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills to quickly assess a child’s condition and to take appropriate action in high-pressure, fast-paced scenarios.
• High level of emotional resilience and stress tolerance to handle the demands of working in an emergency room and dealing with traumatic situations.
• Detail-oriented nature to ensure accuracy in recording patient information, administering medication and monitoring vital signs.
• Physical stamina to stand for long periods, move quickly and handle the physical demands of nursing.
• Teamwork skills to work effectively with a diverse team of healthcare professionals.

 

Pediatric Emergency Room Nurse Experience Requirements

To become a Pediatric Emergency Room Nurse, candidates must first obtain a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing and pass the NCLEX-RN exam to become a Registered Nurse (RN).

This initial education provides the fundamental nursing skills required.

Most hospitals and medical facilities prefer candidates to have 1-2 years of general nursing experience, often in areas such as pediatric nursing, critical care, or emergency nursing, prior to specializing in pediatric emergency care.

This allows nurses to gain practical experience dealing with a variety of medical conditions and emergencies.

Specific to the role of a Pediatric Emergency Room Nurse, it is highly beneficial for candidates to have specialized pediatric emergency nursing experience.

This can be gained through work in a pediatric emergency department, intensive care unit or high acuity pediatric setting.

Candidates may also choose to pursue certification through the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board or the Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing to further validate their specialized knowledge and experience.

Those with more than 3-5 years of pediatric emergency nursing experience may be prepared for more senior or supervisory roles.

This may include charge nurse or nurse manager positions, which require a higher level of experience and often additional leadership or management training.

 

Pediatric Emergency Room Nurse Education and Training Requirements

Pediatric Emergency Room Nurses are required to have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree from an accredited college or university.

This four-year program includes both classroom instruction and clinical experience, providing the necessary theoretical and practical knowledge of nursing care for children.

Upon completion of their BSN, prospective Pediatric ER Nurses must pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) to become a licensed Registered Nurse.

After obtaining their RN license, nurses may then apply for entry-level positions in pediatric units or emergency rooms to gain the required experience.

Further, obtaining a Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certification is often required or highly recommended.

This certification focuses on life-saving techniques and strategies for pediatric patients.

To specialize in pediatric emergency care, nurses typically need to have at least two years of professional nursing experience in a pediatric setting.

They can then take the Certified Pediatric Emergency Nurse (CPEN) exam, offered by the Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing (BCEN).

Continued education is important in this role, as nurses are required to keep up with the latest healthcare procedures and advancements.

Many Pediatric ER Nurses pursue advanced degrees or additional certifications to enhance their knowledge and skills.

 

Pediatric Emergency Room Nurse Salary Expectations

A Pediatric Emergency Room Nurse earns an average salary of $70,000 (USD) per year.

However, the actual earnings may fluctuate based on experience, level of education, location, and the healthcare facility where they are employed.

 

Pediatric Emergency Room Nurse Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Pediatric Emergency Room Nurse need?

Pediatric Emergency Room Nurses need to have exceptional clinical skills, including patient assessment, wound care, administering medication, and interpreting diagnostic tests.

They should have excellent communication skills to explain complex medical terms to children and their parents.

They also need to have a high level of emotional resilience, patience, and the ability to remain calm under pressure.

 

What are the educational requirements for a Pediatric Emergency Room Nurse?

To become a Pediatric Emergency Room Nurse, one must first become a Registered Nurse (RN) by obtaining a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing (BSN) or an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) and passing the NCLEX-RN exam.

After gaining experience as an RN, nurses can pursue a specialty in pediatrics by obtaining certification through the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board.

 

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

A Pediatric Emergency Room Nurse resume should clearly state the applicant’s nursing qualifications and licensure status.

It should also detail their clinical experience, particularly in emergency care and pediatrics.

Look for any additional certifications related to pediatric emergency care.

Also, check for soft skills such as compassion, problem-solving, and the ability to work under pressure.

 

What qualities make a good Pediatric Emergency Room Nurse?

A good Pediatric Emergency Room Nurse is empathetic and has excellent interpersonal skills to interact with children of different ages and their families.

They should be adaptable and able to think quickly to handle emergency situations effectively.

They should also possess strong organizational skills to manage multiple patients and tasks.

 

What are the daily duties of a Pediatric Emergency Room Nurse?

A Pediatric Emergency Room Nurse’s daily duties include triage, patient assessment, administering medications, wound dressing, assisting doctors during medical procedures, and educating families about the patient’s condition and care.

They also liaise with other healthcare professionals and maintain detailed reports of the patient’s medical history and treatment.

 

Is it difficult to hire Pediatric Emergency Room Nurses?

Hiring Pediatric Emergency Room Nurses can be challenging due to the specific qualifications and experience required for the job.

There is also a high demand for nurses who specialize in pediatric emergency care, which can result in a competitive hiring process.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve unveiled the truth about what it means to be a pediatric emergency room nurse.

And guess what?

It’s not just about administering medicine.

It’s about making a difference in the lives of children, one patient at a time.

Armed with our handy pediatric emergency room nurse job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to take the next step.

But why stop there?

Dig deeper with our job description generator. It’s your key to creating precise job listings or refining your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every child you care for contributes to a healthier future.

Let’s shape that future. Together.

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