How to Become a Pediatric Nurse in Florida

Becoming a nurse is both a fulfilling and challenging career choice. It requires selflessness and diligence, but one thing remains the same — you will make an impact in your patient’s life. But, there are several different branches of nursing to explore. From hospitals to home health care, the age of your patients can vary greatly. And, caring for geriatrics can be completely different from pediatrics, with different skill sets and expectations required. So, if you like caring for children in particular, how can you begin a career in pediatric nursing?

What is pediatric nursing?

A pediatric nurse serves children who have various medical and surgical conditions — from acute to chronic. This can include young patients who need constant monitoring and invasive procedures, such as in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) or in their own homes. Nurses in these areas have the advanced knowledge necessary to care for children who are critically ill or severely injured.

Pediatric nurses ensure that their children develop and grow to their full potential. As such, their duties include caring for sick and injured children, administering immunizations, monitoring development, and counseling parents. While their responsibilities are similar to those of other nurses, they must take a different approach because of their patients’ young age and developmental level.

Benefits of Pediatric Nursing

There are many reasons to work in pediatric nursing, so how do you know if it’s the right career path for you? First, look at the benefits of being a pediatric nurse, then decide if they appeal to you. Some of these benefits include:

Working with children
Giving kids a voice
Being a part of their health journey
Seeing your patients get better
Becoming a part of your child’s family
Earning competitive pay
Experiencing job satisfaction

Pediatric Nursing Salary in Florida

The hourly rate and salaries for pediatric nurses fluctuate and vary on a number of factors. How much you can make as a nurse depends on factors such as:

City
Education
Certifications
Additional skills
Experience in the profession

Requirements for a Pediatric Nurse

Similar to other nursing positions, pediatric nursing requires the completion of training, degrees, and certifications. To obtain a position in pediatric nursing, first, you’ll need to earn your nursing degree.

Earn Your Nursing Degree

A path to a nursing degree can come in many forms and last anywhere between 12 months to three years. The most common paths include:

A licensed practical nurse (LPN) to Associate in Nursing degree
An Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) degree
An LPN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program
A BSN degree
An online RN to BSN program
An accelerated nursing program (BSN degree)

Pass the NCLEX-RN Exam

Once you have a nursing degree, you’ll be required to take the National Council Licensing Examination or NCLEX-RN. You’ll need to pass this exam before becoming an RN. The exam is only open to students who have already completed a nursing program and focuses on your knowledge of four specific areas of nursing, such as:

Safe, effective care environments
Health promotion and maintenance
Psychosocial integrity and how to cope with the stresses of being a nurse
Physiological integrity and your ability to deliver proper nursing care

Become a Registered Nurse (RN)

Once you’ve passed the NCLEX-RN exam, then you can begin searching for a job as a registered nurse. At this point, you can find a position as a pediatric nurse at a company that is willing to train you for any missing skill sets — such as Sonas Home Health Care. Otherwise, you’ll need to improve your experience in another environment first.

Start Your Career as a Pediatric Nurse

Once you’re licensed, you can begin applying for seasoned pediatric nursing positions. This includes positions in:

Home health care
Private practice physicians’ offices
Clinics
Hospitals
Surgical centers
Schools
Community organizations

Other Paths to Become a Pediatric Nurse

While RNs have less oversight in the pediatric nursing field, they aren’t the only nurses who can achieve jobs in the field. LPNs can also apply for jobs in the pediatric nursing field and receive training on the job. Many nurses in Florida are choosing this path and working while pursuing their RN degree. This allows them to do what they love sooner and helps them earn the money they need to pay for additional schooling if desired.

Contact Sonas Home Health Care for Pediatric Nursing Jobs in Florida

Are you looking to become a pediatric nurse? Sonas Home Health Care can help. We are currently looking for compassionate and nurturing Pediatric Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) or Pediatric Registered Nurses (RNs) in various locations across Florida. Sonas specializes in one-on-one hourly pediatric care in the home. We offer on-the-job training, full benefits, flexible schedules, PTO, and more benefits.

If you or a loved one are considering a career in Pediatric Nursing in Florida, contact Sonas Home Health Care. Apply online or call today at (888) 592-5855.

Jillian Miller BSN, RN

Director of Nursing at Sonas Home Health Care

This blog was reviewed by Jillian Miller BSN, RN — Director of Nursing for Sonas Home Health Care’s Tampa Bay market — for clinical accuracy. Jillian Miller has been a nurse for 16 years — working primarily in pediatrics. She believes the best part of working with the pediatric population is when you see smiles from clients when you first enter the room. She loves seeing the difference you can make in families’ lives while providing the best care possible for them.