Rozina Aziz A significant number of the nurses that work in our healthcare system specialize in children. Taking up a career in pediatric nursing can be rewarding on many levels.
Salaries for pediatric nurses are comparable to those of other nursing specialties, depending on criteria such as the nurse’s level of education, years of experience, and geographic region.
Our research examines pediatric nursing and identifies the states with the highest average wages for pediatric nurses.
What is a Pediatric Nurse?
Pediatric nurses are RNs who have completed additional training in pediatric care. Some pediatric nurses specialize in working with younger children, while others prefer to care for adolescents.
Pediatric nurses frequently assist youngsters in expressing their needs because their language skills are still developing. Many of the following daily tasks are within the scope of practice for pediatric nurses.
- Involve in physical examinations.
- Maintain an eye on your vitals and record any changes.
- Reassure sufferers.
- Teach families and parents how to provide care at home.
- Give prescribed medications as directed.
- Develop therapeutic strategies.
- Collaborate with other healthcare providers to provide pediatric patient care.
What Do Pediatric Nurses Do?
Registered nurses (RNs) who specialize in pediatrics provide comprehensive care for children of all ages, from infancy through puberty. This role is common in many medical facilities, from private practices to large hospitals. Pediatric nursing may involve specialization in areas such as cardiology, endocrinology, neonatology, and trauma care.
Hospitals never close, so pediatric nurses’ shifts might span the entire day, and they typically work in teams, so their schedules can be somewhat fluid. Nursing programs range from two to four years in length (Associate’s degrees, diploma programs, and Bachelor’s degrees) and require students to take courses in anatomy, biology, and nursing theory.
In addition, a pediatric nurse must pass the National Council Licensure Examination administered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCLEX-RN). In most cases, additional clinical work focusing on pediatric care is also necessary.
When caring for kids, pediatric nurses set their sights on those under 18. This person will be responsible for many things, including but not limited to conducting assessments, providing care, helping families cope with a child’s illness or injury, dispensing advice on healthy eating and exercise, being the child’s advocate, protecting the child’s privacy, analyzing symptoms, conducting evaluations for signs of abuse, and providing general supportive care. A genuine love of working with kids and health care is required for this position.
Where do pediatric nurses work?
Pediatric nurses can work in any setting that promotes the care of children. As a pediatric nurse, your day-to-day responsibilities, work environment, and schedule may vary depending on the organization hiring you.
Someone who thrives under intense pressure would appreciate working in an intensive care unit. Others who thrive on routine and forming meaningful connections with their patients might consider working as school nurses.
If you’re interested in pediatric nursing, you could work in a variety of settings, some of which include:
- Public health centers
- Medical Clinics
- Healthcare delivered in the home
- Day specialized cares
- The Elementary Level
- Local organizations
- Healthcare Facilities for Children
How much does a Pediatric Nurse make?
As of January 26, 2023, a pediatric nurse salary can expect to make anywhere from $69,500 to $87,700 per year. Many criteria, such as level of education, certifications, supplementary talents, and years spent in a career, can significantly impact the annual salary.
How much does a Pediatric Nurse make based on their experience level?
Earning potential steadily rises for pediatric nurses as they gain experience. Novice pediatric nurses typically begin their careers at the lower end of the pay scale, particularly when they are still in training. When they begin treating their patients, they often receive a wage raise, and subsequent raises occur annually.
Experienced pediatric nurses earn upwards of $94,000 annual wage, while new entrants can expect to make around $60,927 at the low end of the spectrum.
What is the average salary of a Pediatric Nurse in different work settings?
Pediatric nurses often receive the best compensation in hospitals or surgery centers thanks to a higher base salary, improved benefits, additional possibilities for overtime, and differential pay for working different shifts.
Although salaries for pediatric nurses can vary widely depending on the setting, those working in schools typically receive the lowest compensation. Wages also vary considerably from state to state and region to region, depending on the cost of living and the level of employment security.
In addition, the salaries of registered nurses who work in major cities tend to be higher than those of their rural counterparts.
What strategies can Pediatric Nurses employ to increase their earnings?
As a pediatric nurse practitioner, you have numerous opportunities to improve your financial situation. One of the following options may help you maximize your earnings potential:
Improve Your Academic
The Average salary you may expect to make as a pediatric nurse practitioner highly depends on your education level. Aspiring nurses often begin their careers with a two-year nursing degree and then advance their education while working as RNs.
Certifications
With pediatric nursing certification, many companies will pay them more per hour. Earning a board certification in pediatric nursing demonstrates to employers, patients, and their families that you are an expert in pediatric nursing.
Travel
Travel nursing is an excellent opportunity for pediatric nurses to see more of the country while increasing their salary. Due to recurrent staffing shortages in hospitals, the COVID-19 pandemic prompted many organizations to offer “crisis pay” to attract additional travel nurses.
To hire more travel nurses, several hospitals have increased their hourly pay rates by a factor of two to three.
Earn more money through overtime.
This strong demand means that pediatric nurses frequently work flexible shifts. Certain hospitals may pay you an unlimited amount of overtime if you are interested in working extra shifts.
Conclusion
Pediatric nursing is a highly rewarding and in-demand career that offers nurses the opportunity to work with children and their families. With the right education, certifications, and experience, pediatric nurses can expect to make competitive salaries. Additionally, travel nursing and overtime opportunities can help increase earnings potential. Ultimately, the amount of money a pediatric nurse makes depends on their qualifications and experience.
FAQ’s
Is Pediatric Nursing in demand?
Between 2021 and 2031, the BLS anticipates a 6% increase in employment for all registered nurses. Salary ranges for pediatric nurses are not uniform. Nurses with specialized training in newborn critical care, pediatric intensive care, and surgery can expect higher salaries from their employers.
Is Pediatrics a demanding career?
As one might expect, being a doctor calls for a significant time commitment and intelligence. If you have the talent and perseverance to see it through, it may be a very rewarding and financially rewarding career.
Why do people choose pediatrics?
Pediatricians are medical experts in treating children, and they frequently collaborate with patients’ loved ones. As a result, they can get to know families and watch their children develop over time. The parents could benefit from their knowledge and experience by having their questions answered and their children’s health concerns addressed.
How much do pediatric programs typically cost?
The average cost of a pediatrician’s education, including undergraduate and medical school, is $256,390, assuming a student attends a public university.
