How does one become a pediatric nurse?
On the Job Training The easiest way to become a pediatric nurse is to apply to work in a site that serves pediatric patients and receive your specialized training there. The hospital where I work offers a 3 month intern program for new nursing graduates that includes both classroom and clinical training specifically in pediatrics. Become a Certified Pediatric Nurse (CPN) Once you have graduated, you can also take an exam to become a Certified Pediatric Nurse. There are also special classes that address Pediatrics. These include Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) through the American Heart Association, the Emergency Nurse Pediatric Course through the Emergency Nurses Association (see: www.ena.org), and Emergency Medical Services for Children. You can also become involved in the Society of Pediatric Nurses (see: www.pednurse.org). First Step: Become a Nurse The important thing to remember, however, is that you must become a nurse before you can even begin your training in pediatrics.
