Pediatric Intensive Care Unit Nurse Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the fast-paced world of healthcare, the role of Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) nurses is more crucial than ever.

As medical advancements evolve, so does the demand for dedicated, compassionate individuals who can nurture and safeguard our most vulnerable patients: children in critical condition.

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

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core responsibilities of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the ideal candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the complex world of pediatric intensive care nursing,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable PICU nurse job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive in.

Pediatric Intensive Care Unit Nurse Duties and Responsibilities

Pediatric Intensive Care Unit Nurses, also known as PICU nurses, work in the pediatric intensive care unit caring for critically ill infants, children, and teenagers.

Their primary role involves assessing, planning, implementing, and evaluating care for pediatric patients.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Assessing the condition of critically ill children and monitoring their vital signs
• Administering medications, treatments, and therapies prescribed by physicians
• Collaborating with a team of healthcare professionals to develop and execute individualized care plans
• Ensuring the safety and comfort of the patient, which may involve positioning, lifting or turning pediatric patients
• Providing age and culturally appropriate care to patient and family
• Monitoring and recording patient condition and reporting any changes to the physician
• Assisting doctors during examinations and surgical procedures
• Providing emotional support and education to the patient’s family about care processes and disease management
• Managing emergency situations like trauma, cardiac arrest, and respiratory distress
• Maintaining detailed reports of patients’ symptoms, medical history, therapeutic treatments, and responses.
• Ensuring all medical devices in the PICU are functioning properly

 

Pediatric Intensive Care Unit Nurse Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are looking for a dedicated and experienced Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) Nurse to join our healthcare team.

The PICU Nurse’s responsibilities include caring for infants, children, and adolescents who are critically ill or recovering from serious surgeries.

The ideal candidate is compassionate, has excellent interpersonal skills, and is experienced in pediatric critical care.

They must be skilled in interpreting EKGs and lab results, monitoring vital signs, administering medication, and providing emotional support to patients and their families.

 

Responsibilities

• Provide critical care to infants, children, and adolescents
• Monitor vital signs and implement interventions when necessary
• Administer medications, fluids, and treatments as prescribed by physicians
• Work closely with a team of healthcare professionals including physicians, specialists, nurses, and therapists
• Communicate effectively with patients and their families, providing emotional support
• Document patient care and update records as necessary
• Adhere to infection control protocols, ensuring a clean and safe environment
• Participate in continuing education programs to update knowledge and skills

 

Qualifications

• Registered Nurse (RN) licensure in the state of practice
• Minimum of 2 years’ experience in a pediatric intensive care unit
• Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certifications
• Experience with medical software and equipment
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and critical-thinking skills
• Physically fit and able to work long hours
• Degree in Nursing; Master’s degree in Nursing or healthcare administration is a plus

 

Benefits

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

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Pediatric Intensive Care Unit Nurse
• Work Environment: Pediatric Intensive Care Unit in a hospital setting. Shift work will be required, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Head 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 Unit Nurse Do?

Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) Nurses primarily care for critically ill or injured infants, children, and teenagers.

They work in specialized units in hospitals where they provide specialized and intensive nursing care.

They closely monitor their patients’ vital signs, administer prescribed medications, and use complex medical equipment to support or replace patients’ vital functions.

This may include ventilators to aid breathing or feeding tubes for nutrition.

PICU nurses also carry out doctors’ orders for various diagnostic tests and treatments.

They are responsible for keeping detailed patient records, noting any changes in a patient’s condition, and promptly reporting these changes to the healthcare team.

In addition to providing medical care, PICU nurses often comfort and support both the patient and their families during their hospital stay.

They explain the patient’s condition, treatment plan, and prognosis, answering any questions the family may have.

PICU nurses often work in a highly stressful environment, and they must be able to make critical decisions quickly.

They work as a part of a multidisciplinary team, including doctors, respiratory therapists, and other healthcare professionals, to provide comprehensive care to their patients.

In many cases, PICU nurses also participate in research projects and may be involved in teaching and mentoring new nurses or nursing students.

 

Pediatric Intensive Care Unit Nurse Qualifications and Skills

A Pediatric Intensive Care Unit Nurse should have a range of skills and qualifications that allow them to provide comprehensive and specialized care to children, including:

• Registered Nurse (RN) degree along with a specialization or certification in pediatric nursing.
• Thorough knowledge of pediatric conditions, diseases, treatments, and medication dosages that are specific to children.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills to effectively interact with young patients and their families, explaining complex medical conditions and treatments in an understandable manner.
• Ability to work in a high-stress environment and make quick, sound decisions under pressure using strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Extensive experience in operating and understanding medical equipment used in intensive care settings.
• High level of patience and empathy to comfort and care for children who are critically ill or injured.
• Strong teamwork and collaboration skills to work alongside a multidisciplinary team including doctors, other nurses, therapists, and social workers.
• Attention to detail and accuracy in administering medications, monitoring vital signs, and recording patient information.
• Physical stamina to work long hours, often on their feet, and ability to perform tasks such as lifting or moving patients.

 

Pediatric Intensive Care Unit Nurse Experience Requirements

Entry-level Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) Nurses typically need to complete a four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree, during which they gain practical experience through clinical rotations.

Upon graduation, they must pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) to become a registered nurse.

After passing the NCLEX-RN, entry-level PICU nurses usually start in general pediatric nursing or another less acute environment to gain more experience.

A minimum of one to two years of experience in general pediatric nursing is commonly required to transition into a PICU role.

Candidates with 2 to 3 years of experience in the PICU are considered experienced nurses.

They have often developed their critical thinking and advanced nursing skills to handle highly complex cases.

They may also have obtained a Pediatric Critical Care certification, which further enhances their qualifications and skills.

Those with more than 5 years of experience in the PICU may be ready for leadership roles such as Nurse Manager, Nurse Supervisor, or Nurse Educator.

These positions often require advanced certifications and sometimes even a master’s degree in nursing.

Continuing education and professional development are essential throughout a PICU nurse’s career to stay up-to-date with the latest practices and advancements in pediatric critical care.

 

Pediatric Intensive Care Unit Nurse Education and Training Requirements

A Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) Nurse requires a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing (BSN) or an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) to begin their career.

They also must be licensed as a Registered Nurse (RN) in their state of employment, which requires successful completion of the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN).

Work experience in a hospital setting, particularly in pediatrics or intensive care, is usually required or highly desired for this specialized role.

Further specialization and training can be achieved through a Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certification or Certified Pediatric Nurse (CPN) certification.

Many PICU Nurses also complete a Master’s degree in Nursing or a related healthcare field, which can lead to opportunities for leadership roles or specialized areas of practice.

Continuing education throughout their career is also essential for PICU Nurses to stay up-to-date with the latest in pediatric intensive care medicine.

All of these qualifications enable a PICU Nurse to provide high-quality care for critically ill or injured children and support for their families.

 

Pediatric Intensive Care Unit Nurse Salary Expectations

A Pediatric Intensive Care Unit Nurse earns an average salary of $76,738 (USD) per year.

The salary may vary depending on factors such as their level of experience, additional qualifications, and the location of the hospital or healthcare center.

 

Pediatric Intensive Care Unit Nurse Job Description FAQs

What qualifications does a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit Nurse need?

A Pediatric Intensive Care Unit Nurse must be a registered nurse and typically requires a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).

They must also have successfully completed the Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certification, along with the Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.

Specialized training in pediatric nursing, as well as experience in an intensive care unit, is often required.

 

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

Daily duties of a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit Nurse include monitoring patients’ vital signs, administering medication, providing support to children and families, collaborating with other healthcare professionals, and responding to emergencies.

They also record patient information, assist with procedures, and ensure that the intensive care unit is clean and free of infection risks.

 

What qualities make a good Pediatric Intensive Care Unit Nurse?

Good Pediatric Intensive Care Unit Nurses are compassionate, patient, and possess excellent communication skills as they often explain complex medical information to families.

They must have keen attention to detail to monitor patients’ conditions and changes.

They must also be able to work under high stress and make quick decisions, as the PICU is often a fast-paced environment.

 

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

A qualified Pediatric Intensive Care Unit Nurse’s resume should include a valid RN license, a BSN degree, and preferably additional certifications like PALS and BLS.

Experience in pediatric nursing and in an intensive care unit is vital.

Additional beneficial experiences may include work in emergency rooms or specialized pediatric areas.

Look for candidates who show ongoing professional development and specific soft skills such as teamwork, empathy, and stress management.

 

Is it difficult to hire Pediatric Intensive Care Unit Nurses?

Hiring Pediatric Intensive Care Unit Nurses can be challenging due to the specialized skills and experience required for the role.

The job also requires emotional resilience and physical stamina, which can limit the number of qualified applicants.

Therefore, recruitment may require offering competitive salaries, benefits, and a supportive work environment.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve unveiled the true essence of what it means to be a pediatric intensive care unit nurse.

And guess what?

It’s not just about administering medications.

It’s about creating a safer, healthier future for our children, one patient at a time.

With our go-to pediatric intensive care unit nurse job description template and real-world examples, you’re well-equipped to make your next move.

But why stop there?

Dive deeper with our job description generator. It’s your next step to creating meticulously detailed job listings or refining your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every patient interaction is part of the bigger picture.

Let’s build that future. Together.

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