Since each subsequent question is selected based on the student’s answer to the previous question, the test is tailored to the individual test-taker. Scheduling options vary: Schools may have day, evening and night classes. Students who want to become a pediatric nurse can jump-start their careers by taking basic courses in child health, child development, and child psychology. A: Becoming a pediatric nurse practitioner takes a significant commitment of time complete the required education. The pediatric nurse works closely with doctors and other medical staff to ensure high-quality patient care. Nurses must possess excellent critical-thinking and problem-solving skills and retain the knowledge gained during their training. Regardless of how old we are, we never stop learning. To expand your credentials -- and become more attractive to potential employers -- you can take an exam to become certified. It takes at least two years of education and several weeks or months of on-the-job training to become a pediatric nurse. A B.S. © 2020 Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Media, All Rights Reserved. I ve tried to research this and just can t find the answer that I m looking for. To become certified, CPNP-ACs must demonstrate competency in many areas, including: Phone: +4472070973841 Email: info@collegelearners.com, Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree, National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN), How To Become A Tax Preparer In Mississippi, Be recognized as an advanced practice nurse (APN) by, Minimum of 1,800 hours of pediatric clinical experience completed in the past 24 months prior to sitting for the certification exam, OR. This is followed by a master’s degree program, which usually takes two years. Injured kids. 1. A pediatric nurse serves as an important source of parent support for concerns about behavior management and developmental disabilities. Certification is required in many states and recommended in the others. What schooling is needed to become a pediatric nurse, and how many years of schooling are needed? After gaining experience providing nursing care for children, a pediatric nurse can take an exam to become a Certified Pediatric Nurse (CPN). To provide a child with the best possible nursing care, nurses must understand how children develop both physically and cognitively. Sherwood has a Ph.D. in curriculum and instruction from the University at Albany. Graduates with an A.S. or diploma are eligible to sit for the NCLEX licensing exam. Two options are available. Pediatric nurses working in North Carolina, however, earn about $27.48 per hour. If you are interested in a broader program of study, you can enter the field with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Once the student has passed the exam, the nurse may begin as a registered nurse, preferably in a pediatric environment. This important credential shows not only that a certified pediatric nurse possesses the skills necessary to serve in pediatric care, but it also helps to ensure the quality of care in different facilities across the country. Although every child is unique and achieves milestones according to his or her own timetable, nurses should have a thorough understanding of the typical growth markers. Becoming a pediatric nurse practitioner takes a significant commitment of time complete the required education. A pediatric nurse who works in a rehabilitation unit provides care and coaches the child and his or her family with a long-term goal: helping the child achieve independence and thus receive a discharge. Only a few general education courses are required, such as English composition and algebra. This professional organization has been functioning since 1911. This is followed by a master’s degree program, which usually takes two years. Students also learn about nutrition, sleep, and other factors that influence children’s physical, emotional, and cognitive development. Pediatric nurse practitioners must pass the test to show they are capable of performing the functions of a CPNP-PC, including diagnostic abilities and knowledge of treatment for children of all ages. Merely 8.3 percent of nurse practitioners specialize in pediatrics, broadening the demand for the unique skill set of PNPs, who can benefit from reduced competition for the same job. Hemera Technologies/PhotoObjects.net/Getty Images, Pediatric Nursing Certification Board: Your Future in Pediatric Nursing, American Nurses Credentialing Center: Pediatric Nursing, National Council of State Boards of Nursing: NCLEX Examinations, University of South Dakota: Nursing: Associate of Science in Nursing, Pensacola State: Nursing: Welcome to the Nursing (Associate Degree) R. N. (RN-AS) Program, Bridgeport Hospital School of Nursing: Diploma in Nursing, Abington Memorial Hospital Dixon School of Nursing: Program of Study, University at Buffalo: UB School of Nursing: RN-BS Program, University of Virginia School of Nursing: RN-BN: Plan of Study, UCLA: School of Nursing: Bachelor of Science. This means that the exam determines the nurse’s genuine knowledge of nursing practice and theories. A bachelor’s degree typically takes four years. Living in upstate New York, Susan Sherwood is a researcher who has been writing within educational settings for more than 10 years. To become a pediatric nurse practitioner, you will need to meet these requirements in addition to your RN: Certified nurses earn significantly more than those without such credentials. Nurses and doctors in these units have the advanced knowledge necessary to care for children who are critically ill or severely injured. An RN associate degree or bachelor's degree will get you started. He or she may refer parents to other resources if an issue arises during the visit that requires outside intervention. Educating both parents and patients is an essential goal in pediatric nursing.