The Ultimate Pediatric Nurse Assistant Guidebook (Includes Salary, Job Description, Etc.)

Children indeed tend to have better immunity compared to adults. This makes them more active and healthier in most cases. However, the medical industry is filled with exceptions. Kids do get ill. Sometimes these diseases are serious too. Some doctors, nurses, and even healthcare facilities are dedicated to serving the needs of children. A pediatric nurse assistant is one such example. Jobs for these types of nurses are fast emerging. This makes it an interesting career prospect for aspirants.

What Is A Pediatric Nurse Assistant?

They specialize in serving children and adolescents. The role involves dealing with all kinds of issues they may face. These could range from minor issues to even serious life-threatening conditions. These are typically entry-level nursing jobs. These individuals have limited authority. Usually, a pediatric nurse assistant will work under the supervision of more qualified medical personnel, like registered nurses.

How Much Is A Pediatric Nurse Assistant Salary?

The pay for the role is good compared to the qualifications needed. The salary of a pediatric nurse assistant is typically a bit higher than that of a normal CNA. This is due to the more specialized nature of the position. This makes the position more lucrative and sought-after. The job market conditions for such positions only seem to be improving.

According to GlassDoor, a pediatric nurse assistant makes an average of $49,378 annually. This is a mean figure and the exact salary on offer will vary based on multiple factors. Some of these are location, experience, qualifications, skills, etc. It is also crucial to assess the cost of living when accepting any job offer.

Benefits Of Working In Pediatric Nursing Assistant Jobs

Working as a pediatric nursing assistant comes with its advantages. So it's no surprise why the demand for this position is swiftly rising. Ultimately, it is about finding the fit. What benefits appeal to one person when making a career choice may not appeal to another. Hence, aspirants need to do their homework. This allows them to find a role compatible with their needs.

Earning Trust

Younger patients tend to be more innocent. They are also usually more genuine. This makes it easier to bond well and earn a candidate’s trust. By first earning their trust you make it easier to provide them treatment. They tend to be more receptive to your instructions. Their cooperation makes life easier for all parties involved.

Help From Parents

Parents know their kids best. They are usually more than willing to tell you about their child’s tendencies. This makes executing the treatment process a whole lot easier. In nursing jobs dealing with older patients, one may not be able to receive such guidance from someone close to the patient. A parent’s tips can help you better care for young ones who are unable to care for themselves.

Less Physical Strain

The role requires very little to no heavy lifting. This is good for nurses who do not possess the strongest physique. Many individuals may also have issues like back problems. Such conditions make it harder to perform these kinds of tasks. Hence, if your body is not suited to perform physically strenuous activities, pediatric nursing assistant jobs may suit you.

Influence Child’s Development

A good nursing professional can improve more than just a child’s physical health. They help them grow as people too. Make sure you educate them better about the illness It will improve their awareness, allowing them to manage their condition better. You can also help them grow as people during their treatment by helping them develop qualities like calmness and resilience.

How To Become A Pediatric Nurse Assistant?

When choosing a career path, it helps to find your passion. You also need to weigh in on how long it will take and what qualifications you need. Some medical roles may require licensing too. Once you’ve decided you like the position, ensure you commit to it. This will help you make it in the profession.

High School

Aspirants need to at least complete high school. This will make them eligible to pursue further educational qualifications needed to land pediatric nursing assistant jobs. Focus on subjects like biology and science. Strengthening concepts in these areas can help you as you further along this profession.

State-Approved CNA Traning Program

The next step is to obtain more specialized qualifications. Look for reputed post-secondary nursing courses. Enroll in a CNA program from an accredited institute. These training programs are offered at places like vocational schools, nursing homes, community colleges, etc. These courses typically involve a minimum of 120 hours of clinical study, classroom learning, laboratory, etc.

Certification

Upon completing your training, your knowledge will be tested. Candidates must pass a state-administered exam. To write the exam, you have to undergo a prior criminal background check. Upon clearing it, one will get certified. They can now begin practicing. Their names will also be added to the state registry for the position.

Additional Training (If Required)

Generally, becoming a qualified CNA should be enough for you to acquire pediatric nursing assistant jobs. However, for certain duties, you may require additional training. Some such responsibilities include dealing with infants, as they require specialized care. In-home pediatric nursing assistant jobs also require applicants to have a certain amount of training.

Pediatric Nurse Assistant Job Description

Their role is a bit similar to those working CNA jobs. The main difference is their more exclusive focus on younger patients. Hence, it requires a bit more specialization. Not every applicant has the right blend of the necessary hard and soft skills for the role. However, those who do can find immense satisfaction in this position.

• Help patients check in.
• Check their vital signs and symptoms.
• Perform diagnostic tests.
• Adminstering correct medications in appropriate dosages and other such minor duties.
• Involved in forming treatment plans.
• Coordinating to provide follow-up health care.
• Educating and discussing treatment options with family members.
• Record and keep track of the patient’s medical history.
• Assisting kids with basic functions like bathing, dressing up, feeding, etc.
• Help kids feel comfortable so they can tell you their issues more openly.
• Organize and sanitize their spaces and playing areas.
• Assisting with collection of specimens like urine, stool, blood, etc. Make sure to use techniques that are comfortable the young patients.
• Implement tailored medical care plans for patients with disabilities or chronic illnesses.

Tips To Excel As A Pediatric Nurse Assistant

The daily work of being a pediatric nurse assistant can be exciting. It may also be exhausting. Knowing how to approach such jobs correctly can help these nurses prosper. Following the right practices can help improve your value in the workplace. It can get you better salary offers or even a promotion.

Further Education

It is important to always be open to adding to your educational qualifications. This can help you grasp new concepts and acquire new skills. Some notable courses that are strongly recommended for a pediatric nursing assistant include Basic Life Support (BLS) and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS).

Pediatric nursing assistant positions are entry-level jobs. At some point, you will need to climb up to higher roles. This process can be accelerated by obtaining additional certifications. You may also interact with other students during the program. They can act as contacts. Thereby, allowing you to expand your professional connections. If you make good connections with your professors, they may be willing to act as references on your resume. This can help you out when searching for jobs.

Learn CPR

CPR stands for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation. It is a life-saving procedure that is often used in cases of medical emergencies. CPR is usually implemented when an individual’s heartbeat or breathing has stopped. The procedure combines rescue breathing and chest compressions.

Many employers opt for candidates who are CPR-certified. It can help in case of a heart attack or even be used if someone is drowning. CPR-certified is mandatory in certain roles, like an in-home pediatric nursing assistant. Many colleges offer CPR training too. You can even get this training while completing your CNA in some colleges. This saves you the burden of spending extra time and energy on learning this skill later on.

On-The-Job Learning

Many individuals feel once they finish college and enter the workforce, their learning is over. This a very regressive mindset to have. It will hinder you from reaching your full potential. On-the-job learning comes in handy here. Do not just go through the motions at work. Be willing to absorb knowledge and expand your outlook on the position. There are many methods to accomplish this.

Mentorship is a great option for those willing to grow in their profession. A mentor is a senior professional who works closely with subordinates and guides them in their development. By being around more experienced and competent workers, one can pick up many positive traits. It is great for smaller organizations that do not possess enough resources for training and development programs. Such programs are more common in bigger organizations. If you are offered these opportunities at work, they are worth exploring.

Attend Professional Events

Every field has its various industry-related events. It is important to do your homework on them. They are a great way to network. This also allows you to learn more about how the industry is doing in your local economy. Some programs, like seminars, allow you to gain further insights into various technical concepts. Knowing more can help you perform better at work.

Study The Experts

Those who are serious about their advancement should research work from top authorities in the medical field. This can be done through reading medical books from reputed authors or articles from experts in the medical industry. They can even watch video content of such types if available. Podcasts are also now a popular trend. Look for medical podcasts if you feel they suit your interest. There are many resources available on the internet that are even free and easily accessible.

The key is to ensure your work does not get affected by it. If you feel your main duties at work are being affected due to your zest for extra learning, it is best to not engage in extra learning just yet. Focus on obtaining competency in your craft before taking the next step by expanding your range of knowledge and abilities. Ensure you go step by step. Do not rush the process.

Make Friends With Patients

Children tend to be more innocent than adults in most cases. A lot of kids tend to nag and be reluctant to cooperate during treatment or take their medicines. If you make good friends with them beforehand, it will likely reduce their resistance. By obtaining the patient’s trust, you improve the odds of them cooperating with you. It may not always work, but it certainly gives you better chances of success.

Follow Safety Protocols

A pediatric nurse assistant must be responsible. They must care for the well-being of their patients. Knowledge of safety protocols is essential for all medical professionals. However, when working with children, one needs to be more careful. Kids are less physically developed and have limited knowledge of self-care. They may need more attention and assistance. Since their bodies are less physically developed, they respond differently to treatment. Hence, medicines and dosages must be thoroughly assessed before they are administered to the patient.

Be Resilient

The role of a pediatric nurse assistant is not always easy. There will regularly be instances where they may have to deal with patients suffering from serious illnesses. It can be tough to watch the emotions their parents and loved ones are going through. Sometimes they may even have to pass on the sad news of the patient being no mere. It can be tough and emotionally draining to go through such processes.

Hence, pediatric nursing assistants must be capable of remaining headstrong. They must be calm under pressure. It may be fun interacting with young ones, but it can also be heartbreaking when it does not work out. Mental strength is not something you acquire overnight. It takes time to build. You must also accept that there will be failures along the way and you won’t be able to save every life. However, if you always give your 100% every time, you can certainly boost your success.