Pediatric Intensive Care Nurse Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the world of healthcare, the role of Pediatric Intensive Care Nurses has never been more crucial.

As modern medicine progresses, the need for skilled and compassionate individuals who can navigate the complexities of pediatric care in intensive settings increases.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a Pediatric Intensive Care Nurse?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the intricacies of this role,
• A hiring manager aiming to outline the ideal candidate,
• Or simply curious about the day-to-day life of a Pediatric Intensive Care Nurse,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a customizable Pediatric Intensive Care Nurse job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s explore this further.

Pediatric Intensive Care Nurse Duties and Responsibilities

Pediatric Intensive Care Nurses provide specialized nursing care for critically ill children and adolescents.

They are also required to guide and educate the patient’s family during the challenging journey.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Assessing and monitoring critically ill children’s health status
• Administering prescribed medications and treatments
• Interpreting and responding to diagnostic tests
• Participating in patient and family education and providing emotional support
• Collaborating with the multidisciplinary team to coordinate patient care
• Documenting patient care and maintaining patient records
• Providing emergency care, including resuscitation and stabilization
• Performing procedures such as intubation, venipuncture, and catheterization
• Assisting in surgery or medical procedures
• Ensuring the intensive care unit complies with hospital and nursing division’s philosophies and standards of care
• Participating in pediatric research studies

 

Pediatric Intensive Care Nurse Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated and skilled Pediatric Intensive Care Nurse to join our healthcare team.

Your role will be to provide critical care to children with serious illnesses or injuries, monitor their conditions, administer medication, and collaborate with doctors to ensure the best care.

Our ideal candidate is a compassionate and patient-focused professional who has experience in pediatric care, especially in intensive care units.

Ultimately, the role of the Pediatric Intensive Care Nurse is to deliver high-quality, individualized care that meets the physical and emotional needs of our young patients and their families.

 

Responsibilities

• Assessing, planning and implementing nursing care for children in the intensive care unit.
• Monitoring patient’s vital signs, responding to life-saving situations, using pediatric advanced life support protocols.
• Administering medication and treatments as prescribed by the physician.
• Documenting and maintaining comprehensive medical records of all patient interactions.
• Collaborating with a team of healthcare professionals to provide optimal care.
• Providing emotional support and education to the patient’s family about the child’s condition.
• Following the strict hygiene standards and safety rules in the intensive care unit.
• Participating in professional development and research to enhance pediatric intensive care nursing practices.

 

Qualifications

• Proven work experience as a Pediatric Intensive Care Nurse.
• Registered Nurse with current licensure.
• Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certification is required.
• Excellent knowledge of emergency care procedures for children.
• Ability to handle stress and stay calm under pressure.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills.
• BSc or other diploma from a nursing program.

 

Benefits

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

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Pediatric Intensive Care Nurse
• Work Environment: Hospital setting. Shifts may include nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Charge Nurse or Nurse Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $67,000 minimum to $104,000 maximum
• 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 Intensive Care Nurse Do?

Pediatric Intensive Care Nurses, often referred to as PICU nurses, work in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit of a hospital, providing care to critically ill children and adolescents.

These specialized nurses monitor the condition of their patients closely, administer medications, and work with doctors to implement treatment plans.

They also often operate and maintain medical equipment, such as ventilators and monitors that are essential in intensive care units.

PICU nurses play a vital role in comforting and communicating with the young patients and their families during stressful and challenging times.

They are responsible for explaining the child’s condition, the treatment plan, and any procedures that need to be carried out.

Additionally, they provide emotional support to the families, preparing them for potential outcomes, and guiding them through the decision-making process regarding the child’s care.

Their role often includes paperwork as well, documenting the patient’s medical history, symptoms, and responses to treatments, ensuring accurate records for future medical care.

Pediatric Intensive Care Nurses work in a high-stress environment, requiring a strong ability to work under pressure, excellent communication skills, and a compassionate and patient-centered approach.

 

Pediatric Intensive Care Nurse Qualifications and Skills

A Pediatric Intensive Care Nurse should have the qualifications and skills that are in line with your job description, such as:

• Registered Nursing license and a degree from an accredited nursing program is a must. Additional certification in pediatric nursing is highly desirable.
• Strong clinical skills focused on the health needs of infants and children, including knowledge of child growth and development, and experience in administering medications specific to children.
• Profound ability to provide intensive care to critically ill children and provide support to their families.
• Excellent observation skills to monitor the vital signs of critically ill children and detect any changes in a child’s condition rapidly.
• Excellent communication skills to explain complex medical conditions and treatment plans to parents or guardians, as well as gather necessary medical and emotional information from the child and family.
• Problem-solving skills and the ability to make quick decisions in high-stress, potentially life-threatening situations.
• Interpersonal skills to collaborate with a team of healthcare professionals, including doctors, other nurses, and medical assistants.
• Empathy, patience, and emotional resilience to provide compassionate care to children and their families during difficult times.
• Physical stamina as the role might require long hours standing and caring for patients.

 

Pediatric Intensive Care Nurse Experience Requirements

Pediatric Intensive Care Nurses typically begin their careers as Registered Nurses (RNs), where they garner a substantial amount of both theoretical and hands-on experience.

They usually have a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing (BSN), though some might start with an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) and progress to a BSN later.

In order to specialize in pediatric intensive care, RNs must gain at least 1 to 2 years of experience in a pediatric setting, or in some cases, in a general intensive care unit.

This experience allows them to understand the specific needs and complexities of working with children in a high-stress, medical environment.

After gaining necessary pediatric experience, RNs must then receive certification as a Pediatric Intensive Care Nurse through the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board or the American Nurses Credentialing Center.

This certification requires a minimum number of clinical hours in pediatric nursing and successful completion of an examination.

Those with more than 3 years of experience in pediatric intensive care typically have a deepened knowledge in areas such as pediatric pharmacology, advanced life support, and critical care.

Nurses with over 5 years of experience may have developed leadership skills and could be prepared for roles such as Charge Nurse or Nurse Manager in a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit.

Some may even opt to further their education with a Master’s Degree in Nursing or a Doctorate, leading to roles such as Pediatric Nurse Practitioner or Clinical Nurse Specialist.

 

Pediatric Intensive Care Nurse Education and Training Requirements

Pediatric Intensive Care Nurses typically must first obtain a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree, followed by passing the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) to gain licensure as a Registered Nurse (RN).

In addition to these initial steps, specialized training in pediatrics and intensive care is required.

This can often be achieved through gaining experience in related fields, or by pursuing a Master’s in Nursing with a specialization in Pediatric Intensive Care.

Specific certifications that are beneficial to a Pediatric Intensive Care Nurse include the Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certification and the Critical Care Registered Nurse (CCRN) certification.

These advanced certifications require additional coursework and examinations, and they demonstrate the nurse’s specialized skills and knowledge in pediatric intensive care.

Furthermore, Pediatric Intensive Care Nurses are expected to possess strong communication skills, the ability to work under pressure, a compassionate nature, and a deep understanding of the unique needs of children and their families during critical illness.

Continuous education is important in this role due to the evolving nature of healthcare.

Many nurses attend workshops, seminars, and continuing education programs to keep their skills up to date.

 

Pediatric Intensive Care Nurse Salary Expectations

A Pediatric Intensive Care Nurse earns an average salary of $71,730 (USD) per year.

However, the actual salary may vary based on factors such as years of experience, level of education, geographical location, and the specific healthcare institution.

 

Pediatric Intensive Care Nurse Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Pediatric Intensive Care Nurse need?

Pediatric Intensive Care Nurses need to be highly skilled in pediatric care, including understanding the unique needs of young patients and their families.

They should have strong clinical skills, including the ability to perform complex procedures and interpret medical data.

Communication skills are essential, as they must be able to communicate effectively with children, their families, and the healthcare team.

They should also have strong critical thinking skills, the ability to handle high-stress situations, and a compassionate nature.

 

Do Pediatric Intensive Care Nurses need a specific degree?

Pediatric Intensive Care Nurses must first become registered nurses by completing a nursing program and passing the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN).

After gaining experience as a registered nurse, they can specialize in pediatric intensive care.

This often requires additional training and certification, such as becoming a Certified Pediatric Nurse or gaining a certification in Pediatric Advanced Life Support.

 

What should you look for in a Pediatric Intensive Care Nurse resume?

When examining a Pediatric Intensive Care Nurse resume, look for experience in pediatric care, particularly in intensive care units.

Check for appropriate education and licensure, as well as any additional certifications related to pediatric intensive care.

Evidence of continuing education, active participation in professional organizations, or experience in leadership roles can also be valuable.

 

What qualities make a good Pediatric Intensive Care Nurse?

A good Pediatric Intensive Care Nurse is patient and empathetic, able to comfort both children and their families during difficult times.

They should be detail-oriented and observant, capable of noticing slight changes in a patient’s condition.

Strong communication skills are critical, as they must relay complex medical information to families and other healthcare providers.

A good Pediatric Intensive Care Nurse should also be resilient and emotionally stable, able to handle the challenges that come with caring for critically ill children.

 

What are the daily duties of a Pediatric Intensive Care Nurse?

Daily duties of a Pediatric Intensive Care Nurse may include assessing patient conditions, administering medication, providing treatments, and monitoring vital signs.

They also communicate with doctors, other nurses, and healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive care.

They often provide support and education to patients’ families, explaining conditions and treatment plans.

They also need to document all patient care accurately.

They may also participate in life-saving procedures and emergency care as required.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve unveiled the incredibly challenging yet rewarding role of a pediatric intensive care nurse.

Surprised?

It’s not just about administering medication.

It’s about delivering compassionate, intensive care to children, one patient at a time.

With our comprehensive pediatric intensive care nurse job description template and real-world examples, you’re now equipped to step into this fulfilling career.

But why stop there?

Explore further with our job description generator. It’s your next step to creating precise job listings or polishing your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every patient interaction forms a part of a bigger journey.

Let’s make a difference. Together.

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