Key responsibilities
Patient care:
Administering medications and treatments, monitoring vital signs, and assisting with procedures or surgery.
Assessment and monitoring:
Examining children for changes in condition, assessing pain levels, and documenting symptoms.
Family support and education:
Communicating with families about treatment plans, providing emotional support, and educating them on how to manage a child's health at home.
Preventive care:
Providing vaccinations and counseling on health maintenance and disease prevention.
Coordination:
Working with doctors, surgeons, and other specialists as part of a child's care team.
Work environments
Hospitals: This is a common setting, with roles in general medical units, pediatric intensive care units (PICU), and emergency departments.
Clinics: Working in primary care or specialized pediatric clinics.
Schools: Providing health services in a school setting.
Home health: Providing in-home care for children with chronic illnesses or those who need specific treatments.