Pediatric Staff Nurse Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the world of healthcare, the role of pediatric staff nurses has never been more critical.

As healthcare practices evolve, the demand for proficient, compassionate individuals who can deliver, enhance, and safeguard our pediatric care services grows stronger.

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

Whether you are:

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

You’ve come to the right place.

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

Let’s get started.

Pediatric Staff Nurse Duties and Responsibilities

Pediatric Staff Nurses are registered nurses who specialize in the care of infants, children, and adolescents.

They work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, and pediatricians’ offices.

The duties and responsibilities of a Pediatric Staff Nurse include:

• Assess, plan, and provide nursing care for children who are suffering from a wide variety of conditions including diseases, illnesses, cancer, or who are recovering from surgery.
• Monitor patients’ vital signs, including their heart rate, blood pressure and temperature.
• Administer medications and immunizations, and carry out physicians’ orders in terms of management and treatment of pediatric patients.
• Provide education and support to patient families, explaining conditions, treatments, and care strategies as necessary.
• Communicate effectively with doctors, other nurses, and healthcare professionals as part of a team providing coordinated care.
• Perform diagnostic tests and interpret the results, informing the physician of the findings.
• Assist in pain management, helping to comfort and soothe children who are in pain or distressed.
• Document patient information, treatment plans, and interventions in patient records.
• Adhere to infection control protocols to maintain a safe and clean working environment.

 

Pediatric Staff Nurse Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated Pediatric Staff Nurse to provide excellent healthcare services to children from infancy through adolescence.

The Pediatric Staff Nurse’s responsibilities include conducting thorough examinations on newborns and young children, administering immunizations, and managing childhood illnesses.

The ideal candidate should be compassionate, knowledgeable, and experienced in pediatric health and nursing care.

 

Responsibilities

• Assessing, observing, and reporting on the condition of patients
• Administering medications, treatments, and immunizations
• Maintaining comprehensive medical records
• Providing education and support to patient families
• Collaborating with a team of healthcare professionals to provide the best care
• Responding to emergencies and providing immediate care
• Ensuring a safe and clean working environment in compliance with healthcare procedures and regulations

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a registered nurse
• Valid nursing license
• Thorough knowledge of nursing care methods and procedures
• In-depth knowledge of health and safety guidelines and procedures (sanitation, decontamination etc.) and willingness to follow them at all times
• A team player with excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Responsible and compassionate
• A patient and problem-solving approach
• High school diploma; Bachelor’s degree in nursing or relevant field will be a bonus

 

Benefits

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

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Pediatric Staff Nurse
• Work Environment: Hospital or clinic setting, with rotating shifts including nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Head of Pediatric Department or Nurse Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: Depends on experience and qualifications
• 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 Staff Nurse Do?

Pediatric Staff Nurses primarily work in healthcare facilities such as hospitals, clinics, and outpatient care centers where they provide direct nursing care to children from infancy through late adolescence.

They monitor the health condition of their young patients, perform routine health assessments, administer prescribed medications, and communicate with the children’s parents or guardians about their health progress and treatment plans.

Pediatric Staff Nurses often work closely with pediatricians and other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive care to their patients.

They play a critical role in performing diagnostic tests, interpreting the results, and determining the necessary care for the child.

They are also responsible for educating the child and their family about managing illnesses and injuries, and promoting healthy habits.

In critical or emergency situations, Pediatric Staff Nurses provide immediate interventions, assist in resuscitating patients, and collaborate with the medical team to stabilize the child’s condition.

In addition to these clinical duties, they often act as a comforting presence for children and their families during stressful medical situations, explaining procedures and offering emotional support.

 

Pediatric Staff Nurse Qualifications and Skills

A pediatric staff nurse should possess a variety of skills and qualifications that allow them to provide excellent care to children, including:

• A Bachelor’s degree in Nursing and a valid license as a Registered Nurse (RN), ideally with a special certification in Pediatrics.
• Strong clinical skills with the ability to perform medical procedures like IV insertion, wound care, and medication administration accurately.
• A deep understanding of child growth and development to provide age-appropriate care and education.
• Excellent communication skills to effectively interact with children of all ages and their families, explaining procedures and providing emotional support in a clear, comforting manner.
• Patience and a friendly demeanor to help children feel comfortable and cooperative during medical procedures.
• Exceptional observational skills to monitor patients’ conditions, recognizing any changes and responding promptly.
• Teamwork skills to collaborate with a multidisciplinary team of physicians, therapists, and other healthcare professionals to develop and implement treatment plans.
• Time management and organization skills to balance multiple patient needs, often in high-stress, time-sensitive situations.

 

Pediatric Staff Nurse Experience Requirements

Entry-level pediatric staff nurses generally require a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree and must pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) to become a registered nurse.

As part of their education, they gain clinical experience in various areas of nursing, including pediatrics.

In addition to their degree, many entry-level pediatric nurses may have gained relevant experience through internships or practicum placements in pediatric settings during their nursing program.

Some may also have worked in related roles such as a pediatric nursing assistant or in adult-focused healthcare roles.

Typically, roles for pediatric staff nurses require at least 1 to 2 years of clinical nursing experience, preferably in a pediatric setting.

This allows nurses to further develop their skills in patient care, critical thinking, and emergency response, specifically catered to the unique needs of children.

Candidates with more than 3 years of pediatric nursing experience often have a more developed skill set, including complex critical care skills, and knowledge of advanced pediatric diseases and conditions.

They may also have experience with specialized pediatric equipment and procedures.

Those with more than 5 years of experience in pediatric nursing usually have substantial expertise and may hold leadership roles within their teams.

They may also have completed additional specialized pediatric nursing certifications, which showcase advanced knowledge and commitment to the field.

Such nurses are often tasked with mentorship of less experienced nurses, and may have more responsibilities in patient care and decision-making.

 

Pediatric Staff Nurse Education and Training Requirements

Pediatric Staff Nurses typically need to have a bachelor’s degree in nursing.

This can be obtained through a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program, which includes both classroom instruction and clinical practice.

In addition to this, they must have passed the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) to become a Registered Nurse (RN).

Most Pediatric Staff Nurses are also expected to have a Pediatric Nursing Certification which is a specialized certification showcasing their skills and competencies in pediatric care.

This certification can be obtained from Pediatric Nursing Certification Board or from American Nurses Credentialing Center.

For higher positions or specialized roles, a Master’s degree in Pediatric Nursing or a related field may be required.

Moreover, Pediatric Staff Nurses need to have a good understanding of child development, a compassionate and patient nature, and excellent communication skills to interact effectively with children and their families.

Ongoing education and training are also crucial in this role, as medical and nursing practices continually evolve.

Finally, all Pediatric Staff Nurses must have a valid state nursing license, which requires continuing education to maintain.

 

Pediatric Staff Nurse Salary Expectations

A Pediatric Staff Nurse can expect to earn an average salary of $67,000 (USD) per year.

However, the actual earnings can vary greatly depending on the individual’s level of experience, education, geographical location, and the specific healthcare organization they work for.

 

Pediatric Staff Nurse Job Description FAQs

What qualifications does a Pediatric Staff Nurse need?

Pediatric Staff Nurses typically need a Registered Nurse (RN) license, a Bachelor’s or Associate’s degree in nursing and a Pediatric Nursing Certification.

This certification, although not always required, is highly recommended and can be obtained from the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board.

It’s also beneficial for the nurse to have some experience in pediatric care.

 

What are the daily duties of a Pediatric Staff Nurse?

A Pediatric Staff Nurse is responsible for assessing the health of children and infants, administering appropriate care, providing education to families and patients about health conditions, and coordinating with doctors and other health professionals to ensure the best care plan.

They may also be responsible for administering medications, conducting routine developmental screenings, and maintaining patient records.

 

What qualities make a good Pediatric Staff Nurse?

A good Pediatric Staff Nurse has a deep understanding of child health and development, and possesses strong communication skills to interact with children and their parents.

They need to have patience, empathy, and a comforting demeanor.

They should also have excellent attention to detail to monitor and record patient progress and be able to handle stressful situations with calmness.

 

What should you look for in a Pediatric Staff Nurse resume?

When reviewing a Pediatric Staff Nurse’s resume, look for a Bachelor’s or Associate’s degree in nursing, a valid RN license, and preferably a Pediatric Nursing Certification.

In addition to the qualifications, check their work experience.

Experience in a pediatric setting, including hospitals or clinics, is highly valued.

Also, look for any additional training they may have undergone, such as pediatric advanced life support.

 

Is it difficult to hire Pediatric Staff Nurses?

Like many healthcare professions, there can be challenges in hiring Pediatric Staff Nurses.

This can be due to a shortage of qualified candidates or geographical location.

Offering a competitive salary, flexible work schedules, and opportunities for professional development can help attract and retain high-quality Pediatric Staff Nurses.

 

Conclusion

There you have it.

Today, we’ve unveiled the true essence of being a pediatric staff nurse.

Surprise, surprise?

It’s not only about administering medication or taking vital signs.

It’s about nurturing the health and wellbeing of children, one patient at a time.

Armed with our ready-to-use pediatric staff nurse job description template and real-world instances, you’re geared up to take the leap.

But why draw the line there?

Venture further with our job description generator. It’s your next step to precision-crafted job listings or polishing your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every healthcare decision impacts a child’s life.

Let’s shape that future. Together.

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