A pediatric nurse is a registered nurse who specializes in the health care of infants, children and adolescents. A pediatric nurse primarily is employed in school districts, hospitals or clinics and averages a beginning salary of $41,446 to $65,035.Function
- A pediatric nurse is responsible for administering medications, performing examinations, diagnosing illnesses and providing treatment to children in addition to counseling families on health care issues.
Education
- In addition to completing a nursing program, a pediatric nurse is required to pass the national licensing examination (NCLEX-RN) exam, finish a one-year internship at a hospital pediatric department and pass the Certified Pediatric Nurse exam. According to Payscale.com, the U.S. national average salary in 2009 for a new pediatric nurse graduate with less than one year of experience ranged from $41,446 to $50,000.
Average Salary
- According to Payscale.com, the U.S. national average salary in 2009 for a pediatric nurse with one to four years of experience ranged from $38,716 to $65,035.
Geography
- Highly populated states such as Texas and California offer pediatric nurses higher salaries. According to Payscale.com, the U.S. national average salary in 2009 for a pediatric nurse in Texas ranged from $48,475 to $83,007 and the U.S. national average salary in 2009 for a pediatric nurse in California ranged from $49,132 to $101,736.
Benefits
- Depending on the medical facility or school district, a pediatric nurse may be eligible to receive bonuses. According to Payscale.com, the U.S. national average bonus in 2009 for a new pediatric nurse with less than one year of experience is $150 and the U.S. national average bonus in 2009 for a pediatric nurse with one to four years of experience is $989.
Read more: Pediatric Nursing Beginning Salary | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/facts_5455953_pediatric-nursing-beginning-salary.html#ixzz1gkhIxYSn
