Pediatric Nurse Practitioner jobs are in huge demand. In fact, jobs in the health care industry are projected to experience massive growth between now and 2018. That’s fantastic news for anyone who is planning to work as nurse.
When it comes to health care, it is a business that will never ”go out of business.” Everyone at some point in their lives will need some health care services. Children are no exception and they do require specific health care due to a variety of reasons. That’s where the specialize knowledge of a pediatric nurse practitioner comes into play.
What Does A Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Do?
This position is held by Registered Nurses who choose to specialize in taking care of infants, children and teenagers. Many nurses choose this specialization because of their love for children.
Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Jobs: Duties
Some of the duties performed include:
> Ability to write prescriptions
> Document patient’s medical history
> Perform specific tests
> Treating minor diseases
> Teach adolescents how to have a healthy lifestyle
> Performs all other duties specific to being a RN
What Kind Of Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Jobs Are Available?
Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Jobs: Hospitals
Not surprisingly hospitals are the biggest employers of pediatric nurse practitioners. Almost 30% of all Registered Nurses and Nurse Practitioners are employed by hospitals and surgical centers. But there are several other places of employment within the health care fields that also employ pediatric nurse practitioners. There are several healthcare facilities all over the U.S. in need of well trained and caring individuals who specialize in the care of children.
Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Jobs: Private Practice
Working for pediatricians in private practice is another area where Pediatric Nurse Practitioners can find rewarding employment. Other employment options include home health care, outpatient care, pharmaceutical and substance abuse hospitals.
Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Jobs: Outlook
Pediatric nurse practitioner jobs are expected to increase as much as 22% in the near future. One can get a great pay from taking Pediatric Nurse Practitioner jobs. The salary is highly dependent on the organization you work for and where it’s located geographically.
Basically, Personal Care Services offer the highest salary for pediatric nurse practitioners; with an average salary just over $86,000 per year. That’s basically about $18,000 a year more than what the same position would be paid by a hospital. Remember, different agencies may pay differently than the national averages. But at the very least you’ll have a pretty good idea of what salary range to expect.
Pediatric Nurse Practitioner jobs will always be available; hence, if you are interested in treating children, be sure to consider taking this career path.