What's a Great Pediatric Nursing Career for You?

Quiz Questions

• 1.
  What's your superpower?

  • A.
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    asking the tough questions
  • B.
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    being a team player
  • C.
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    handling the unexpected
  • D.
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    helping others unmask their talents
  • E.
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    staying focused
  • F.
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    paying attention to the details
  • G.
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    being creative
  • H.
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    making people smile
  • I.
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    staying positive
• 2.
  Your friends say you...

  • A.
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    give great advice
  • B.
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    have no fear
  • C.
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    are a people person
  • D.
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    can be counted on
  • E.
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    multitask like a pro
  • F.
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    lead by example
• 3.
  Pick your workday view...

  • A.
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    on the road
  • B.
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    my awesome coworkers
  • C.
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    in the action
  • D.
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    one child at a time 
  • E.
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    surrounded by kids
  • F.
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    in the boardroom
• 4.
  How do you want to make a difference?

  • A.
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    aid in recovery after illness/injury
  • B.
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    assist the most vulnerable
  • C.
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    make an impact on a big scale
  • D.
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    manage a child's health over time
  • E.
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    educate nursing's future
  • F.
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    help where kids learn or play

Quiz Outcomes

• 1.
  Your future in pediatric nursing? Impact roles!

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  Your pediatric nursing career profile falls in the Impact category! All pediatric nurses have an impact on the health of children, but your quiz answers show a tendency to see the big picture, and you want to make improvements on a large scale. These positive changes may impact children/patients, whole families, nurses themselves, or all these groups. Keywords to describe your future might be: Vision, Drive, and Innovation. Your future may involve a graduate level degree for a pediatric nurse roles like: Informatics Nurse Clinical Nurse Specialist Chief Nursing Officer for a Children's Hospital Nurse Scientist or Researcher Of course the results of this quiz aren't an exact science, but we encourage you to focus on ways to make nursing better in the years to come. Informatics nurses use data and other information to increase the quality of patient care. They try to create efficiencies and cut costs. Clinical nurse specialists (CNSs) use evidence to drive practice changes for optimal patient outcomes. CNSs often diagnose and treat patients too. Chief Nursing Officers (sometimes known as Chief Nurse Executives or Vice-Presidents of Patient Care) oversee the entire nursing workforce for a hospital and make high level decisions that affect nurses and patients. Nurse scientists or researchers usually earn a PhD to study topics related to health or illness. Many teach, and they often collaborate with others health care scientists. Their goal is to explore a complex issue and hopefully offer solutions. Before nursing school, consider a business class in addition to science and math. During nursing school, ask faculty to invite nurses in the above roles to speak. Ask about their career paths, current job outlook, and salary ranges. Besides nursing classes, be sure you have great communication and math skills (yep, statistics!) to help you make the case for changes. Early in your career, you may have opportunities to rewrite educational materials for families, reduce infections on your unit, or improve a daily process, like medication safety checklists. Get involved in committees promoting nurse empowerment, and don't shy away from interdisciplinary committees. Listen carefully to colleagues--their feedback can make your ideas even better. Once your career is established, look for ways to use evidence to persuade others to reevaluate daily tasks. Then use your skills to innovate: tackle big changes for children's hospitals or maybe transform how nurses deliver care on a national level!
• 2.
  Your future in pediatric nursing? Action roles!

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  Your pediatric nursing career profile falls in the Action category! All pediatric nurses need quick reaction time to manage a crisis, but you were born to act fast. Your keywords are Decisive, Confident, and Fearless. You've probably already thought about the first type of nurse on the list below, but be sure to check out all these pediatric nursing roles for your future possibilities: Emergency Department Nurse Critical Care Nurse Nurse Practitioner in Acute Care Forensic Nurse Examiner Of course the results of this quiz aren't an exact science, but we encourage you to focus on ways your quick thinking can make a difference. Most people know about emergency department nurses who triage incoming patients. These nurses determine who needs help right now and who can wait. They watch for changing conditions for admitted patients and perform life-saving measures. They're also the first line of help when disaster strikes a community. Critical care nurses provide care for patients who experience significant injury, extensive surgery, or life-threatening conditions. Burn, trauma, infectious diseases, and cardiac events are some of the issues these nurses manage. Acute care pediatric nurse practitioners (PNPs) often manage critical care too, but at an advanced nursing level. Some monitor children who need major organ transplants or just had one performed. These PNPs have graduate level education and can prescribe medication, order tests, and perform specialized interventions. Forensic nurse examiners possess a special mix of sensitivity and determination, and they're among the first to help abused or assaulted children or teens. They document and treat trauma, then work with law enforcement and the legal system to get justice. Before nursing school, consider volunteer EMT or fire fighter opportunities. Practice your speedy instincts and find mentors in these team environments. During nursing school, ask faculty to invite nurses in the above roles to speak. What do they like--and dislike--about their jobs? Ask about pathways to advance in their roles or settings. Besides nursing classes, pay close attention to interacting with caregivers during your clinical rotations because, as you know, many of these roles deal with families in crisis. Early in your career, you'll probably see new threats to children and teens firsthand, especially those involving substance abuse. You may also see a lot of psychiatric issues. Stay current with continuing education on these topics. Also look for ways to collaborate more with colleagues to strengthen the team, and don't let your decisive nature sacrifice other skills like checking out all symptom possibilities and tactful communication with families/caregivers. And don't rule out the possibility that your need to help those in crisis might be more aligned with advocacy or managing care for underserved populations: nursing care for refugees, children of immigrants/migrant workers, Native Americans, and medical mission trips might become your calling. Wherever you land, your fearlessness and confidence are much needed qualities as a future pediatric nurse!
• 3.
  Your future in pediatric nursing? Influence roles

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  Your pediatric nursing career profile falls in the Influence category! Your quiz answers show above average potential for growing the knowledge of other nurses. Polishing your innate interpersonal skills and communication know-how can make a difference for children via the nurses you guide and inspire in the future. Keywords that may define your pediatric nursing career? Mentor, Develop, and Educate. Your future may look like one of these pediatric nursing roles: Clinical Nurse Educator Staff Development Specialist Nurse Residency Program Instructor Nursing Faculty As you know, these quick quizzes aren't an exact science, but we encourage you to explore careers beyond entry-level nursing as you plan the years ahead. Clinical nurse educators usually work for large employers like children's hospitals. They make sure nurses know their stuff! These educators support nurse professional development, identify learning needs, design and deliver education, and help nurses stay up to date with changes in practice. Staff development specialists may do similar tasks. They teach and help nurses set education goals, like going back for a master's degree. In the above roles, you may use simulation manikins to test new skills or coach nurses on improving their practice. In addition to nursing knowledge, you'll want to understand how to make teaching interesting and relevant. Sometimes the above roles focus on instructing new hires as a peds-specific nurse residency program instructor. Pediatric content is declining in undergraduate programs, so hospitals and other employers need to ensure new hires can deliver safe, in-depth care for young patients. While in school, pay close attention to how instructors teach. What about their style or methods make you want to learn? How do they keep you engaged and curious? Keeping these mental notes now can help you self-evaluate your teaching proficiency later on. Once you establish yourself as an RN, look for ways to mentor others, or offer to be a preceptor for students. Get involved with opportunities to teach or evaluate other nurses. Then once you have significant pediatric nurse experience, consider teaching in an undergraduate program. Many nursing faculty are nearing retirement age, and classroom and clinical instructors are in demand. If you go on to complete a pediatric nurse practitioner (PNP) or other advanced practice degree, consider becoming a graduate level instructor. Your influence can prepare the next generation of pediatric nurses!
• 4.
  Your future in pediatric nursing?  Adaptability roles!

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  Your pediatric nursing career profile falls in the Adaptability category! Most pediatric nurses adapt quickly to change, but your easy-going nature stands out. Your keywords for your future are Flexible, Open-minded, and Team Player. Explore these pediatric nursing roles for your future possibilities: School Nurse Travel Nurse Military Nurse Nurse Practitioner in Primary Care Of course the results of this quiz aren't an exact science, but we encourage you to focus on ways to put your personality front and center for your future. School nurses don't just manage scraped knees and head lice. They are often the first to respond to mental health and other major issues. Plus they take care of whole communities during the school day: students, families, teachers, and administration staff. School nurses assist kids without dental and vision care in getting that help. They might use telehealth to reach more students or coordinate the tasks of other school nurses. Some schools have entire school-based health centers that are really great for underserved communities. With more kids than ever managing chronic illness, school nurses play a big part in helping them stay in class during the day. Travel nurses are experts in their specialty who go to employers, usually hospitals, needing to fill vacancies quickly with experienced nurses. A company will negotiate on the nurse's behalf to seal a short- or long-term deal with high pay. These nurses have their pick of locations too! They will hit the ground running, fit in quickly, and are okay with being away from their family for variable stretches of time. Military nurses get great benefits and support, but need to be open to the more structured military lifestyle. These pediatric nurses have frequent moves and are assigned to hospitals and clinics that provide health care for young dependents of service families. Apart from military culture, these nurses function in many different roles and settings, just like in the civilian workforce. From med-surg nurses to pediatric nurse practitioners, the military nurse workforce mirrors non-military life. Nurse Practitioners in primary care have to be flexible too. A child's appointment for a school physical may turn out to be an intervention for depression. Or maybe your pediatric practice is down a team member, and your busy schedule backs up even more. A child with a simple complaint on paper may take a large amount of your time once parent questions are answered and specialist referrals are made. Before nursing school, participate in clubs that stretch your team player skills. Explore military options if they interest you. And of course take all the math and science you can. During nursing school, ask faculty to invite nurses in the above roles to speak. What do they like--and dislike--about their jobs? Ask about pathways to advance in their roles or settings. Use your team player skills to start a pediatric nursing student association or journal club. Become a student member of the Society of Pediatric Nurses or the National Association of School Nurses. Early in your career, stay flexible and positive. This can help you get noticed and advance. Consider using your talents in team-within-a-team opportunities like nurse or interdisciplinary committees. If you choose the school setting, be a voice for nurses and nursing care beyond the school level, with administration or state government. Reach out within the community so they understand what resources their children have access to via school. As your career progresses, use your understanding that there's a place for everyone. Take new hires under your wing and get them involved too. Look out for colleagues who may be struggling with burn-out and help them reframe their outlook. Promote culture sensitivity for patients and your fellow nurses. We hope your talent for adapting makes a difference for pediatric nursing in the future!
• 5.
  Your future in pediatric nursing? Diligence roles!

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  Your pediatric nursing career profile falls in the Diligence category! All pediatric nurses have some aspect of diligence in their role, but your quiz answers show you're someone others can count on for the long haul and during a crisis. Your focused, steady approach to nursing can provide continuity and security for children and families. Keywords that may define your future? Work Ethic, Accountability, and Relationships. Your future may look like one of these pediatric nursing roles: Med-Surg Nurse Home Health or Visiting Nurse Therapeutic/Long-term Care Centers Nurse Practitioner (PNP) in Primary Care Of course the results of this quiz aren't an exact science, but we encourage you to explore nursing roles like the above that involve following the same children over time. Or maybe you'll coordinate their care among many different specialists. Med-surg nurses are the backbone of hospitals. They're how nursing began! In these units, you'll see many different kids, but provide appropriate care for their specific situation and stay alert to rapidly changing conditions. Primary care PNPs see children for health problems, perform well check-ups, and make specialist referrals when needed. They have a graduate degree and can prescribe medications and order tests. They also coordinate care and see their patients "grow up" over time. Home health or visiting nurses meet families where they live and usually provide care for vulnerable children. These kids may have a chronic illness but are no longer sick enough to stay in the hospital, or maybe they're a baby born to parents who need guidance in raising a healthy child. Therapeutic/long-term care center nurses help make a difference in the quality of life for children who will have significant health issues for a long time. These kids may have breathing, mobility, developmental, and feeding issues, among other concerns. Before nursing school, look for volunteer or jobs involving kids. Consider community/advocacy volunteerism too, like at food shelters or refugee centers. You might also be interested in hospital, EMT, or firefighter service roles. During nursing school, see if you can shadow a local PNP or invite the above types of nurses to speak in class. Ask about their career paths, current job outlook, and salary ranges. In the future, use your diligent nature to promote the best emotional and physical outcomes for children and teens. Look for ways to collaborate with colleagues to polish your innate interpersonal skills and succeed in your chosen role!
• 6.
  Your future in pediatric nursing? Empathy roles!

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  Your pediatric nursing career profile falls in the Empathy category! We know what you're thinking: shouldn't all nurses have empathy? But nurses providing cancer, significant illness, mental health, or end-of-life care for children are truly remarkable. Sensitive yet resilient, these nurses come to work each day to make a difference for kids with severe health issues. If you become one of these nurses, the keywords for your future will be: Comfort, Communication, and Resilience. Possible pediatric nursing roles for your future might be: Oncology Nurse Hospice and Palliative Care Nurse Psych-Mental Health Nurse Psych-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Oncology nurses provide care for cancer patients. They have special knowledge to deliver strong, sometimes life-saving, medication to these children. They promote optimal quality of life and coordinate care with doctors and other members of the health care team. They get to know the child and family very well over extended periods of care. Hospice and palliative care nurses focus on physical and emotional care for terminally ill children and families. They want patients to experience the highest quality of life during this time. They are highly trained to administer comfort measures and treatments, and anticipate needs. Bereavement care, knowledge about ethical and legal issues, and awareness of different cultures are important aspects of this role. Psych-mental health nurses usually work in specialized hospital units, out-patient residential centers, or clinics. They may develop care plans and treat patients who have depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, eating disorders, substance abuse, and other challenging diagnoses/concerns. Psych-mental health nurse practitioners treat the same types of issues as psych-mental health nurses do. But as advanced practice nurses with graduate level education, they also can diagnose, prescribe medications, order tests, and provide other treatment. Before nursing school, consider taking psychology in high school in addition to math and science classes. During nursing school, ask faculty to invite nurses in the above roles to speak. Ask about their career paths, current job outlook, and salary ranges. Look for free or low-cost online continuing education in your area of interest to have a leg up on the latest treatment strategies. Early in your career, find your mentors. Ask how they stay positive with challenging patient diagnoses. Continue to stay current with journal articles and local conferences for your type of nursing. Later in your career, be that mentor for someone else. Learn to recognize signs of stress and burn-out in colleagues. Get involved in committees that promote staff resiliency and self-care. Your skills--and heart!--are definitely needed in pediatric nursing. We hope you find your fit in this rewarding specialty one day!