Pediatric nurse
Registered nurses who care for infants, children and teenagers in hospitals, clinics, schools and the community.
What the job involves
Pediatric nurses work in children’s hospitals, pediatric units, doctors’ offices, urgent care, schools and home care. They check growth and development, give vaccines and medicines in doses worked out from a child’s weight, explain care to children at their level and support parents and caregivers.
Children cannot always describe symptoms, so pediatric nurses watch behavior, color and breathing closely and recognize when a child is getting worse.
How to enter the specialty
Pediatric nurses are registered nurses. You earn an ADN or BSN, pass the NCLEX-RN and then work with children. Many nursing programs include a pediatric clinical rotation, which can show you whether the specialty suits you. Children’s hospitals often hire new graduates into residency programs, and a bachelor’s degree is commonly preferred.
Certification
The Pediatric Nursing Certification Board (PNCB) offers the Certified Pediatric Nurse (CPN) credential for registered nurses and certifications for pediatric nurse practitioners. Certification is voluntary and requires pediatric practice experience and a passing exam. Check the PNCB for the current eligibility rules.
Pay
The Bureau of Labor Statistics does not report pediatric nurses separately. They are counted among registered nurses, whose pay we show below. Employer, setting and region matter more than the specialty label.
Pay and outlook
The median registered nurse earned $97,550 in May 2025, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, with 3,379,720 employed. The Bureau projects 5.6% growth from 2025 to 2035, with about 180,800 openings a year once retirements and job changes are included. By state, the median runs from $77,080 in Alabama to $140,270 in California.See registered nurse pay by state for every state.
Steps to get there
- Earn an ADN or BSN from an approved program with a pediatric rotation.
- Pass the NCLEX-RN and get your state license.
- Apply to children’s hospitals, clinics or school health programs, including new graduate residencies.
- Consider CPN certification after you build pediatric experience.
- For advanced practice, continue to a pediatric nurse practitioner program.
Common questions
Do pediatric nurses need a special license?
No separate license. They hold the RN license from their state. Pediatric certification is voluntary and shows specialty knowledge.
What is the difference between a pediatric nurse and a pediatric nurse practitioner?
A pediatric nurse is a registered nurse who gives and coordinates care. A pediatric nurse practitioner has a graduate degree and certification and can diagnose, order tests and prescribe.