3 answers
Paige
Student
1
Question
Asked
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What is the best way to go about picking how to go through collage for a pediatric nurse?
So I’ve heard that you can go through Frazier and they will pay for schooling but then does that mean you get stuck in a contract working for them and are there specific requirements you must meet. Finally is there a certain time you’re supposed to start going down this path in high school and i am going to be a junior in high school and am going for my CNA license is that a good start.
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3 answers
Marlena Bushway
Registered Nurse Manager
34
Answers
Roswell, New Mexico
Updated
Marlena’s Answer
That's a great question Paige! Many employers, if they pay for some or all college, will expect a certain number of years in return or expect you to pay some, if not all back if you break the arrangement. Loan forgiveness programs after schooling expect the same as well for an institution that you work for if the loan forgiveness is through a federal agency, such as teacher or service/educator/practice related employment with special criteria (government employment, under served areas, not for profit organizations, etc. Some employers however, do offer tuition reimbursement during employment while going to school to better your education and life, whether it's in the same field or organization after schooling or not. I'm from a rural area and a local casino actually offers this, no strings attached if employed while going to school, but I'm not sure of the percentage of reimbursement.
In terms of pediatric nursing, nursing school is always nurse generalist. You have to learn the basics of pretty much everything. You can take extra courses to become certified in some areas, then once you pass the NCLEX exam, you can further your education with specialization and/or obtain special certifications in special areas, like pediatrics. If you want to go advanced practice, you can specialize in certain areas such as a pediatric nurse practioner but it does narrow your focus and can limit changes later on in your career but undergraduate is always generalized nursing. You are certainly on the right path already for sure! It certainly helps when you know at an earlier age what you want to do, but nursing is high stress, a lot of responsibility and sometimes those that start in or right out of high-school burn out but others don't. Some urban area high-schools offer CNA courses and LPN courses as dual credit so when you graduate high school you've also got a certification/license in a career path. Do research though to ensure where you are located or where you want to relocate, has positions available or high demand for what you're looking for to ensure employment. Speak with your high-school and desired college counselors as well about your educational goals early on in your high-school years to make sure there are no snags or delays if you know what you want to do! It's never too early, or ever too late to decide what you want to do for a career and go for it! You just have to know who to ask questions of, know your path or ideas, and start moving toward those goals! One thing though, to keep in mind, you must be 18 to work in Healthcare, regardless of where you are starting for legal reasons and liability. If organizations allow it, volunteering under the age of 18 is allowed but be cautious, if you've been trained to do something but not legally hired, you can't do it. That's considered practicing without certification or licensure and will prevent you from ever being able to achieve your goals of being a pediatric nurse! So make wise decisions but so far, you are already on your way to becoming an elite team of individuals called nurses :-) good luck, stay focused, and you'll do great things!
College counselor
High school counselor
Pediatric certifications
Job demand and needs research analysis
Methods for paying for higher education
In terms of pediatric nursing, nursing school is always nurse generalist. You have to learn the basics of pretty much everything. You can take extra courses to become certified in some areas, then once you pass the NCLEX exam, you can further your education with specialization and/or obtain special certifications in special areas, like pediatrics. If you want to go advanced practice, you can specialize in certain areas such as a pediatric nurse practioner but it does narrow your focus and can limit changes later on in your career but undergraduate is always generalized nursing. You are certainly on the right path already for sure! It certainly helps when you know at an earlier age what you want to do, but nursing is high stress, a lot of responsibility and sometimes those that start in or right out of high-school burn out but others don't. Some urban area high-schools offer CNA courses and LPN courses as dual credit so when you graduate high school you've also got a certification/license in a career path. Do research though to ensure where you are located or where you want to relocate, has positions available or high demand for what you're looking for to ensure employment. Speak with your high-school and desired college counselors as well about your educational goals early on in your high-school years to make sure there are no snags or delays if you know what you want to do! It's never too early, or ever too late to decide what you want to do for a career and go for it! You just have to know who to ask questions of, know your path or ideas, and start moving toward those goals! One thing though, to keep in mind, you must be 18 to work in Healthcare, regardless of where you are starting for legal reasons and liability. If organizations allow it, volunteering under the age of 18 is allowed but be cautious, if you've been trained to do something but not legally hired, you can't do it. That's considered practicing without certification or licensure and will prevent you from ever being able to achieve your goals of being a pediatric nurse! So make wise decisions but so far, you are already on your way to becoming an elite team of individuals called nurses :-) good luck, stay focused, and you'll do great things!
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Caroline V
Medical, Clinical Scientist , Research.
87
Answers
Phoenix, Arizona
Updated
Caroline’s Answer
Well if you are in high school you can actually test out of college courses like reading , math etc. I would definetly check that out that will help you with all the initial classes that you have to do. This is called CLEP. this will also save you a lot of money and will help you to move through college faster. I hope that this information helps you.
Jacob Taylor
Production Manager
523
Answers
Stafford, Virginia
Updated
Jacob’s Answer
Choosing the best path to become a pediatric nurse requires careful consideration and planning. Here are some thoughtful and advice-oriented steps to guide you:
1. Research Nursing Programs: Start by researching different nursing programs that offer a pediatric focus. Look into their curriculum, clinical opportunities, and reputation. Consider factors like program length, cost, and location.
2. Financial Aid and Scholarships: Explore options for financial aid, scholarships, and grants. Some institutions or organizations offer scholarships specifically for nursing students, which can help ease the financial burden of your education.
3. Employer Sponsorship: If you're interested in going through Frazier or any other employer-sponsored program, thoroughly read and understand the terms of their agreements. Some employers may cover your schooling but require you to work for them for a specified period after graduation. Assess if this aligns with your long-term career goals.
4. Accreditation and Licensing: Ensure that the nursing program you choose is accredited by the appropriate governing bodies. After completing your education, you'll need to pass the NCLEX-RN exam to become a licensed registered nurse.
5. Consider Specialization: While you want to be a pediatric nurse, explore other nursing specialties as well. Pediatric nursing is a rewarding field, but other areas like neonatal, oncology, or critical care nursing might also interest you.
6. High School Preparation: Pursuing your CNA license in high school is a great start. It will provide you with valuable healthcare experience and a foundation for your nursing journey.
7. Shadowing and Volunteering: Seek opportunities to shadow pediatric nurses or volunteer in healthcare settings to gain firsthand experience and confirm your interest in the field.
8. Talk to Pediatric Nurses: Connect with pediatric nurses to learn more about their daily responsibilities, challenges, and rewards. Their insights can help you make an informed decision.
9. Seek Guidance from Counselors: Discuss your aspirations with your high school counselors, as they can provide information about college options, prerequisites, and potential career paths.
10. Timeframe: There's no specific time to start down this path; however, as a junior in high school, it's a perfect time to begin exploring nursing programs, seeking scholarships, and setting goals for your nursing career.
Remember, becoming a pediatric nurse requires dedication and a passion for caring for children. Take the time to research and plan your educational journey, and consider all available options to find the path that aligns best with your goals and values.
1. Research Nursing Programs: Start by researching different nursing programs that offer a pediatric focus. Look into their curriculum, clinical opportunities, and reputation. Consider factors like program length, cost, and location.
2. Financial Aid and Scholarships: Explore options for financial aid, scholarships, and grants. Some institutions or organizations offer scholarships specifically for nursing students, which can help ease the financial burden of your education.
3. Employer Sponsorship: If you're interested in going through Frazier or any other employer-sponsored program, thoroughly read and understand the terms of their agreements. Some employers may cover your schooling but require you to work for them for a specified period after graduation. Assess if this aligns with your long-term career goals.
4. Accreditation and Licensing: Ensure that the nursing program you choose is accredited by the appropriate governing bodies. After completing your education, you'll need to pass the NCLEX-RN exam to become a licensed registered nurse.
5. Consider Specialization: While you want to be a pediatric nurse, explore other nursing specialties as well. Pediatric nursing is a rewarding field, but other areas like neonatal, oncology, or critical care nursing might also interest you.
6. High School Preparation: Pursuing your CNA license in high school is a great start. It will provide you with valuable healthcare experience and a foundation for your nursing journey.
7. Shadowing and Volunteering: Seek opportunities to shadow pediatric nurses or volunteer in healthcare settings to gain firsthand experience and confirm your interest in the field.
8. Talk to Pediatric Nurses: Connect with pediatric nurses to learn more about their daily responsibilities, challenges, and rewards. Their insights can help you make an informed decision.
9. Seek Guidance from Counselors: Discuss your aspirations with your high school counselors, as they can provide information about college options, prerequisites, and potential career paths.
10. Timeframe: There's no specific time to start down this path; however, as a junior in high school, it's a perfect time to begin exploring nursing programs, seeking scholarships, and setting goals for your nursing career.
Remember, becoming a pediatric nurse requires dedication and a passion for caring for children. Take the time to research and plan your educational journey, and consider all available options to find the path that aligns best with your goals and values.