Pediatric nurses are vital healthcare providers who specialize in the care of infants, children, and adolescents. They work in various settings, attending not only to the medical needs of their young patients but also providing support and education to their families. But Can You Be A Pediatric Travel Nurse? The answer is a resounding yes! This career path offers a unique blend of professional fulfillment and personal adventure.
“What sets pediatric nursing apart from other specialties is that it allows nurses to care for and positively impact the health and well-being of children,” said Laura Amber Del Rio, MSN, MHA, SPHC.ed, RN, certification programs specialist at the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN). This sentiment highlights the rewarding nature of this specialized field.
What Does a Pediatric Travel Nurse Do?
Pediatric travel nurses provide the same compassionate care as their permanent counterparts but in temporary assignments across the country. They assist young patients in feeling comfortable during medical examinations, procedures, and treatments. They administer vaccinations, educate parents, and collaborate with other healthcare professionals to develop and implement care plans. The role demands not only strong clinical skills but also exceptional communication and interpersonal abilities.
One of the primary reasons nurses choose pediatrics is the profound sense of fulfillment derived from helping children and their families navigate the unique challenges associated with childhood illnesses and injuries. Travel nursing amplifies this fulfillment by allowing nurses to make a difference in diverse communities and healthcare settings.
Job Outlook and Opportunities for Pediatric Travel Nurses
The demand for pediatric nurses is consistently high, and this extends to travel nursing positions. Indeed reports a significant number of pediatric nursing positions available nationwide, reflecting the ongoing need for qualified professionals. AMN Healthcare and other travel nursing agencies offer numerous pediatric travel nurse jobs, providing opportunities from coast to coast.
Typically, a minimum of one year of experience is required before embarking on a pediatric travel nursing assignment. Travel nurses are employed by the travel nursing agency and collaborate closely with a recruiter who manages the logistics, from job search to onboarding and relocation.
The Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) and Travel Nursing
The Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) significantly simplifies the process for nurses to practice in multiple states.
“This fall and winter, the United States has grappled with rising flu and RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) rates that created challenges for pediatric healthcare ecosystems,” said Nicole Livanos, JD, MPP, director, State Affairs with the National Council of State Boards of Nursing. “These challenges created a need for more traveling pediatric nurses to provide vital healthcare across state lines, highlighting the importance of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), which allows for more than 2 million nurses to practice in-person or through telehealth in their home state of licensure and in other NLC member states.”
With 39 jurisdictions and states participating in the compact, well-trained and vetted pediatric nurses can leverage their multistate licensure to provide critical patient care to young children when and where it’s needed most.
Essential Skills for Pediatric Travel Nurses
Successful pediatric travel nurses possess a combination of technical expertise and soft skills.
- Communication: Effective communication is paramount. Pediatric nurses must communicate clearly and empathetically with children of all ages, using age-appropriate language and techniques to alleviate anxiety and ensure understanding. This includes active listening, providing reassurance, and adapting communication styles to meet individual needs. Communicating effectively with families is equally important, providing updates on the child’s condition, addressing concerns, and educating them on post-discharge care.
- Critical Thinking: Pediatric nurses encounter a wide range of medical conditions and emergencies. Strong critical thinking skills are essential for assessing patient needs, analyzing data, and making sound clinical decisions, especially in unfamiliar environments.
- Adaptability: Travel nurses work in diverse healthcare settings with varying protocols and procedures. Adaptability and flexibility are crucial for quickly integrating into new teams, learning new systems, and adjusting to different patient populations.
- Compassion and Empathy: Caring for sick or injured children requires genuine compassion and empathy. Pediatric nurses must be able to connect with their patients on an emotional level, providing comfort and support during challenging times.
Subspecialties and Work Settings
Pediatric nursing offers a variety of subspecialties, allowing nurses to focus on specific areas of interest. These subspecialties include pediatric emergency, intensive care, oncology, cardiology, and nephrology. Pediatric travel nurses can find assignments in children’s hospitals, acute care facilities, outpatient clinics, pediatrician offices, schools, rehabilitation units, and even critical care flight nursing.
Education and Certification for Pediatric Travel Nurses
To become a pediatric travel nurse, candidates must first graduate from an accredited registered nursing (RN) program and pass the NCLEX-RN examination. Hospitals often provide orientations and internship programs to facilitate the transition into pediatric nursing.
Certification in pediatric nursing demonstrates competency and can enhance career prospects. The Pediatric Nursing Certification Board (PNCB) and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) offer general pediatric nursing certifications. For nurses providing direct care to acutely ill pediatric patients, the AACN offers the CCRN pediatric certification for RNs and the ACCNS-P for advanced practice nurses.
Continuous Learning and Professional Development
As with all nursing specialties, pediatric nurses must commit to lifelong learning. Staying current with the latest research, guidelines, and advancements in pediatric care is crucial for providing optimal patient care. Continuing education courses, conferences, and participation in professional organizations are valuable resources for professional development.
The Benefits of Pediatric Travel Nursing
Pediatric travel nursing offers numerous benefits, including:
- Professional Growth: Exposure to diverse healthcare settings and patient populations enhances clinical skills and knowledge.
- Financial Rewards: Travel nurses often earn higher salaries and benefits compared to permanent staff nurses.
- Travel and Adventure: Travel nursing provides the opportunity to explore new cities and regions while making a difference in communities across the country.
- Career Flexibility: Travel assignments offer flexibility in terms of location, duration, and work schedule.
Conclusion: Is Pediatric Travel Nursing Right for You?
If you are a compassionate, skilled, and adventurous registered nurse with a passion for caring for children, pediatric travel nursing may be the perfect career path for you. It offers the opportunity to combine your professional expertise with your love of travel, while making a meaningful impact on the lives of young patients and their families. Embrace the challenge, seize the opportunity, and embark on a rewarding journey as a pediatric travel nurse.
