Whether you were motivated to become a pediatric nurse during your nursing clinicals or have been dreaming about it since your younger years, entering this dynamic nursing sector can be challenging. Aside from having excellent technical knowledge and mastering basic nursing skills, here are six valuable skills and qualities you need to develop to excel in this rewarding profession.
Caring
While nurses are generally expected to be empathetic and compassionate, pediatric nurses must consistently demonstrate a caring demeanor to their little patients and respective families. A great pediatric nurse knows the importance of being warm and caring, regardless of whether they’re having a tough day. Displaying a calm disposition, actively listening to your patients, and wearing a smile can significantly impact your patients and their loved ones.
Patience
Working with children demands a high level of patience. As a pediatric nurse, you will be dealing with uncooperative young patients and their stressed-out caregivers, so being patient can help you gracefully and professionally attend to them without compromising your own mental and emotional well-being.
Stamina
Most registered pediatric nurses work 12-hour shifts to ensure continuous care. Caring for children for long hours can be physically tiring, so having excellent stamina is crucial. To succeed in this profession, you must be physically fit and healthy so that you can efficiently perform all your tasks without consuming too much energy. Getting quality sleep, eating healthily, hydrating properly, and staying active are proven ways to boost stamina.
Solid observation skills
As a pediatric nurse, you will be handling toddlers, infants, and non-verbal children who are unable or too young to express themselves efficiently. Strong observational skills can help mitigate the children’s communication barrier, ensuring your young patients receive proper care and treatment.
Paying close attention to subtle signs or nonverbal cues can save the lives of your struggling patients and prevent their health condition from worsening. Be mindful of your patient’s body language and temperament and notify their attending physicians of any symptoms, no matter how insignificant they may seem.
Teamwork
Pediatric nurses work with other medical departments, so being able to collaborate well is a vital trait of a great pediatric nurse. They can effectively communicate crucial information to other healthcare professionals, keep accurate patient records, and relay sensitive information to their patients and respective guardians. Successful pediatric nurses know how to engage with other medical staff without instigating conflict and unnecessary workplace drama.
Interpersonal skills
Pediatric nurses often grow, professionally speaking, with their young patients, as most of them will get to see the latter during their early years until they reach adolescence. As a pediatric nurse, developing meaningful and positive relationships with your patients can help make the latter feel safe and comfortable.
Endnote
Being a pediatric nurse is no easy feat. To succeed in this line of work, you must genuinely care for children and have a strong sense of duty in helping them get better. If you don’t have a big heart for kids, it would be best to explore other nursing fields.
Your privacy is secured and your information will not be shared
