Overview
The career of a Paediatric Nurse is both rewarding and impactful, focusing on the health and well-being of children from infancy through adolescence. These dedicated professionals provide essential nursing care in various settings, including hospitals, clinics, and community health environments. Their role is crucial in ensuring that young patients receive the medical attention they need while also offering emotional support to both the children and their families during challenging times.
Paediatric Nurses are responsible for assessing, planning, implementing, and evaluating nursing care tailored to the unique needs of each child. They work collaboratively with a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals to coordinate comprehensive care. This includes administering medications, performing physical examinations, and providing post-operative care. Their expertise also extends to health education, where they promote wellness and preventive care, helping families understand treatment plans and health management strategies.
In addition to their clinical responsibilities, Paediatric Nurses play a vital role in creating a comforting environment for their young patients. They utilise their strong communication skills to engage with children, making medical procedures less intimidating and fostering a sense of trust. This aspect of their work is particularly important, as it helps to alleviate anxiety for both the child and their family, ensuring a more positive healthcare experience.
With a robust emphasis on compassion and care, a career as a Paediatric Nurse not only offers the opportunity to make a significant difference in the lives of children but also provides a fulfilling professional path. As they gain experience and further their education, Paediatric Nurses can explore advanced roles, such as Nurse Practitioners or Nurse Unit Managers, allowing them to continue growing in their careers while contributing to the health of future generations.
What does a Paediatric Nurse do?
Paediatric Nurses play a vital role in the healthcare system, specialising in the care of children from infancy through adolescence. They provide comprehensive nursing care that addresses the physical, emotional, and psychological needs of young patients, ensuring a supportive environment for both children and their families. With a focus on health promotion and disease prevention, Paediatric Nurses work collaboratively with other healthcare professionals to deliver high-quality care across various settings, including hospitals, clinics, and community health services.
- Assessing Patient Needs – Evaluating the health status of children and developing appropriate care plans based on their individual needs.
- Administering Treatments – Providing medications, vaccinations, and other therapies while monitoring patients’ responses to treatments.
- Coordinating Care – Collaborating with other healthcare professionals to ensure comprehensive care for patients.
- Health Education – Educating patients and families about health promotion, disease prevention, and treatment options.
- Post-operative Care – Assisting in the recovery of patients after surgical procedures, including wound care and nutritional management.
- Supervising Staff – Overseeing the work of Enrolled Nurses and other healthcare workers to ensure quality care delivery.
- Maintaining Records – Keeping accurate and up-to-date medical records for all patients to track their progress and treatment plans.
Skills/attributes
- Empathy and compassion
- Critical thinking and problem-solving abilities
- Ability to work in a team
- Knowledge of paediatric health issues
- Ability to handle stressful situations
- Physical stamina and resilience
- Understanding of cultural and family dynamics
- Proficiency in administering medications and treatments
- Ability to educate and support families
- Commitment to ongoing professional development
Does this sound like you?
Career Snapshot for a Paediatric Nurse
Registered Nurses (Paediatrics) play a crucial role in providing healthcare to children of all ages, including neonates. They work across various health and community settings, focusing on assessing and addressing the acute and ongoing needs of their young patients while considering their physical, social, cultural, and family circumstances.
- Average Age: 35 years
- Gender Distribution: 96% female
- Hours Worked: 40 hours per week (average full-time)
- Employment Rate: 7,100 individuals employed in this role
- Projected Growth: Annual employment growth data not specified
- Unemployment Rate: Not specified
- Median Weekly Earnings: Not available
Registered Nurses (Paediatrics) typically work in the Health Care and Social Assistance industry, with a significant portion of the workforce employed part-time (55%). This profession requires a high level of education, with 67.1% holding a Bachelor degree and 24.1% having completed postgraduate qualifications. The demand for paediatric nurses is expected to remain strong, reflecting the ongoing need for specialised healthcare for children.
Source: ABS, 2021 Census of Population and Housing
Nursing Career resources
NATIONAL
- Your child and family health nurse | Raising Children Network
- Australian Primary Health Care Nurses Association (APNA)
- Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation: Home
QLD
- Queensland Child and Youth Clinical Network
- Basic paediatric training – Careers – Queensland Health
- Registered Nurse – Smart Jobs
- Clinical Nurse, Queensland Health – Smart Jobs
- Paediatrics and adolescent health: Organisations
VIC
- Maternal and Child Health Service resources | health.vic.gov.au
- Maternal and Child Health Service
- Types of careers in the early childhood sector – Victorian Government
- The Victorian School Nursing Program – Latrobe Area )
- The Victorian School Nursing Program – North Eastern Victoria Region
WA
- CAHS – Nursing careers – Child and Adolescent Health Service
- Your nursing career – Child and Adolescent Health Service | CAHS –
- Registered Nurse (Paediatric) and Clinical Nurse … – Jobs WA
- Registered Nurses/Clinical Nurses – Paediatric ICU and … – Jobs WA
- Nursing and midwifery roles in Western Australia – Rural Health West
SA
- Careers – SA Health
- Careers – Women’s and Children’s Health Network
- Careers – Child and Family Health Service
- Nursing and Midwifery – Women’s and Children’s Hospital
- Australian Primary Health Care Nurses Association (APNA)
NT
- Recruitment – NT Health – Northern Territory Government
- Current opportunities | Health Jobs NT
- Northern Territory PHN
- Society of Pediatric Nurses
- NAPNAP: Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Association
ACT
- Careers and working in health – ACT Government
- Asthma Nurse Educator – Women, Youth & Children
- Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation: Home
- Job Search
- Society of Pediatric Nurses
TAS
- Careers | Tasmanian Department of Health
- Child Health and Parenting Service (CHaPS)
- Child safety services careers
- Chapter 13 – Background and context: Children in health services
- (PDF) Tasmanian Community Services Industry Information Resource …
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📌 Paediatric Nurse
🏢 Study Select
📍 Australia