PICU Nurse Career Guide
Looking for a different career guide?
Overview
A Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) Registered Nurse (RN) is a specialized healthcare professional who provides critical care and specialized medical attention to infants, children and adolescents with life-threatening conditions or complex medical needs. Staff and Travel PICU RNs work in a high-stress and fast-paced environment, collaborating with a multidisciplinary team to provide the highest level
Education
To become a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit RN, you need to start by obtaining a nursing degree. The most common educational path is a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), which typically requires four years of study. A BSN program provides a comprehensive curriculum that covers pediatric nursing, anatomy, physiology, pharmacology and critical care concepts. Clinical rotations in
Qualifications
Skills
PICU RNs need a diverse set of skills to excel in their role. They must have a strong understanding of pediatric anatomy, physiology and developmental stages, as well as the principles of critical care nursing for pediatric patients. Technical proficiency in managing life-support equipment and interpreting pediatric-specific vital signs is crucial for providing immediate interventions. Effective communication and collaboration skills
Responsibilities
The primary responsibility of a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit RN is to provide specialized and compassionate care to critically ill pediatric patients. PICU RNs closely monitor patients' vital signs, administer medications and operate life-support equipment to stabilize their conditions. They work collaboratively with physicians, nurse practitioners and other healthcare providers to develop and implement individualized care plans. Additionally, PICU RNs
Salary Insights
The average salary for a PICU Nurse is $2,478.34 per week.
Last updated on November 22, 2024. Based on active jobs on Vivian.com.
Pros & Cons
Pros of being a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit RN include the opportunity to work with young patients and their families, the chance to make a significant impact on critically ill children's lives and the satisfaction of contributing to positive patient outcomes. This specialty offers potential for professional growth and advancement as PICU RNs gain expertise in pediatric critical care and
Some of the content on this page was enhanced using artificial intelligence.