Though pediatric nursing is a much sought-after specialty among registered nurses, many areas within pediatrics are suffering from the same nursing shortages seen across the nation in adult and geriatric health care settings. Whereas pediatric and neonatal intensive care units are popular concentrations, many pediatric cardiology, hematology, and oncology nursing positions are left unfilled. Some registered nurses are choosing to enroll in online continuing education for nurse professionals in order to fill pediatric population needs and to find immediate employment quickly.
Working as a Pediatric Nurse
A professional who has chosen to specialize in pediatric care through online continuing education for nurse professionals will work primarily with children and adolescents. A pediatric nurse may work in a hospital, school, psychiatric facility, or a variety of other health care settings. Graduates of RN to BSN programs who work in pediatrics will find that the environment is markedly distinct from the adult health care setting. Hospitals may use red wagons rather than stretchers to transport patients between wards. Activities like arts, crafts, and games take place to encourage continuing mental development. Pain control is utilized to the point of giving topical anesthetics before inserting intravenous lines and administering injections. Some children even receive acupuncture in a hospital bed to further control chronic pain. The office setting is another familiar place for the pediatric nurse, working with doctors and families in routine care and diagnosis and treatment care.
Required Education to Work as a Pediatric Nurse
Although nurses may practice legally with a hospital diploma, associate’s degree, or a bachelor’s degree in nursing, employers more often prefer nurses to complete an RN to BSN online program or campus program to gain the skills necessary to work in a particular specialty of nursing. Earning an online nursing degree at the bachelor’s level provides nurses with the communication, leadership, and critical thinking skills that are essential in the expanding role of nurses in the health care environment.
Online continuing education for nurse professionals can be a convenient way to earn an RN to BSN degree. Some online nursing schools provide RN to BSN programs that are specifically designed for working registered nurses. For example, the University of Phoenix offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing that can be completed entirely through distance education while a student continues working as a registered nurse. Other online nursing schools, such as Kaplan University, offer online continuing education for nurse professionals that allow specialization in an area such as pediatrics. As of 2004, there were over 600 RN to BSN programs to accommodate the increased emphasis on advanced education for registered nurses.
Qualities Needed for Success as a Pediatric Nurse
In general, nurses must be caring, sympathetic, responsible, and detail oriented. Pediatric nurses in particular should be skilled at giving simplified explanations of medical procedures to their patients. In-depth explanations are commonplace in pediatric facilities prior to any invasive procedure. Pediatric nurses should also be prepared to cope with job stresses, such as crises, emergencies, and the suffering of children and adolescents. Finally, on-the-job training or internships are essential during the course of online continuing education for nurse professionals in order to gain the practical work experience necessary to work with the unique needs of the pediatric population.
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Westwood College is an institution of higher learning dedicated to providing quality, career-focused undergraduate and graduate programs that prepare students with the knowledge, skills, and credentials needed to launch, enhance, or change careers. The College offers broad access to education and serves a diverse, multicultural body of students in an environment that promotes pride, respect, and teamwork. The College's programs are designed to empower students to pursue their individual career goals.
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Our programs are current, in depth, and job oriented. A sound educational background, combined with "hands-on" experience, is required to meet the needs of an ever-changing and increasingly technical society.
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At ITT Tech we are committed to helping men and women develop the skills and knowledge to pursue many opportunities in fields involving technology, criminal justice, and business.
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Saint Leo University Online is a leading provider of accredited online education to working adults and is a major global provider of education to the military. The online programs are designed to meet the growing needs of adult students and offer the best attributes of traditional classroom education in conjunction with today's most innovative computer technology.
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Newbridge College provides high-quality, career specific training and an emphasis on practical skills required by today's employers.
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Once you decide to become part of the expanding, exciting, and in-demand world of healthcare, selecting the best college to meet your needs and goals is clearly one of your most important decisions. Medical Careers Institute, the School of Health Science of ECPI College of Technology, understands the aspirations of people who want to experience the rewards of caring and who want a direct route toward their career goal.
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Courses that you can take with you---the varied curriculums at HoHoKus Rets School of Business have been evaluated by the American Council on Education, allowing graduates to earn up to 55 college credits at more than 1500 colleges and universities across the nation.
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Find out why so many students in Florida and nationwide are choosing Southern Tech as their school of choice. Whether you need to upgrade your skills or change careers, we have the right program to fit your needs. Let us show you how to get the skills you need in a short amount of time so that you can get into your career today!
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Bellevue University, a leader in adult learning, is your best choice. We accept ALL of the credit in your associate's degree - that's EVERY credit in your A.A.S, A.S., A.G.S., and A.A. degree! And, Bellevue University gives you accelerated bachelor's degree completion 100% ONLINE. So, you enroll with your associate's degree, and complete your bachelor's degree in as little as 12 months.
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Tags: continuing education, health care, registered nurse, University of Phoenix
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