Does a Pediatric Nurse have to go through a nursing program?
Asked by ADR
I would love to work with children, does a pediatric nurse have to go through the nursing program? What's the difference in being a Pediatric Nurse and a Nurse?

Best Answer:
A pediatric nurse goes through a general RN program (there are no specialty nursing programs in the US) and then after graduation specializes in peds. They essentially do the same general things an adult RN does but for kids and modified for the age bracket and some pediatric special needs (that is they still give baths, meds, comfort, do vitals signs, turn patients, monitor changes, do IVs, chart, feed, do treatments, etc--but geared to kids!)
Peds PA
Answered by Diane A

A pediatric nurse is a specific discipline of nursing. Yest you have to have an RN license to be a pediatric nurse. In addition, you would likely have to go through additional on the job training.
Answered by Randall H

Yes you need to go through the general registered nursing program in order to become a pediatric nurse, as this is a designated speciality.
Answered by mtwaites

I know LPN's who work in pediatrics also, you don't have to be an RN. You could be an LPN OR an RN. You have to have training to be a nurse though. I wouldn't want my kids being seen by a nurse who didn't have any schooling. Pediatrics is a specific department you would work in, or area of focus. Some people choose Emergency Rooms, some choose ICU, some choose Dialysis.
Answered by whoknewthecolorcouldbeblue

That means an RN who got a certificate in pediatrics. Just like and ER nurse, OR nurse, Ortho nurse and so on. being an RN you can work any unit but some require more training and certificates.
Answered by Nurse of the future