Pediatric Respiratory Nurse Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the world of healthcare, the demand for pediatric respiratory nurses is continually growing.

As advancements in medical technology progress, the need for skilled professionals capable of managing and improving the respiratory health of children becomes even more paramount.

So, what exactly does a pediatric respiratory nurse do?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker wanting to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager drafting the perfect candidate profile,
• Or simply curious about the intricacies of pediatric respiratory nursing,

You’ve come to the right place.

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

Let’s dive right in.

Pediatric Respiratory Nurse Duties and Responsibilities

Pediatric Respiratory Nurses provide specialized care for infants, children, and adolescents with respiratory conditions.

They are adept in the use of complex medical equipment and understand specific respiratory conditions that affect the pediatric population.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Evaluating and monitoring pediatric patients with respiratory conditions
• Administering medications and treatments as prescribed by the physician
• Providing education and guidance to patients and families about their condition and treatment plan
• Utilizing respiratory care equipment such as ventilators and oxygen delivery devices
• Working closely with physicians and other healthcare team members to develop and implement care plans
• Monitoring patient’s response to treatment and making necessary adjustments
• Performing diagnostic procedures such as pulmonary function tests
• Maintaining accurate and detailed patient records
• Providing emotional support to patients and families coping with chronic or acute respiratory conditions
• Advocating for patients’ needs and coordinating with other healthcare professionals for holistic patient care

 

Pediatric Respiratory Nurse Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Pediatric Respiratory Nurse to join our team.

The Pediatric Respiratory Nurse will work closely with a team of healthcare professionals to provide optimal care to patients with respiratory disorders such as asthma, cystic fibrosis, and chronic respiratory disease.

The role involves assessing, planning, implementing, and evaluating patient care plans in collaboration with healthcare professionals and families.

 

Responsibilities

• Perform patient assessments, monitoring vital signs and respiratory function.
• Administer medications and treatments as prescribed by physicians.
• Provide education and emotional support to patients and their families.
• Collaborate with other healthcare professionals to plan, manage, and assess patient treatments.
• Provide care for pediatric patients with chronic respiratory diseases.
• Initiate and manage life support for critical patients, if necessary.
• Keep detailed reports on patients’ respiratory health progress.
• Adhere to safety standards and precautions at all times.
• Participate in professional development and research activities.
• Maintain patient confidentiality and respect patients’ rights to privacy.

 

Qualifications

• Registered Nurse (RN) license is required.
• Specialty certification in pediatric or respiratory nursing is preferred.
• Proven experience as a pediatric respiratory nurse or in a similar role.
• Excellent knowledge of emergency care and respiratory therapy techniques.
• Proficient in using medical and computer equipment.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Compassionate and patient-oriented with excellent interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work in a high-stress and emotional environment.

 

Benefits

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

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Pediatric Respiratory Nurse
• Work Environment: Hospital or healthcare facility. This role may require working in shifts, during weekends, or holidays.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Lead Nurse or Nursing 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 Respiratory Nurse Do?

Pediatric Respiratory Nurses are specialized healthcare professionals who work primarily with children and adolescents suffering from respiratory ailments.

These nurses assess, monitor, and treat young patients with conditions such as asthma, pneumonia, bronchitis, and other respiratory disorders.

They also provide care for patients with cystic fibrosis and babies with underdeveloped lungs.

They collaborate closely with a medical team, which may include doctors, respiratory therapists, and other healthcare professionals to develop and implement treatment plans for their patients.

Pediatric Respiratory Nurses also educate patients and their families about their conditions, explain the use of equipment such as nebulizers or inhalers, and provide guidance on managing symptoms at home.

They play a crucial role in monitoring the patient’s response to treatment and adjusting it as necessary.

In critical situations, these nurses might also be involved in conducting emergency respiratory interventions.

Furthermore, they may also participate in research and clinical trials aimed at developing new treatments for pediatric respiratory illnesses.

They are a vital part of the healthcare team, offering not only medical treatment but also emotional support to their young patients and their families.

 

Pediatric Respiratory Nurse Qualifications and Skills

A Pediatric Respiratory Nurse should be equipped with a combination of specialized medical knowledge, technical skills, and soft skills to provide effective care for pediatric patients with respiratory issues.

They should have:

• Medical knowledge and expertise in pediatric care, particularly regarding respiratory diseases and conditions, to provide appropriate care and treatment.
• Technical skills to operate and manage respiratory equipment like ventilators, oximeters, nebulizers and more.
• Strong observation skills to monitor children’s respiratory status and promptly identify any changes or complications.
• Excellent communication skills to effectively interact with young patients and their families, explaining treatment plans, procedures, and providing updates about the child’s condition.
• Patience and compassion to deal with children who may be scared or uncooperative due to their illness.
• Problem-solving skills to quickly address any complications or emergencies that may arise in a child’s treatment.
• Excellent organizational skills for managing multiple patients, their treatments, and medical records efficiently.

 

Pediatric Respiratory Nurse Experience Requirements

Pediatric Respiratory Nurses are typically required to have a bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN) and a license as a registered nurse (RN).

This involves several years of classroom and clinical experience in a variety of nursing areas.

For entry-level roles, pediatric respiratory nurses may need at least 1-2 years of general nursing experience, but some facilities may require prior experience in a pediatric or respiratory setting.

Nurses seeking to specialize further might complete a pediatric or respiratory care specialty certification program, which can offer hands-on experience specifically related to pediatric respiratory care.

Candidates with 3-5 years of experience in pediatric respiratory care often have a deeper understanding of the complexities of pediatric respiratory diseases and disorders.

They may have experience in critical care units, emergency departments, or neonatal intensive care units, which can prepare them for more advanced roles.

Those with over 5 years of experience may have developed leadership skills and could be ready to take on roles such as a Pediatric Respiratory Nurse Supervisor or Educator.

This could involve overseeing a team of nurses, training new nurses, or conducting research in the field.

 

Pediatric Respiratory Nurse Education and Training Requirements

To become a Pediatric Respiratory Nurse, an individual needs to have a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing (BSN) from an accredited institution.

They must also pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) to become a Registered Nurse (RN).

After gaining experience in pediatric nursing, they can choose to specialize in respiratory care.

This may require completing an advanced practice graduate degree program with a focus on pediatric respiratory nursing.

In addition to this, they should also pursue certification from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board (PNCB) to become a Certified Pediatric Nurse (CPN) or a Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (CPNP).

To further specialize in respiratory care, they can also obtain a Pediatric Acute/Chronic Care certification or a Pediatric Primary Care certification.

These certifications require completing an additional 1,500 to 2,500 hours of pediatric nursing experience and passing an examination.

Continued learning and professional development are important for Pediatric Respiratory Nurses, as the field of pediatric respiratory care is continuously evolving.

Additional courses and workshops in pediatric respiratory diseases, treatments, and respiratory therapy devices can be beneficial.

It’s important to note that licensing and certification requirements may vary by state and by the organization providing the certification.

It’s always recommended to check local and national requirements.

 

Pediatric Respiratory Nurse Salary Expectations

The average salary for a Pediatric Respiratory Nurse is approximately $70,000 (USD) per year.

However, actual earnings can fluctuate depending on factors such as years of experience in the field, level of education, certifications, and the location of the employing hospital or healthcare facility.

 

Pediatric Respiratory Nurse Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Pediatric Respiratory Nurse need?

Pediatric Respiratory Nurses should have strong clinical skills in pediatric nursing and respiratory care.

They should be knowledgeable about respiratory disorders and treatments in children, be able to operate respiratory equipment, and understand how to interpret laboratory results.

In addition, they should possess strong communication skills to interact with children, parents, and the healthcare team.

They should also have empathy, patience, and the ability to handle stressful situations effectively.

 

What qualifications does a Pediatric Respiratory Nurse need?

Most Pediatric Respiratory Nurses are Registered Nurses (RNs) who have gained experience in pediatric nursing.

They usually have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree (BSN) and then specialize in pediatric respiratory care.

Some may also pursue additional certifications like Certified Pediatric Nurse (CPN) or Certified Pediatric Pulmonary Specialist (CPPS).

 

What are some typical duties of a Pediatric Respiratory Nurse?

Pediatric Respiratory Nurses typically monitor and care for children with respiratory illnesses or conditions such as asthma, cystic fibrosis, or bronchitis.

They administer medications, perform respiratory treatments, and educate families on managing these conditions at home.

They also monitor vital signs, interpret diagnostic tests, and collaborate with doctors and other healthcare professionals to plan and implement patient care.

 

How demanding is the role of a Pediatric Respiratory Nurse?

The role of a Pediatric Respiratory Nurse can be physically and emotionally demanding.

Nurses often work long hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays.

They need to be prepared to deal with emergencies and make critical decisions.

Dealing with sick children and their families can also be emotionally challenging.

However, many nurses find the role rewarding and enjoy the opportunity to make a significant difference in children’s lives.

 

What qualities make a good Pediatric Respiratory Nurse?

A good Pediatric Respiratory Nurse should have strong clinical skills, as well as excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

They need to be compassionate, patient, and able to build trust with children and their families.

They should also be detail-oriented and organized, able to multitask, and work well under pressure.

Being a quick thinker and decision-maker is also a plus in this fast-paced medical field.

 

Conclusion

And there we have it.

Today, we’ve laid bare what it truly means to be a Pediatric Respiratory Nurse.

Surprised?

It’s not just about administering respiratory therapies.

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

With our reliable Pediatric Respiratory Nurse job description template and real-life examples, you’re ready to take the next step.

But why stop there?

Go further with our job description generator. It’s your secret weapon for crafting precision-focused listings or refining your resume to a tee.

Remember:

Every breath a child takes is a part of their larger health journey.

Let’s shape that future. Together.

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