---
title: Why I Became a Pediatric Nurse
url: "https://arizonacollege.edu/blog/why-i-became-a-pediatric-nurse/"
type: post
date_published: 2024-01-11
date_modified: 2025-08-01
schema:
  @type: Article
language: en-US
word_count: 1354
reading_time: 7 min
canonical: "https://arizonacollege.edu/blog/why-i-became-a-pediatric-nurse/"
featured_image: "https://arizonacollege.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Pediatric-Nursing-Career-Photo-of-Nurse-With-Family.jpg"
categories:
  - Nursing Careers
topic:
  - Nursing
---

# Why I Became a Pediatric Nurse

As a junior in high school, I volunteered at a hospital in a pediatric unit. On
my first day, I saw kids in the playroom, hooked up to IV pumps and laughing
with each other. I remember being amazed by the resiliency of sick children and
their sense of hope. It was that experience that helped me decide to be a
pediatric nurse. After graduation, I pursued my education in nursing. It turns
out pediatric nursing is a great career for me!

I’ve created this guide to walk you through an overview of the pediatric nursing
field, and share my own experiences along the way. By sharing my perspective, I
hope to help you determine if this nursing career path is right for you.

## What is Pediatric Nursing?

Pediatric nursing is a discipline focused on providing nursing care for children
in procedure areas, emergency rooms, inpatient units, or intensive care units.
Pediatric nurses consider child development and the parent-child relationship
when delivering nursing care.

## Pediatric Nursing: Why Choose This Path?

After graduating from nursing school, I began my career in a busy pediatric
inpatient unit. Many children I cared for suffered from infections, had a
chronic disease, or needed surgery. Most were only there for a short time and
ultimately were discharged home quickly. During my orientation, I started
understanding the unique challenges and rewards of working with children.
Despite these challenges, I pursued pediatric nursing because I wanted to help
kids.

I remember the first time I was confident in my role as a pediatric nurse. A few
months into my career, I had to place an IV on a preschool-aged child. I let the
child play with my tools as I started getting my supplies out. They squirted the
saline syringe and felt the flexible catheter. We gave the IV a nickname,
“Tubey.” I explained the procedure to the child, being honest that it may sting
for a moment but that “Tubey” had a very important job. Despite a few anxious
tears, the child calmly tolerated the entire procedure and was smiling within
moments of completion.

I felt so empowered. I realized I could explain this procedure in a playful way
that the child understood. This is where the beauty of pediatric nursing lies.
Pediatric nurses have the magical ability to meet each child where they are,
acting as a guide through an otherwise foreign and scary situation.

## The Reality of Early Career Nursing

While pediatric nursing can be cheery with days spent in the playroom, it has
its challenges. Ultimately, I transitioned into the pediatric intensive care
unit, but I did not anticipate how difficult this environment would be. These
kids were really sick, many experiencing life-threatening illnesses.

One particularly challenging shift involved a very young child with a severe
diagnosis. I remember knowing early in my shift that the doctors would be
speaking with the child’s parents about their new findings.

The parents did not see this diagnosis coming; I will never forget the mother’s
cries. The doctors stepped away after sharing this news, leaving me to care for
the family. I did everything in my power to make that awful day just a little
bit better. I distracted the child, who was far too young to understand, and I
made sure the parents had something to eat. Finally, I cried with the family as
they thanked me for the care that day. As a pediatric nurse, I was able to offer
support and strength to a family that needed it. Each year I’m reminded of this
when I see photos of that now-healthy child.

## The Bright Side: Things That Turned Out to Be Easier or More Rewarding Than Expected

![Pediatric Nursing Career Photo of Nurse With Family](https://arizonacollege.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Pediatric-Nursing-Career-Photo-of-Nurse-With-Family.jpg)![Pediatric Nursing Career Photo of Nurse With Family](https://arizonacollege.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Pediatric-Nursing-Career-Photo-of-Nurse-With-Family.jpg)
When things go well, it is amazing to celebrate with the patient and their
family. Some of my favorite nursing memories include sending a healthy child
home. Pediatric bubble parades are a must-attend event, celebrating a child
being discharged, usually after a prolonged hospital stay. Staff line the
hallways, blowing bubbles and cheering as the child proceeds off the unit. We
also had dance parties after successful surgeries, trick or treating on
Halloween in the pediatric unit, and slime activities in the playroom.

Even when they are sick, kids still want to have fun! Caring for young patients,
pediatric nurses tend to be a fun bunch. As a new pediatric nurse, I was
pleasantly surprised about how much fun I had at work. There are always craft
events, dress-up days, and potlucks. Pediatric nursing staff are a tight-knit
group of people who share a desire to heal kids. Having such engaged colleagues
made it easier for me to transition into my role as a new pediatric nurse.

## Essential Tips for Early Career Pediatric Nurses

So how do you succeed in this rewarding field? Transitioning into pediatric
nursing, and nursing in general, can be overwhelming. Here are some of my most
important suggestions for new nurses:

- Identify a support system. Find an experienced nurse or a clinical instructor
  that you look up to. Ask questions, reach out for support, and ask for
  feedback. Take advantage of any peer support and new graduate nursing programs
  offered.
- Prioritize self-care. Moments of mindfulness during the workday help me remain
  grounded during particularly challenging shifts. Think about things that bring
  you comfort. Begin incorporating them into your work or clinical days during
  routine tasks. For instance, whenever I wash my hands at work, I take a few
  deep breaths and think about my family. Each time I wash my hands, I am
  grounded by my breath and my thoughts. This allows me to move on with my day
  feeling more relaxed so I can bring my best self to each of my patients.
- Rely on your critical thinking. In pediatric nursing, there can be moments of
  stress where your emotions are running high. It’s important in these periods
  of stress to remember and rely on your critical thinking skillset. Critical
  thinking can help you to more accurately assess any medical situation, and
  create the most effective next steps for patient care.

---

## Why the Right Educational Foundation is Crucial

If pediatric nursing feels like a good fit for you, the first step is to obtain
a nursing degree.
[Arizona College of Nursing’s](https://www.arizonacollege.edu/accredited-bsn-program/)
CCNE-accredited program will provide you a strong foundation for your nursing
practice. With BSN programs offered across 18 -campus locations, there is likely
an opportunity near you. Their
[tailored NCLEX- preparation](https://www.arizonacollege.edu/accredited-bsn-program/nclex-exam-prep/)
will get you ready for the national licensing exam after graduation. At Arizona
College of Nursing, you will work with skilled faculty in the classroom,
simulation lab and clinical settings to prepare you for your future as a
Registered Nurse. During your third year, you’ll have the opportunity to see
first-hand what being a pediatric nurse is like during your pediatric health
practicum. If you are like me, you might even discover your passion for caring
for these young patients.

---

#### 󠀁_Author Bio:_󠁿

![Nursing school blog bio photo](https://arizonacollege.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Nursing-school-blog-bio-photo.jpg)![Nursing school blog bio photo](https://arizonacollege.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Nursing-school-blog-bio-photo.jpg)
Emily Mallory is a master’s prepared Registered Nurse and writer based in New
England. She started her career working in inpatient pediatrics and the
pediatric intensive care unit at tertiary medical centers. While precepting
nursing students in the pediatric units, Emily discovered her passion for
nursing education. Currently practicing as a nurse educator, Emily facilitates
clinical rotations for a local university. She also works clinically at a
community hospital in both the Intensive Care Unit and Emergency Room, where she
often finds herself caring for pediatric patients.

**Categories:** Nursing Careers