Pediatric Surgery Nurse Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the healthcare industry, the demand for pediatric surgery nurses is ever growing.

As medical advancements continue to progress, the need for skilled professionals who can care for, support, and safeguard our youngest patients increases.

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

Whether you are:

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

You’re in the right place.

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

Let’s dive right in.

Pediatric Surgery Nurse Duties and Responsibilities

Pediatric Surgery Nurses, also known as Pediatric Surgical Nurses, are responsible for providing preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative care to children undergoing surgical procedures.

They play a vital role in the surgical team and work closely with surgeons, anesthesiologists, and other healthcare professionals.

The duties and responsibilities of a Pediatric Surgery Nurse include:

• Assessing the health status of pediatric patients by collecting and analyzing patient data
• Preparing children for surgery, explaining procedures, and calming fears
• Administering prescribed medications and monitoring vital signs during surgery
• Assisting surgeons during operations, handling and passing surgical instruments as needed
• Monitoring pediatric patients for complications both during and after surgery
• Providing post-operative care, including wound care, pain management, and education for families on home care after surgery
• Keeping detailed records of patients’ surgeries and progress
• Communicating with families to provide updates and education about the child’s surgical procedure and recovery
• Collaborating with other healthcare professionals to manage patient care

 

Pediatric Surgery Nurse Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are looking for a compassionate and dedicated Pediatric Surgery Nurse to join our team.

The Pediatric Surgery Nurse will be responsible for the care and treatment of pediatric patients undergoing surgery, providing support to the surgical team, and educating patients and their families about postoperative care.

The ideal candidate should have extensive knowledge of pediatric health care, surgical procedures, and postoperative care management.

They should also be able to communicate effectively with children and their families, and demonstrate empathy and patience in difficult situations.

 

Responsibilities

• Assessing and monitoring pediatric patients before, during, and after surgery
• Administering medications and assisting with pain management
• Assisting surgeons during procedures by preparing and handling surgical instruments and equipment
• Monitoring patients’ vital signs, and alerting the surgical team of any potential complications
• Providing emotional support and education to patients and their families about surgical procedures and postoperative care
• Maintaining detailed and accurate records of patients’ health status and treatment
• Collaborating with the multidisciplinary team to ensure the delivery of high-quality patient care
• Staying up-to-date with the latest developments in pediatric surgical nursing

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Pediatric Surgery Nurse
• Registered Nurse (RN) license
• Specialty certification in pediatric nursing is preferred
• Outstanding knowledge of pediatric health care and surgical procedures
• Excellent ability to handle stressful situations and high-stress environments
• Great interpersonal and communication skills
• High degree of compassion and patience
• 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 Surgery Nurse
• Work Environment: Hospital setting. Shift work may be required, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Nurse Manager or Charge Nurse.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $65,000 minimum to $95,000 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 Surgery Nurse Do?

Pediatric Surgery Nurses are highly specialized professionals in the field of healthcare, providing care specifically to children undergoing surgical procedures.

Their primary role is to provide preoperative and postoperative care to infants, children, and adolescents who undergo surgery.

This involves performing assessments, establishing care plans, and monitoring vital signs.

They work in concert with a team of pediatric surgeons, anesthesiologists, and other pediatric nurses to ensure the safety and comfort of the child during the surgical process.

They are also responsible for administering medication and assisting in managing pain post-surgery.

Pediatric Surgery Nurses also play an important role in educating and supporting the families of their young patients, explaining the surgical procedures, providing instructions for home care post-surgery, and addressing any concerns or fears they may have.

The nurse maintains a safe and clean working environment in compliance with healthcare procedures and regulations.

They are also responsible for updating medical records, documenting patients’ recovery, and communicating any changes in condition to the surgical team.

In some cases, Pediatric Surgery Nurses may also assist during the surgical procedures.

Their expertise in pediatrics is crucial in ensuring that the specific needs of the child are met during these procedures.

 

Pediatric Surgery Nurse Qualifications and Skills

A competent Pediatric Surgery Nurse should have the skills and qualifications to effectively care for children undergoing surgical procedures, including:

• Comprehensive knowledge of pediatric nursing and surgical procedures to provide the best care for children undergoing surgery.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills to connect with and comfort children and their families during a stressful time.
• Strong communication skills to explain complex medical procedures to children and their families, as well as to communicate effectively with the surgical team.
• Superior attention to detail to ensure all necessary preoperative and postoperative care are accurately performed and documented.
• Patient advocacy skills to represent and protect the rights and interests of the child patient during their surgical experience.
• Ability to work under high pressure and make quick decisions during emergency situations.
• Strong physical stamina to stand for long periods during surgeries and to assist with lifting and moving patients.
• Excellent problem-solving skills to quickly identify and react to any changes in a patient’s condition or complications during surgery.
• Compassion and patience to provide comfort and understanding to children who may be scared or anxious.
• Knowledge of pediatric medications and their applications, along with the ability to administer these medications correctly.

 

Pediatric Surgery Nurse Experience Requirements

Entry-level Pediatric Surgery Nurses typically need at least 1 to 2 years of experience in pediatric nursing or general surgery nursing.

This experience is often gained through hospital internships, rotational programs, or full-time roles in pediatric or surgical wards.

Additionally, these professionals need to be registered nurses, which requires completion of a nursing program and passing a national licensing exam.

The nursing program provides extensive theoretical and practical experience that helps in meeting the requirements of a Pediatric Surgery Nurse role.

Candidates with more than 3 years of experience often have developed specialized skills in pediatric surgical procedures, preoperative and postoperative care, and emergency interventions.

They may have worked in roles such as Pediatric Nurse, Surgical Nurse, or Intensive Care Unit Nurse.

Those with more than 5 years of experience in pediatric surgical nursing may have gained leadership experience and are potentially ready for managerial roles or team-lead positions within a pediatric surgical department.

Further, they may have earned advanced certifications such as Certified Pediatric Nurse (CPN) or Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (CPNP) which validates their high level of knowledge and skill in the field.

Advanced and specialized roles in pediatric surgical nursing may require a Master’s degree in nursing or a related field, particularly for roles like Pediatric Nurse Practitioner or Clinical Nurse Specialist.

These roles entail greater responsibilities and require an in-depth understanding of pediatric surgical care.

 

Pediatric Surgery Nurse Education and Training Requirements

A Pediatric Surgery Nurse typically requires a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing (BSN) to enter the field.

This four-year degree program provides a comprehensive foundation in nursing practice and theory, as well as in the sciences.

After achieving their BSN, prospective Pediatric Surgery Nurses must pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) to become licensed as a Registered Nurse (RN).

This exam tests the knowledge and skills required to safely and effectively practice nursing at the entry-level.

Following licensure, RNs who wish to specialize in pediatric surgery need to gain experience working in pediatric care, ideally in a surgical setting.

This experience is critical in understanding the unique needs and challenges of working with children undergoing surgical procedures.

To further specialize and advance in their careers, many Pediatric Surgery Nurses opt to attain certification through the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board (PNCB) or the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).

These certifications validate the nurse’s expertise in pediatric nursing and can lead to career advancement.

In addition to formal education and licensure, Pediatric Surgery Nurses must have excellent communication skills, the ability to work under pressure, and a compassionate nature to deal effectively with children and their families during stressful times.

They also need to be knowledgeable about child growth and development, as well as the specific surgical procedures they assist with.

While not mandatory, pursuing a Master’s Degree in Nursing (MSN) or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) can further enhance a Pediatric Surgery Nurse’s skills and career prospects.

These advanced degrees offer specialized courses in pediatric care and surgical techniques, leadership, and research methods, which can be beneficial in a pediatric surgery setting.

 

Pediatric Surgery Nurse Salary Expectations

A Pediatric Surgery Nurse can expect to earn an average salary of $72,000 (USD) per year.

This figure can fluctuate depending on factors such as years of experience, certifications, geographical location, and the size and type of healthcare facility.

 

Pediatric Surgery Nurse Job Description FAQs

What qualifications does a Pediatric Surgery Nurse need?

A Pediatric Surgery Nurse needs to have a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing (BSN), and must also pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) to become a Registered Nurse (RN).

After gaining experience in pediatric nursing, they can then become certified as a Pediatric Nurse through the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board.

 

What are the daily responsibilities of a Pediatric Surgery Nurse?

A Pediatric Surgery Nurse’s day typically starts with reviewing patient cases, including their medical history and the planned surgical procedure.

They are involved in preparing the child for surgery, administering medication, assisting the surgeon during the procedure, monitoring the child’s vital signs, and providing post-operative care.

They also play a crucial role in educating and supporting the child’s family before and after the surgery.

 

What qualities make a good Pediatric Surgery Nurse?

A good Pediatric Surgery Nurse needs to have excellent interpersonal skills to effectively communicate with children and their families, explaining medical procedures in a way that is understandable and comforting.

They must have a high level of patience and emotional resilience, as working with sick children and their concerned families can be challenging.

They also need to be meticulous and detail-oriented to ensure safe and effective patient care.

 

What should you look for in a Pediatric Surgery Nurse’s resume?

When reviewing a Pediatric Surgery Nurse’s resume, look for a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing and a valid RN license.

Experience or specialization in pediatrics or surgical nursing is highly beneficial.

Look for indications of good communication skills, teamwork, and a high level of empathy.

Any additional certifications or continuing education related to pediatric care or surgical nursing are also valuable.

 

Is it difficult to hire Pediatric Surgery Nurses?

The difficulty in hiring Pediatric Surgery Nurses can vary based on the region, availability of qualified professionals, and the specific requirements of the role.

It can be challenging due to the specialized nature of the role that requires both surgical and pediatric nursing skills.

However, offering competitive compensation, supportive work environment, and opportunities for professional growth can help attract qualified candidates.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve unveiled the intricacies of what it truly means to be a Pediatric Surgery Nurse.

Surprise, surprise?

It’s not just about providing care.

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

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

But why stop there?

Plunge further into the world of healthcare with our job description generator. This is your next stop for crafting precision-tailored job listings or refining your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every patient you care for is a step towards a healthier tomorrow.

Let’s create that future. Together.

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