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How to Become a Certified Pediatric Nurse Assistant
A certified pediatric nurse assistant is a specialist nurse who works in hospitals and private practices to assist with the care and treatment of children ranging in age from birth to 18 years old. Certified pediatric nurse assistants often work to help pediatricians and other medical specialists with surgery and office procedures. For instance, a pediatric nurse assistant helps with performing physical exams, administering treatments and providing medication. Becoming a pediatric nurse assistant requires proper planning and education and can take years to accomplish.
Enroll and complete a CNA, or Certified Nursing Assistant, training course. These courses are often held at nursing facilities, such as hospitals, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes and community colleges. Furthermore, the American Red Cross offers CNA training. Contact the Red Cross directly for further information.
Complete and pass the required background and drug tests.
Sign up for and pass the CNA test. You must contact your health department, which will be able to provide you with the examination materials. The fees generally run around $75 but can vary from region to region.
Update your resume to reflect your new certification. This is an important step. Make sure that your resume is current and well-written and that it highlights your recent nursing training and any pediatric experience.
Begin looking for work as a pediatric nurse assistant in care centers and facilities in which pediatric medicine is practiced. This may include private practices, hospices and hospitals.
Tip
CNA training course held at community colleges tend to be more thorough than those held at medical facilities or hospitals. As a result, these courses may have more stringent entrance exams, so be sure to make sure that you meet the entrance requirements.
Warning
Due to the nature of this job, a strong physical and emotional constitution is required. Furthermore, regular drug testing and background checks may be required when working for hospitals and care centers, so your lifestyle choices may affect your professional future.
Resources
Tips
- CNA training course held at community colleges tend to be more thorough than those held at medical facilities or hospitals. As a result, these courses may have more stringent entrance exams, so be sure to make sure that you meet the entrance requirements.
Warnings
- Due to the nature of this job, a strong physical and emotional constitution is required. Furthermore, regular drug testing and background checks may be required when working for hospitals and care centers, so your lifestyle choices may affect your professional future.
Writer
Eliana Kalsky is a freelance writer currently living in Manhattan. After earning her Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts degrees in London, England, she began writing as a career after moving to Miami in 2001. She has published a number of travel articles for both American and British publications.
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