Pediatric Nurse Advises Chicago Students To Find, Follow Their Passion
Those who are good with kids and interested in a career in health care should consider becoming a pediatric nurse. The website explorehealthcareers.org reports that, "Children get scared and can't always clearly communicate 'what hurts.' Pediatric nurses know how to talk to children and how to dispel their fears. They also know how to ask children questions about their health, so they can gather complete and accurate information to aid in diagnosis and treatment."
Maureen Haugen, APN Manager & Pediatric Nurse Practitioner at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, offers some insight on how furthered education and certifications have helped to advance her career in the pediatric nursing field.
How does your experience in formal education relate to your current role?
"I earned my B.S.N., and went on to obtain my M.S. in parent-child nursing. I am also certified as a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP) and Pediatric Oncology Nurse, and I hold the title of chair on the Children's Oncology Group Nursing Education Subcommittee. My formal education directly relates to my current role as a PNP in pediatric oncology, in that a master's degree is needed, as well as certification as a PNP. The certification as a pediatric oncology nurse just seals the deal as far as my passion, dedication and knowledge base."
How has your education helped to further your career and contribute to your success?
"Having an M.S. in nursing and the PNP certification has given me opportunities of practice and flexibility that I never would have had, had I not taken the advice of my father to go on for my graduate degree after basic nursing school, and my graduate advisor to continue on with my PNP certification."
What is some advice you can offer others looking to go into the field of nursing or health administration?
"There are so many specialty areas of nursing. Find your passion; find a mentor, and join an organization to further yourself professionally. There will be endless people who you will touch, and will touch you to make your lives fuller."
Sara Lugardo is a professional writer out of Chicago, Illinois. She has a bachelor's in communication and is currently working on her master's. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.
