Career Spotlight: Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
August 11, 2009 by alexi
Filed under Career, Healthcare, Online College
Nursing is a virtually recession-proof job that will always be in demand. My Colleges and Careers asked pediatric nurse practitioner SueAnn Hyland (R.N., P.N.P.) of Orange County, Calif., more about what she does on a daily basis.
Fun Fact: Married with two children, Hyland just completed her first triathlon last weekend. No big deal at all…
What made you interested in nursing?
My grandma was a Labor and Delivery nurse and growing up, my family and I always talked with her about her career which made me very interested in health care. As I got older, I recognized I really enjoyed working with and helping people and I was particularly keen on the variety of opportunities and flexibility within the world of nursing.
What are your typical daily responsibilities as a nurse?
Currently I work as a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner with two pediatrician’s in a pediatric office. I work completely autonomously in the care of children with ages ranging from birth - 21 years. My responsibilities include baby/child/teenage check-up’s and sports physicals, diagnosing and treating illnesses, writing prescriptions, and ordering and interpreting labs, x-rays and other tests.
What is your favorite part of the job?
Every area of nursing has its pros and cons, with unforgettable patients in each setting.
What are some of the different levels of training and certification involved in the nursing field?
There are a variety of of training and certifications in the nursing field which one of the reasons nursing is so appealing to me. I received my BSN as a registered nurse (RN) and then completed a master’s degree as a nurse practitioner specializing in pediatrics (PNP).
What are some misconceptions about nursing?
The only misconception about nursing that comes to mind is that it’s only for women. I have worked with a lot of men (particularly in the ICU settings) and they are amazing nurses: patients and families love them. Nursing is a great career that is flexible, in high demand and you can make great money- male or female.
What are some personality traits that work well in nursing?
Personality traits that work well in nursing include being detail-oriented, compassionate, a good listener, multi-tasker, and the ability to work well with people.
What is something that most people don’t know about nurses?
Most people don’t realize how hard nurses work: it is physically, emotionally, and mentally challenging at times, but also well worth it.
Most people don’t realize how hard nurses work: it is physically, emotionally and mentally challenging at times but also well worth it.
Thank you SueAnn! We realize you are doing phenomenal things in nursing, and wish you continued success!
For more information about careers in nursing, visit My Colleges and Careers.
