Job Responsibilities of a Pediatric Registered Nurse

Pediatric nurses are registered nurses who provide health care in pediatrics, a branch of medicine concerned with the treatment of infants and children. These professionals work in hospitals, doctor offices, and health department settings. Pediatric nurses have a wide range of responsibilities, and also participate in providing health care for adolescents.

Medical Responsibilities

• Parents trust the pediatric nurses with their little ones.

  Gathering initial medical information and possible diagnoses on a routine or emergency visit is the responsibility of the pediatric nurse. Pediatric nurses administer immunizations according to government vaccination guidelines. Ordering needed lab, diagnostic, blood and X-ray testing falls under the many responsibilities delegated to such professionals. The nurse may also set up a medical diet for adolescents to follow if related to health needs--such as a diabetic diet or other dietary issues that should be regulated. He takes routine urine samples and blood pressure, and evaluates heart and lung function.

Advisory Responsibilities

• The pediatric nurse may give advice over the phone or in person.

  The nurse counsels the family through general medical issues, treatment options, and recovery methods and regulations for pediatric patients. She explains medications, treatment regimens, and the medical procedures the child may go through. The pediatric nurse in many cases is the first point of contact for parents or guardians, and she insures the physician will be well informed about each individual patient. She makes effective decisions with the family for the child by being a critical thinker and problem solver--and is expected to function in those capacities with the full and complete trust of the doctor. Answering a nurse hot line is also a responsibility given to pediatric nurses.

Administrative Responsibilities

• The pediatric nurse may head up very beneficial programs for adolescent patients and their families.

  Gathering patient information, family history, and maintaining and updating medical charts and records are responsibilities belonging to the pediatric nurse. As a professional, she is trained to read and understand testing results and to interpret treatment options or methods with other medical staff.

  She also uses administrative responsibilities to organize vaccination programs, workshops, health clinics, or other related health programs for patients and family.