A PICU, or a pediatric ICU, nurse is a critical care nurse who specializes in caring for critically ill infants, children, and teenagers in a pediatric intensive care unit. PICU nurses are experts at helping children and their families when they need it most- they are literal lifesavers!
A PICU nurse is dedicated to providing compassionate nursing care to the very sickest children. To give the best care possible, PICU nurses combine a deep understanding of physiology, keen observation, and top-notch technical skills with advanced and cutting-edge treatments.
PICU patients will capture your heart, command your attention, and keep you on your toes! Keep reading to learn more about this exciting, challenging, and extremely rewarding career path.
A PICU nurse works in a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, or PICU. These children are sicker and require more frequent observation, nursing care, and intervention than those on a general pediatric unit. PICU nursing care may include:
A PICU nurse provides excellent nursing care to their patients, and they provide support to their parents and families as well. PICU nurses can calm nerves, earn trust, and explain complex information to those in their care.
While you will have many emotionally charged and challenging moments as a PICU nurse, caring for critically ill children and their families is rewarding. You will make a meaningful and positive impact every day you go to work.
A PICU nurse typically works in a pediatric intensive care unit. PICUs are commonly located in children’s hospitals, large medical centers, or academic teaching facilities. Some PICUs can be found in smaller, community hospitals.
Large medical centers may offer a pediatric ICU that is specific to cardiac patients - a pediatric cardiac intensive care unit or PCICU, in addition to a pediatric intensive care unit. PCICUs care for children receiving heart surgery, heart transplants, and specialized treatment for other cardiac conditions.
Some PICU nurses receive specialized training to work on pediatric critical care transport teams. These nurses transport critically ill children in ambulances, helicopters, or fixed-wing airplanes to a facility that provides them with the specialized care they need.
PICU nurses encounter an extensive range of medical conditions. When patients need PICU care, they are sicker and need closer attention and care than what is provided in a pediatric unit.
PICU patients often require advanced respiratory, cardiac, and other support. These are some of the most common PICU diagnoses:
To become a PICU nurse, you will need to complete an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. Here’s what to do after you complete your degree:
A PICU nurse can advance their career by getting an advanced nursing degree- such as a master’s or doctoral degree with a pediatric focus. With an advanced degree, you can become a:
There are options to further your career as a PICU nurse without an advanced degree. With further training, you can become a:
PICU nurses need an associate's or bachelor’s degree in nursing and a nursing license. Here’s what comes next:
PICU nurses make between $64,896-$93,252, with a median salary of $80,019, according to Salary.com. PICU nurses who choose to specialize further, work as travel nurses, or obtain advanced degrees can earn substantially more.
PICU nursing pay varies by location. The May 2021 Bureau of Labor and Statistics report indicates that California, Hawaii, and Oregon have the highest pay, while South Dakota, Alabama, and Mississippi have the lowest pay for nurses. This list is not specific to PICU nurses, but a PICU nurse's salary likely follows this trend.
