Pediatric Nurse Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the complex world of healthcare, the need for pediatric nurses has never been more critical.

As advancements in medical science continue, the demand for skilled, compassionate individuals who can care for, heal, and comfort our youngest patients grows.

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

Whether you are:

A job seeker trying to understand the intricacies of this role,
A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
Or simply curious about the responsibilities of pediatric nursing,

You’re in the right place.

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

Let’s dive right into it.

Contents show

Pediatric Nurse Duties and Responsibilities

Pediatric Nurses specialize in the care of infants, children, and adolescents.

They use advanced medical equipment and procedures to monitor and maintain patient health, educate patients and their families about various health conditions, and offer emotional support to patients and their families.

Their duties and responsibilities often include:

Assessing the health status of pediatric patients by conducting thorough physical exams and medical histories
Providing health care services including immunizations and disease screenings
Monitoring patients’ developmental milestones
Recording patients’ medical information and vital signs
Administering prescribed medications and treatments
Coordinating patient care with physicians and other healthcare professionals
Educating patients and their families about managing illnesses and injuries, including post-treatment home care needs
Responding to patient emergencies and providing immediate care
Performing routine developmental screenings and check-ups
Collaborating with a team of healthcare professionals to share expertise and knowledge

Pediatric Nurse Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are looking for a dedicated Pediatric Nurse to provide the specialized care for infants, children, and adolescents.

The Pediatric Nurse will be responsible for assessing the nursing needs of children, creating a plan of care, implementing this plan and evaluating its effectiveness.

Our ideal candidates are compassionate, patient, have excellent communication skills and are able to offer targeted healthcare services to children.

Ultimately, the role of the Pediatric Nurse is to improve the quality of pediatric healthcare services, by offering compassionate and effective nursing care to patients.

Responsibilities

Assessing, observing, and monitoring patient conditions
Performing physical examinations and diagnostic tests
Collecting patient health history
Administering medications, treatments, and immunizations
Providing education and support to patient families
Caring for patients with acute/chronic health conditions
Communicating with the pediatric healthcare team to manage patient care
Documenting care, treatment plans, and observations

Qualifications

Proven work experience as a Pediatric Nurse
Valid nursing license
Knowledge of pediatric diseases and treatments
Excellent knowledge of emergency care
In-depth knowledge of health and safety guidelines and procedures
Sanitation, infection control and ventilation awareness
Excellent observational and 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 opportunities

Additional Information

Job Title: Pediatric Nurse
Work Environment: This position requires working in a clinical environment. Shifts may include evenings and weekends, and may require being on call.
Reporting Structure: Reports to the Head of Nursing or Pediatric Department.
Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
Pay Range: $65,000 minimum to $90,000 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 Nurse Do?

Pediatric Nurses are specialized medical professionals who deliver healthcare services primarily to infants, children, and adolescents.

They provide routine developmental screenings, immunizations and health maintenance care for children.

They also diagnose and treat common childhood illnesses like influenza, asthma, or other chronic health conditions.

Pediatric Nurses often act as educators and advocates for children’s health, providing guidance and resources to parents and families to aid in their understanding of a child’s health condition and its management.

In case of seriously ill children, they provide supportive care and manage the physical and emotional distress of the child and family.

They may work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, pediatrician’s offices, clinics, and sometimes schools.

Their role may also involve carrying out doctor’s orders for treatments and medications, performing routine laboratory work, and recording symptoms and medical histories.

Pediatric Nurses are responsible for providing compassionate, child-friendly care and creating a comfortable environment for their young patients.

Pediatric Nurse Qualifications and Skills

A competent pediatric nurse should have the skills and qualifications that match your job description, such as:

Excellent knowledge and understanding of child growth and development to effectively monitor and assess the health status of pediatric patients.
Strong communication skills to effectively interact with children of all ages and their families, explaining medical conditions and treatments in a manner that is understandable and less frightening.
High degree of patience and compassion to manage the stress and emotional situations that may arise when dealing with sick or injured children.
Excellent problem-solving and decision-making skills to respond quickly and effectively to emergencies or sudden changes in a child’s condition.
Detail-oriented and organizational skills to manage multiple patient records, administer medications accurately, and ensure adherence to treatment plans.
Strong interpersonal skills to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team, including doctors, other nurses, therapists, and social workers.
High level of physical stamina to cope with the demands of caring for children, which may include lifting and carrying, as well as the ability to work long shifts.
Professional certification in pediatric nursing (CPN) may be required for some positions.

Pediatric Nurse Experience Requirements

Pediatric Nurses are expected to have completed a nursing degree, which usually involves clinical placements that provide valuable practical experience.

This theoretical and practical grounding is the entry point to the profession.

Internships or work placements in pediatric settings such as children’s hospitals or clinics are a great way for aspiring Pediatric Nurses to gain specific experience in this field.

An Entry-level Pediatric Nurse may have 1 to 2 years of experience, often earned through internships or part-time roles in pediatric nursing settings.

These professionals can also gain on-the-job experience in roles such as general Registered Nurse, Nurse Assistant, or other healthcare-related roles.

Candidates with more than 3 years of experience likely have developed their pediatric nursing skills and knowledge in entry-level Pediatric Nurse roles.

They may be able to manage more complex cases and take on more responsibilities within a pediatric setting.

Those with more than 5 years of experience may have leadership experience and might be ready for roles such as Pediatric Nurse Manager or Nurse Practitioner.

These roles often require additional certifications and qualifications, but extensive on-the-job experience is also highly valued.

Pediatric Nurse Education and Training Requirements

Pediatric Nurses typically begin their career path with a bachelor’s degree in nursing.

This degree program offers foundational knowledge in general nursing principles and practices.

The next step is to pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) to earn licensure as a Registered Nurse.

This exam ensures that the nurse is ready for entry-level nursing practice.

After becoming a Registered Nurse, individuals who aspire to specialize in pediatrics should gain experience working with children.

This can be achieved by working in environments such as pediatric units, pediatric critical care or community health settings.

Further specialization can be sought by becoming a Certified Pediatric Nurse (CPN).

This requires a certain amount of clinical pediatric work experience as well as passing the Pediatric Nurse certification exam.

Advanced roles such as a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP) require a Master’s degree in nursing (MSN) or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree with a focus on pediatrics.

Additionally, Pediatric Nurses are encouraged to pursue continuing education and training opportunities to stay up-to-date with the latest advancements and research in pediatric care.

This dedication to ongoing learning ensures the best possible care for young patients.

Pediatric Nurse Salary Expectations

A Pediatric Nurse can expect to earn an average salary of $60,441 (USD) per year.

The actual salary a pediatric nurse receives may vary based on factors such as years of experience, level of education, and the geographical location.

Pediatric Nurse Job Description FAQs

What qualifications does a pediatric nurse need?

Pediatric nurses must have a degree in nursing, either an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).

After graduating, they must pass the NCLEX-RN exam to become a registered nurse (RN).

Additionally, they should have a Pediatric Nursing Certification which can be achieved by passing the Certified Pediatric Nurse (CPN) exam after gaining a minimum of 1800 hours of pediatric clinical experience.

What are the daily duties of a pediatric nurse?

On a typical day, a pediatric nurse might administer medication, provide routine check-ups, take patient histories, and perform diagnostic tests.

They are responsible for educating and advising parents on their child’s health, development, and nutritional needs.

They also play a vital role in comforting and caring for children who are ill or undergoing medical procedures.

What qualities make a good pediatric nurse?

A good pediatric nurse possesses excellent communication skills to interact with children of all ages and their parents effectively.

They need to have a caring and empathetic nature to comfort children during stressful medical procedures.

Patience is also crucial, as dealing with children requires time and understanding.

An ability to work under pressure and make quick decisions is also important in a medical environment.

How challenging is it to hire a pediatric nurse?

Hiring a pediatric nurse can be challenging due to the specific qualifications and experience required for the role.

It’s important to find candidates who not only have the necessary educational background but also demonstrate the soft skills needed to work with children and their families.

An effective hiring strategy includes offering competitive salaries and benefits, creating a supportive work environment, and ensuring opportunities for professional development.

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve illuminated the compassionate, challenging, and rewarding work of a pediatric nurse.

Surprise, surprise?

It’s not just about checking temperatures and giving shots.

It’s about nurturing the future, one child at a time.

With our comprehensive pediatric nurse job description template and authentic examples, you’re fully equipped to take the next step.

But why pause now?

Go further with our job description generator. It’s your key to creating detailed job listings or honing your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every child you care for is a part of a brighter tomorrow.

Let’s nurture that future. Together.