how to be a pediatric nurse

Pediatric Nursing is its own entity. 

It’s rough to see pictures of sick kids. 

But this is what we’re all about. 

We focus on the healing. 

Not just the pain. Disclaimer. 

Antley Bixler Syndrome. 

Omphalocele

Liver or other organ 

Is external at birth. 

Tracheotomy (pronounced traak) 

Is common with kids. 

Kids aren’t very good breathers sometimes. 

Think about it. Snotty noses = kids. 

Kids with trachs don’t always have a vent. 

But some do. 

Some just use it at night. 

Some - all the time. 

We think quadriplegia is total paralysis. 

Or that you have no feeling in your limbs. 

Not always. 

Functional quadriplegia, spine issues, 

Kyphosis, scoliosis, lordosis…

Subluxation of the hips…

Joints dislocated…

Lots of Ortho. 

Lots of Speech Therapy. 

We ❤️ Scottish Rite Children’s Hospital. 

Dallas is lucky. People come from 

All over to get treatment from the Shriners. 

They have never charged a dime 

For any service provided to any child. 

Little hands need lots of love. 

Kids don’t know they are sick! 

They don’t know what comes next. 

Kids need extra movement 

And range of Motion (stretching)

Because the bones can grow faster

 than the muscles- which pull-

And contractures develop. 

Kids should not have to face such things 

And yet- here we are! 

Kids with burns. 

Kids with cancer. 

Fat kids. Skinny kids. 

Kids that climb on rocks. 

Munchhausen By Proxy. 

Child abuse. Even terrorist attacks. 

Kids that are trafficked for sex. 

Kids that give birth to babies. 

Kids with COVID- HIV- etc. 

We stand beside them all

And protect and guide them. 

*Clara Barton. Nurse during the Civil War.*

Into this terrifying mix, 

the Nurses go-

Because we know we 

Can and DO make a difference. 

Even a wee difference. 

No life is too wee to have love.