A pediatric nurse provides medical treatment for a child. A pediatric palliative care nurses also offers emotional and social support for patients. Nurse practitioners hold at least a master’s degree and often hold a doctorate in nursing. Pediatric palliative care nurse practitioners may work independent of a physician.
Basic Duties
The duties of a pediatric palliative care nurse include those common to all nurse practitioners. They must perform patient assessments, make diagnoses and design their patients’ treatment plan.
Specific Duties
The duties that are specific to palliative care primarily consist of emotional support for the patients, especially those with long-term or severe illnesses. Palliative care nurses often provide counseling to the patient’s family members, making this specialty a family-centered practice.
Education
A pediatric palliative care nurse practitioner must obtain an undergraduate degree. This is usually a bachelor’s degree in nursing, but it can also be an associate degree. A student with a bachelor’s degree in an unrelated subject can also fulfill the educational requirements with an additional two years of study in nursing. A nurse practitioner must also earn a master’s degree in nursing and at least one year of clinical experience. Many nurse practitioners also obtain a doctorate, especially when they specialize in areas such as pediatric palliative care.
License
A pediatric palliative care nurse must obtain a license as a registered nurse. The complete requirements vary by state, but all states require a passing grade on the National Council Licensure Examination for registered nurses.
Additional Skills
A pediatric palliative care nurse practitioner also requires well-developed social skills for the counseling needed in this occupation. Many nurse practitioners speak additional languages. Pediatric palliative care nurses frequently have practical experience in the management of chronic diseases.