What made you choose to become a pediatric nurse?

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Your choice of profession tells alot about you. Interviewers often ask what made you choose a specific profession. It's their way of getting to know you and seeing how passionate you come across regarding your choice.

"I actually worked medical-surgical nursing for a while before deciding to work in pediatrics. I enjoy getting to be the 'happy face' in the midst of uncertainty for those children. It is a very rewarding job."

"I love kids and honestly never thought of choosing any other career. As soon as I started nursing school, I knew I had made the right choice. Going through my clinical rotation in pediatrics only solidified my choice."

"I know lots of people say they chose pediatrics because of a love for kids. I believe that and feel the same way, but it's not just my love for kids. Pediatric nursing requires a special passion for nursing. Our patients can't always communicate like an adult. A lot of what we do is based on their responses and actions, not just what they say. Also, we have to take into account that there are adults who have to make final decisions for them. I love getting to know people and the fact that I get to care for little ones who can't care for themselves means the world to me."

Anonymous Answer

"When I was 10 years old my grandfather was diagnosed with stage 3 lung cancer and that opened my eyes to the medical field as he was in the hospital for a couple of weeks when he had surgery to try to remove the cancer. I would go up there every day after school and sit and talk to him. This was a difficult time for me and my family and to this day I remember the friendly faces of the nurses that took amazing care of my grandfather up to his last days and comforted us when he passed. That experience is what inspired me to become a nurse. I babysat for many years before beginning nursing school and developed a love for caring for children so I knew I always wanted to do something with children. When I began nursing school I knew pediatric nursing was the right specialty for me. After completing my clinical rotation and preceptorship in pediatrics that solidified that I was right and my passion was in the pediatric field."

Cindy's Feedback

Good. I see how the two experiences combined to lead you to your occupation. Very clear.

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Anonymous Answer

"Prior to beginning my nursing degree, I ran my own business making silver fingerprint jewelry. I loved working with the children and there were times when they didn't want to participate and I would find fun ways to capture their fingerprints. I love helping kids find a smile in the midst of their illness and ailments. Pediatric nursing requires compassion and I think it is my love of children and my passion for nursing that lead me to want to become a pediatric nurse. My placements during uni have cemented this for me."

Amanda's Feedback

Terrific! Your love of children and helping others is a clear motivator for choosing pediatric nursing. Consider enhancing your response by relating the characteristics or skills you have that make pediatric nursing a natural choice for you such as empathy, patience, or an ability to build strong rapport and relationships.