Pediatric Intensive Care Nurse Job Description Template
As a Pediatric Intensive Care Nurse, you will be responsible for providing specialized care to critically ill or injured children in a pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). You will collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to deliver high-quality patient care and support families during challenging times.
Responsibilities
- Monitor and assess the clinical condition of pediatric patients in the PICU.
- Administer medications, treatments, and life support as per the healthcare plan.
- Collaborate with physicians and healthcare team members to develop and implement care plans.
- Educate and support families regarding their child's condition, treatment, and recovery process.
- Maintain accurate and thorough patient records.
- Respond to emergencies and provide advanced life support when necessary.
- Participate in patient rounds and multidisciplinary team meetings.
Qualifications
- Registered Nurse (RN) license.
- Bachelor's Degree in Nursing (BSN) preferred.
- Certification in Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS).
- Minimum of 2 years of experience in a pediatric or intensive care setting.
- Strong assessment and critical thinking skills.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Compassionate and patient-centered approach.
Skills
- Advanced life support
- Pediatric care
- Patient assessment
- Critical thinking
- Communication
- Team collaboration
- Medical record-keeping
Frequently Asked Questions
A Pediatric Intensive Care Nurse specializes in providing care to critically ill infants, children, and teenagers in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). They monitor vital signs, administer medications, and collaborate with doctors and family members to ensure the best care for young patients. These nurses also support family members through stressful times, offering both medical expertise and emotional support.
To become a Pediatric Intensive Care Nurse, one must first obtain a nursing degree (ADN or BSN), pass the NCLEX-RN exam, and acquire an RN license. Experience in pediatric or intensive care settings is often needed. Pursuing additional certification, such as the Certified Pediatric Nurse (CPN) credential, is highly beneficial for those aspiring to work in the PICU. Continuous education is also crucial to stay updated with pediatric care advancements.
The average salary for a Pediatric Intensive Care Nurse varies based on location, experience, and employer. Generally, they earn competitive pay, which can be higher than other nursing specialties due to the responsibilities involved in critical care. Salaries also tend to increase with certifications and experience, reflecting the high-demand skills of these specialized nurses. Salary data should be verified with up-to-date local resources.
Qualifications for a Pediatric Intensive Care Nurse include a registered nurse (RN) license, a degree in nursing, and experience in pediatric care. Many employers prefer candidates with a bachelor's degree and certifications such as Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) and the Certified Pediatric Nurse (CPN). These qualifications ensure the nurse is well-prepared to handle the complexities of critical pediatric care.
A Pediatric Intensive Care Nurse requires skills such as critical thinking, effective communication, empathy, and the ability to work under pressure. Responsibilities include monitoring vitals, administering treatments, collaborating with healthcare teams, and supporting families. They must be adept in handling medical equipment and knowledgeable about pediatric illnesses and treatments, ensuring comprehensive, quality care for their young patients.