There are dozens of nursing specialties out there, but few are as rewarding and exciting as paediatric nursing. For anyone who loves working with children and wants to explore a career in the healthcare field, paediatric nursing may be the perfect solution. Paediatric nurses work with children of all ages from newborns to adolescents providing patient care, administering vaccinations, and supporting physicians. Nursing is one of the most rewarding jobs you can do, and it doesn’t hurt that the average salary for Australian nurses is relatively high compared with other countries. Becoming a nurse involves several steps that can take a while to complete, but it is well worth it once you are enjoying a fulfilling nursing career.
When you’re ready to start down your new career path, you’ll start by obtaining a bachelor’s degree from a nursing program accredited by the NMBA (Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia). Then, you’ll apply for AHPRA registration. AHPRA is the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency. This provides you with licensure and eligibility for working in healthcare. After that, you can get to work as a nurse to get hands-on nursing experience. Finally, you’ll round off your education by pursuing a specialised certification in paediatric nursing, at which point you can start working in your desired field.
We’ve crafted a step-by-step guide for you to help you on your nursing journey. We’ll cover each step to becoming a paediatric nurse in detail. We’ll discuss the duties you can expect to perform once you are certified as a registered nurse. Finally, we’ll go over the different career opportunities you will have available to you in your search for employment. By the end of this article, you will have a thorough understanding of how to get started on your quest to become a paediatric nurse.
Step by Step Guide to Becoming a Paediatric Nurse
If you’re ready to embark on your career path, we have a guide for you to help you stay on track. Here, we’ll cover everything from your education requirements to the clinical experience needed to become a paediatric nurse.
Step 1: Complete a Bachelor of Nursing Degree Accredited by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA)
A good nursing education is key to starting your career. To obtain a nursing degree, you’ll need to attend a program offered by an accredited university. The Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia offers accreditation to degree programs that meet its requirements. You will need to complete a bachelor of science in nursing to work as a paediatric nurse in Australia. If you want to eventually work as a nurse practitioner, you may want to enroll in and complete a master of science in nursing (MSN), which will be needed to further your career.
In school, you will learn the hard and soft skills needed to be an effective paediatric nurse. Communication skills are just as important as nursing skills, as you will be working with a vulnerable population of patients who need a gentle touch.
Step 2: Register as a Nurse with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA)
Congratulations; you’ve graduated with your degree! The next step is to register with AHPRA so that you will be nationally recognized as a nurse. This step can be done online on AHPRA’s website, and can take a couple of months to complete. The application process involves providing information to AHPRA including personal information and proof of your education. Once you’re a registered nurse, you can begin working in healthcare settings. You’ll also take examinations, like the NCLEX-RN (National Council Licensure Examination) to confirm that you know everything you need to know to work as a nurse.
Step 3: Get Nursing Experience
At this stage, it is time to start getting real-world nursing experience. You can gain experience by working in many different nursing jobs. Some prefer hospital settings, while others like the more regular schedules offered by primary care practices. Before you become a certified paediatric nurse, you will likely provide nursing care in other environments to get used to the demands of the job. This is a good time to set good habits for your own well-being, too. Nurses often experience burnout and mental health concerns, so before you get into paediatrics, it’s a good idea to have a good routine in place for self-care.
Step 4: Obtain Certification in Paediatric Nursing from Recognized Professional Organizations
Now that you’re an experienced nurse, you can pursue paediatrics by getting specialized certifications for the field. The Pediatric Nursing Certification Board is a good place to start, as they provide resources for how to find the best programs globally. A master’s degree is not required, but may be something to explore if you desire a wider range of job opportunities and a higher nurse salary.
What Does a Paediatric Nurse Do?
Working in children’s health can be incredibly rewarding, but it’s important to know that it can also be physically and emotionally taxing. When your patients are children, the job can be fun, but when children are very sick, it can take a toll on your own mental health. It takes a very special and dedicated kind of person to commit to a paediatric nursing practice, and we applaud you for considering it!
Paediatric nurses work in different kinds of care facilities, including children’s hospitals, outpatient surgery centers, and private medical offices. The duties you have from day to day can vary, but you can expect to do some or all of the following tasks:
- Administer vaccinations
- Perform mental health assessments
- Run diagnostic tests
- Take vital signs
- Work with patients and their families on care plans
- Work on health promotion initiatives
You might work in an intensive care unit with young patients who need acute care. You could also work as a paediatric oncology nurse, working with patients who have various forms of childhood cancer. No matter what niche you choose, you will make a significant difference in your patients’ lives.
Paediatric Nursing Career Opportunities
Luckily, the job outlook for paediatric nurses (and all healthcare professionals) is positive. There is an international shortage of healthcare workers, so whether you’re looking for full-time or part-time employment, you should not have any trouble finding a job that meets your needs. As you move forward into your career, you’ll need a few nurse essentials to make sure you’re well prepared. And don’t forget to check out our tips to choose nursing scrubs before you invest in your new work uniform!