Pediatric Operating Room Nurse Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the era of modern medicine, the role of Pediatric Operating Room Nurses has never been more critical.

As healthcare advancements continue to evolve, the demand for skilled professionals who can seamlessly adapt, excel, and ensure the safety of our youngest patients in the operating room grows.

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

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to comprehend the intricacies of this role,
• A hiring manager drawing up the profile of the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the behind-the-scenes of pediatric surgery,

You’re in the right place.

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

Let’s get started.

Pediatric Operating Room Nurse Duties and Responsibilities

Pediatric Operating Room Nurses are responsible for providing comprehensive care to children and adolescents during surgical procedures.

They are skilled professionals who employ knowledge of child growth and development, along with surgical techniques to ensure the safety of their patients.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Assessing the condition of the child preoperatively
• Preparing the child and family members for surgical procedures
• Administering and managing medications as required
• Assisting in the operating room during surgery
• Monitoring vital signs during surgery and notifying the surgeon of major changes in the patient’s condition
• Providing immediate post-operative care
• Educating and supporting the patient’s family regarding aftercare
• Documenting all nursing care, observations, and interventions in the patient’s medical record
• Collaborating with other healthcare professionals to ensure the best patient outcomes
• Maintaining a clean, safe, and functional operating room environment
• Keeping up-to-date with new developments in pediatric nursing and surgical techniques.

 

Pediatric Operating Room Nurse Job Description Template

Job Brief

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

The successful candidate will be responsible for providing perioperative care to pediatric patients, preparing them for surgery, and helping with recovery post-surgery.

Our ideal candidate is someone who is comfortable working in a fast-paced environment, has excellent critical thinking skills, and is committed to providing high-quality care to our young patients.

 

Responsibilities

• Provide preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative care to pediatric patients
• Prepare patients for surgery, including explanations of procedures to help alleviate fear
• Monitor patient vital signs and administer medication as needed during surgery
• Collaborate with surgical team and other healthcare professionals
• Maintain a sterile operating room and adhere to all health and safety standards
• Document and maintain patient records
• Communicate with parents or guardians about patient condition and postoperative care
• Participate in professional development and continuing education opportunities

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a pediatric operating room nurse
• Registered Nursing license
• Completion of a pediatric nursing certification program preferred
• Knowledge of surgical procedures, aseptic techniques, and anesthesia methods
• Excellent communication skills, with a particular sensitivity to the needs of pediatric patients and their families
• Ability to handle stressful situations and to manage time effectively
• CPR and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certification

 

Benefits

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

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Pediatric Operating Room Nurse
• Work Environment: Hospital setting. This role may require rotating shifts, 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: $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 Operating Room Nurse Do?

Pediatric Operating Room Nurses, also known as Pediatric Perioperative Nurses, work in hospitals, surgical centers, and other healthcare facilities.

They primarily cater to the surgical needs of children ranging from infants to teenagers.

These specialized nurses assist surgeons during operations and procedures on pediatric patients.

They are responsible for preparing the operating room, ensuring all surgical instruments and equipment are present and sterile, and providing pre-operative and post-operative care.

They monitor the patient’s vital signs during surgery and alert the surgical team to any potential complications.

They may also administer medication and assist with pain management.

After surgery, Pediatric Operating Room Nurses play a crucial role in the child’s recovery.

They monitor the patient’s progress, manage wound care, educate the child’s parents or caregivers about aftercare at home, and coordinate follow-up appointments.

Pediatric Operating Room Nurses often work as part of a larger healthcare team and liaise between surgeons, anesthesiologists, pediatricians, and the patient’s family.

In this role, they also provide emotional support to the child and their family, helping to alleviate fears and anxieties about surgery.

 

Pediatric Operating Room Nurse Qualifications and Skills

Pediatric Operating Room Nurses are required to have a specific set of qualifications and skills to ensure they can provide the best care for their young patients, including:

• Being a Registered Nurse (RN) with a degree in nursing from an accredited institution. Pediatric specialty certification is strongly preferred.
• A minimum of one year of experience in a clinical setting, preferably in a pediatric operating room environment.
• Excelling in communication skills to accurately convey critical information to doctors, colleagues, and the patient’s family.
• Using empathy and sensitivity when dealing with young patients and their families, as this can be a stressful time for them.
• Applying critical thinking and problem-solving skills to swiftly and accurately react to sudden changes in a patient’s condition.
• Possessing a thorough understanding of surgical procedures, equipment, and infection control practices.
• Being capable of working in high-stress situations and maintaining composure in emergency scenarios.
• Having the physical stamina to stand for long periods and the ability to lift or move patients as necessary.
• Demonstrating a thorough understanding of child growth and development, and being able to adapt nursing care to the age and development stage of the patient.

 

Pediatric Operating Room Nurse Experience Requirements

Pediatric Operating Room Nurses typically begin their journey in the medical field by obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree.

This is followed by passing the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) to become a registered nurse.

Entry-level Pediatric Operating Room Nurses may have 1 to 2 years of general nursing experience, often gained through clinical rotations or working in a general pediatric unit.

This foundational experience provides an understanding of child-specific medical issues and equips them with essential patient care skills.

Candidates with more than 2 years of experience often transition to more specialized roles such as a Pediatric Operating Room Nurse.

This role requires specific training and experience in surgical procedures, sterilization techniques, and anesthesia administration.

Nurses with over 5 years of experience in a pediatric surgical setting are considered highly experienced and may qualify for roles with more responsibility, such as charge nurse or nurse manager in the pediatric operating room.

These roles typically require leadership skills, advanced knowledge of pediatric surgical procedures, and a demonstrated ability to handle high-stress situations.

Moreover, to further specialize and improve career prospects, Pediatric Operating Room Nurses can obtain certification through the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board or the American Nurses Credentialing Center.

These certifications require both theoretical knowledge and practical experience in pediatric nursing.

 

Pediatric Operating Room Nurse Education and Training Requirements

Becoming a Pediatric Operating Room Nurse requires a bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN).

This usually includes coursework in anatomy, physiology, microbiology, chemistry, nutrition, psychology, and other social and behavioral sciences, as well as in liberal arts.

After earning their BSN, prospective Pediatric Operating Room Nurses must then pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) to obtain a nursing license.

Additionally, it is typically required to gain some experience in general nursing before specializing in pediatrics.

Many nurses choose to work in pediatrics after completing their nursing degree, but additional training and experience are required to work in the operating room.

For nurses interested in this specialty, additional certification is often sought.

This can be a Certified Pediatric Nurse (CPN) or a Certified Perioperative Nurse (CNOR) designation.

These certifications demonstrate advanced skills and knowledge in these specific areas and are often preferred by employers.

Furthermore, Pediatric Operating Room Nurses must have exceptional technical skills, excellent communication abilities, and high levels of physical stamina.

They also need to be well-versed in the use of advanced medical equipment and must be prepared to handle stressful situations.

Continuing education is also important in this field, as nurses must remain up-to-date with the latest developments in pediatric care and surgery.

This can be achieved through workshops, conferences, and further studies.

 

Pediatric Operating Room Nurse Salary Expectations

A Pediatric Operating Room Nurse can expect to earn an average salary of $88,019 (USD) per year.

However, this salary can vary based on factors such as level of experience, additional certifications, geographical location, and the hospital or healthcare system they are employed by.

 

Pediatric Operating Room Nurse Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Pediatric Operating Room Nurse need?

A Pediatric Operating Room Nurse needs a blend of hard and soft skills.

They should have comprehensive clinical knowledge, proficiency in using medical equipment, and the ability to respond quickly in emergency situations.

Soft skills include excellent communication for explaining medical procedures to children and their parents, patience when dealing with children, and the ability to provide emotional support in stressful situations.

 

Do Pediatric Operating Room Nurses need a degree?

Yes, a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (BSN) is typically required to become a Pediatric Operating Room Nurse.

After obtaining a nursing degree, they must pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) to become a registered nurse.

Furthermore, experience in pediatric nursing and additional certifications may be required or preferred by employers.

 

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

Apart from the necessary educational qualifications and licensure, look for experience in pediatric nursing and operating room settings.

Certifications such as Certified Pediatric Nurse (CPN) or Certified Perioperative Nurse (CNOR) can also be desirable.

Additional qualities to look for include experience with specific surgical procedures, knowledge of anesthesia, and familiarity with sterilization techniques.

 

What qualities make a good Pediatric Operating Room Nurse?

A good Pediatric Operating Room Nurse is compassionate and has a strong desire to care for children.

They must have excellent decision-making skills and the ability to stay calm under pressure.

Good Pediatric Operating Room Nurses can communicate effectively with children of different ages and their families.

They should also have a strong understanding of child-specific surgical procedures and be able to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment.

 

Is it difficult to hire Pediatric Operating Room Nurses?

Hiring Pediatric Operating Room Nurses can be challenging due to the specialized nature of the role.

The candidate needs to have a specific skill set, including pediatric nursing experience and often additional certifications.

Additionally, it’s important to find candidates who are not only qualified but also have a genuine passion for working with children, which adds another layer of complexity to the hiring process.

 

Conclusion

And that’s a wrap.

Today, we’ve delved into the heart of what it truly means to be a pediatric operating room nurse.

But guess what?

It’s not just about medical procedures.

It’s about shaping the future of healthcare, one child at a time.

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

But why stop there?

Go deeper with our job description generator. It’s your ultimate tool for creating precise job listings or refining your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every child you care for is a part of a larger mission.

Let’s shape that future. Together.

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