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Pediatric Nurse Salary
Working with children can be exciting and fulfilling. If you like children and aspire to work in healthcare, a pediatric nursing career might be the field for you. The field of pediatric nursing is not just a fun career choice; it is also a smart one. With the demand for nurses high, the pediatric nurse salary has risen. In fact, with only a basic certification, you can expect to earn more than enough to keep you and your family comfortable. With demand for more pediatric nurses growing, every day brings new opportunities for you as a pediatric nurse.
How Do You Get There?
Although pediatric nursing represents a distinct area of nursing practice, most pediatric nurses began their work with a generalized education. After all, even those who know that they wish to work with children need to know the same basic principles as other nurses. However, once they get into the field, pediatric nurses quickly focus their expertise in working with children. Many pediatric nurses gain that expertise through years of experience, but you can earn a number of certifications and qualifications to speed the process along. The certifications and qualifications are more than just tools to help move a nurse’s career forward; they also positively affect the pediatric nurse salary. With everything you learn toward becoming a nurse, your future salary goes up!
Pediatric Nurse Salary
Hospitals, clinics, and parents value expertise in childcare. They do not shy away from paying a little extra to make sure that children get the care they need. This is great news for you. It means that you can work in a field that you are passionate about and earn more as well. The national average pediatric nurse salary was $55,000 in 2011! Census reports indicate that the health care industry is going to be one of the fastest growing industries for the next 10 years. That means that there will be more demand for pediatric nurses. As demand grows, so too will pediatric nursing income. Do not miss this opportunity!
Earning More, Earning Less
A pediatric nurse salary is not a flat number either. With a nursing degree, you have control of your own income and future. There are three levels of nursing degrees, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. A Licensed Practical Nursing degree and certification usually takes as little as a year. Registered Nurses must attend 2-4 years of nursing school, An Advanced Practice licensed nurse, such as a certified nurse anesthetist or midwife, must earn a master’s degree. The extra education is worth it! The more education you get, the higher the salary. As you move further up the education ladder, acquiring further specialties, your salary goes up with you.
Pediatric nursing income does not depend on just general education and experience. After you have achieved the basic nursing certification, specializing in certain areas can raise your salary. For example, certifying to work in a home-care setting usually adds $5,000 to a pediatric nurse salary. Certifying in other basic skills such as CPR can have the same effect. Employers who have a well-certified nurse will go the extra mile to retain their services. As you move upward through certification and education, you will garner better bonuses, benefits, and job security. Whether you are currently working, or just starting out, adding in a little more education can make a huge difference in your life.
Affording the Extra Certification
Even if the high salary does not entice you, employers are doing everything they can to encourage nurses to enter the field and pursue higher education. Many hospitals offer recruitment incentives that range from $2,000 to $20,000. You get that money just for agreeing to work for a specific hospital! If you are worried about moving or tuition costs, many hospitals offer tuition reimbursement and pay for relocation expenses.
Now is the time to pursue your dream of working with children. Enroll in one of the best pediatric nursing schools to start your journey towards earning a lucrative pediatric nurse salary.
