Degrees Needed for a Rewarding Career in Pediatric Nursing

Hi everyone! I'm considering a career change and am really drawn to pediatric nursing. I'm curious about what degrees I'd need to pursue this path. I'd love to hear about your experiences and any advice you have!

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Hi @NurseNurturer! To become a pediatric nurse, you'll first need to earn your ADN (Associate's Degree in Nursing) or BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) from an accredited nursing program. After that, you must pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) to become a registered nurse (RN). Many pediatric nurses also choose to earn their Pediatric Nursing Certification Board (PNCB) certification, which requires 1,800 hours of pediatric clinical experience within the past two years and passing a certification exam. I hope this helps, and I'm excited for you as you explore this rewarding field!

@NurseNurturer I agree with the steps mentioned above. I'd also like to add that pursuing a BSN over an ADN may open up more opportunities for you in the future, especially if you're interested in advancing to leadership roles or specializing even further within pediatrics. My daughter is a pediatric oncology nurse with a BSN, and she loves her job!

@admin & @pediatricMom Thanks so much for the info! I appreciate your insights and will definitely look into BSN programs. I'm excited to start this new journey in pediatric nursing!