If you currently hold a nursing degree and are looking to improve your skills and knowledge, or you enjoy working with children, a pediatric nurse practitioner role could be ideal for you. There are certain skills and qualifications you must have to be able to do this role, but it is a very rewarding and well-paid job for the right candidate. Below we look at the most important skills you need if you were to take on this important and vital role.
Empathy
To work in healthcare, you must be able to empathize with others. This means more than just “putting yourself in someone else’s shoes”. Showing empathy means that you can understand patients’ or parents’ feelings and act accordingly. Those who are in a pediatric nurse practitioner role should understand emotional intelligence to be able to build therapeutic relationships with patients and families.
Ability to Work Long Hours
Those who work in healthcare will more than likely need to be able to work long hours and have the stamina to do so. This can be very draining on your mental health, especially if you are working long night shifts, and therefore it is essential that you take care of your own mental wellbeing during your training and throughout your career. You may be able to choose a part-time role, and if long hours are not suited to you, there are opportunities to work in a variety of healthcare settings, meaning this isn’t a must once you have qualified. For more information on where you may work and for the answer to other important questions such as What does a pediatric nurse practitioner do? check out HBU university.
Patience
When working with children and families, it is essential that you have patience. Often small children cannot understand why you are carrying out a procedure and it can be a lot more difficult when a child is distressed and upset. You must have the ability to be able to calm the child and have patience with them and their family. Even a procedure as simple as taking their blood pressure can be incredibly scary to a child that doesn’t understand.
Communication Skills
Communication is important in every job, but none more so than nursing. As a pediatric nurse practitioner, you must be able to relay information to children and parents in a way in which they can understand. This means having the ability to understand when a parent or child has not understood the information and limiting the use of jargon. You must also have good listening skills and be able to effectively resolve conflict, as parents and children usually have raised anxiety levels when in a healthcare environment, meaning that conflict is more likely to occur, especially if good communication skills are not used. You should always take into consideration the child’s age when discussing medical needs and consent to treatment.
The need for more nurse practitioners continues to grow, and this means more job opportunities. If you believe you have what it takes to become a pediatric nurse practitioner, then there is no better time to enquire about taking part in a pediatric nurse practitioner program.
