If You Like Children, You Will Love Pediatric Nursing
Children do not always need the same type of care as adults do, which is why they have their own special area of medicine: pediatrics. Because children's bodies and minds are still developing, they do not operate the same way that mature adult ones do and therefore illnesses, as well as injuries, can affect them in different ways. If you find that the patients you most enjoy working with are children, then you may want to dedicate yourself to improving the health of the next generation by pursuing a career in pediatric nursing.
Pediatric nurses assist doctors in providing preventative and acute care for children ranging from infancy to adolescents. These types of nurses may conduct services like "well child" examinations, routine developmental screenings, administration of immunizations, and the diagnosis and treatment of common childhood illnesses. Pediatric nurses work closely with their patients' families and help to educate parents about the role of health during important times in their child's development. They especially address issues that are vital during childhood, such as child disease prevention, proper nutrition, and growth and development. Since they possess a strong understanding of the different emotional needs children have, they play an important role in their patient's treatment by putting them at ease and helping them understand what they are going through.
Pediatric nurses work in a variety of settings, such as doctor's offices, health clinics, community and private hospitals, critical care facilities, and children's hospitals. They work closely with other healthcare professionals, such as family doctors, pediatric physicians, and other nurses, as well as their patient's families, including parents and siblings. Pediatric nurses experience an exciting and rewarding work environment as they watch families grow and develop and maintain relationships with their patients as infants, toddlers, children, and teenagers.
If pediatric nursing sounds like an area you would like to specialize in, you can start by completing a nursing program and earning your license to work as a registered nurse. Then, apply to work somewhere that serves pediatric patients so that you can receive specialized training. You must complete 1,800 hours of pediatric clinical practice within the previous two years before you can take the Certified Pediatric Nurse Exam. Upon completion of hours and passing the exam, you are certified to work as a pediatric nurse. If you want to advance further in this field, you can focus on a pediatric specialty area, such as cardiology, dermatology, gastroenterology or oncology, and obtain additional certifications.
Top Online Nursing Programs
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University of Phoenix - RN to BSN. 27 Nursing Degrees. Students interested in reaching their career goals in the healthcare industry as a nurse will reach them at the University of Phoenix. University of Phoenix allows working adults the convenience of taking classes when they can.
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South University - A.S. in Allied Health Science. As an accredited online college, South University offers a respectable Associate’s Degree in Allied Health Science for those seeking to pursue a career in healthcare. The program is offered completely online, allowing students to learn in their own time without sacrificing their current responsibilities.
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LA College - A.A. in Health Care Administration. With a handful of online health programs, LA College is a great choice for students seeking entry-level positions in the healthcare industry. Their Associate’s degree in Health Care Administration will provide students with the basis for a multitude of job opportunities in hospitals, doctor’s offices, clinics, and many others.
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Post University - BS in Mgmt. For Registered Nurses. Post University is dedicated in helping students achieve their personal and professional goals in a timely manner, allowing them to pursue their careers in healthcare more quickly. The Bachelor of Science in Management for Registered Nurses degree will prepare nurses to obtain administrative and management roles that require critical-thinking, decision-making, and leadership skills.
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Herzing University - BSN-Bridge Program. With nursing constituting as the largest healthcare occupation today, Herzing University has created quality nursing programs to fulfill the increasing demand in the industry. At Herzing, students receive hands-on training in order to help them enter the workforce with confidence.
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The College Network - 10 universities offering Nursing Degrees. The College Network is one of the nation's top providers in providing high quality nursing degrees online. Students have the opportunity to pursue a variety of HealthCare degrees that that will allow them to further their career in Nursing.
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Jones International University - B.A. in Health Care Mgmt. Jones International University offers a Bachelor’s program in Health Care Management that will help students become skilled and effective managers in the healthcare industry. Students could work in a variety of different settings upon completion of the program.
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Virginia College - BS in Health Services Management. Virginia College is dedicated in helping students achieve their goals and aspirations to advance in the health care industry. Their Bachelor’s degree in Health Services Management will prepare students for a variety of career options in assistant management or administrative positions within a healthcare facility.
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Western Governors University - B.S. in Nursing. Western Governors University is an accredited online university offering a variety of nursing and healthcare programs for students of all ages. Their Nursing program will incorporate patient education, health promotion, nursing roles, technology, and many other health related subjects.
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Baker College - B.S. in Nursing. Baker College allows students to complete their Nursing degree completely online, at their own pace and time. Their program provides current registered nurses with the opportunity to advance and continue their growth.
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Keiser University - B.A. in Health Services Administration. With several degree options in the healthcare field, Keiser University prepares students for a variety of positions in any healthcare setting. Their mission is to help students develop skills and knowledge that will prepare them for leadership positions upon graduation.
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Indiana State University - LPN to BSN. Students looking to jump start a career will find accredited an accredited RN to BSN nursing degree from the Indiana State University. Indiana State University was originally founded in 1865 and over this time has prepared thousands of students for new, exciting careers.
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