How to Become a Pediatric Endocrinology Nurse

The path to pediatric endocrinology nursing is very specialized, treating a niche group in the youth population. Registered nurses (RNs) often pursue a career in this field because it allows them to combine their love for children with their passion and desire to improve patients’ health. Due to an increase in childhood autoimmune disorders including childhood diabetes and precocious puberty, the demand for pediatric endocrine nurses is on the rise.

This guide will cover the steps to become a pediatric endocrinology nurse, salary ranges and job outlook for RNs, and the benefits to certification and advanced education.

These specialized nurses treat and manage endocrine disorders in a patient population from birth to 18 years of age, sometimes beyond. The most common metabolic disorder in children and adolescents istype 1 diabetes. Other conditions include hypoglycemia, growth hormone deficiency, thyroid complications, tumors, and hormonal imbalances.

Pediatric endocrinology nurses develop a collaborative treatment plan with the healthcare team to include diagnosing, assessing, planning, and implementing. Implementing might include testing, treatments, and dispensing medications. Then, they evaluate the patient’s response to treatment.

In addition to managing patient care, pediatric endocrinology nurses educate the patients and families on how to effectively manage the disorder and to make healthy lifestyle choices. Many families must learn how to give complex medications at home and the learning curve for those dealing with these disorders is steep.

For these reasons, it is critical that pediatric endocrinology nurses possess excellent teaching and communication skills. Nurses will be required to educate parents and guardians on the process of administering insulin injections, testing blood glucose levels, inserting a catheter for an insulin pump, and setting up sliding scale insulin doses.

A pediatric endocrinology nurse can work in professional environments such as hospitals, pediatrician offices, and outpatient clinics. Roles for this skilled nursing path include nurse practitioner (NP), clinical nurse, diabetes management nurse, diabetes educator, or endocrinology testing nurse.

Essential steps to this role include earning a nursing degree, passing the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX), getting nursing experience in pediatrics and endocrinology, and searching for employment.

You may also consider becoming a certified diabetes care and education specialist (CDCES) to open the door to further opportunities. Program and licensure requirements may vary depending on state/employer.

Earning an ADN is the minimum requirement to work as a pediatric endocrinology RN, but a BSN is preferable by most employers.

Nursing students also have the option of enrolling in an accelerated BSN program. These programs can be completed as quickly as 1-2 years. The tradeoff is that these programs are often considerably more challenging compared to a four-year program due to the condensed curriculum.

An RN licensure is needed for a career as a pediatric endocrinology nurse. Prerequisites to an RN license include holding an ADN or a BSN and passing the NCLEX-RN. Recertification is maintained by completing annual continuing education requirements.

There is not a specific certification option for pediatric endocrinology nursing. Having certification is not required for this role. However, becoming a certified diabetes instructor or completing a certification program from the Association of Diabetes Care and Education Specialists (ADCES) may be beneficial.

CDCES credentialing validates credibility and specialized knowledge in diabetes. The ADCES offers certification programs with time commitments of 6-10 continuing education hours in different disciplines.

Any of these certifications can lead to more attractive job opportunities and higher salaries.

A great avenue for licensed nursing graduates searching for a job in pediatric endocrinology is nursing recruiting services. Agency recruiters often have confidential information on positions that are not available to the public. Researching active job postings on job board sites or on the career page on company websites are other sources.

Work setting can play a role in a pediatric endocrinology nurse’s salary. Other factors include education, certification, and experience. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) does not identify compensation and outlook information specific to pediatric endocrinology nursing.

However, the data would be consistent with the general RN annual salary and outlook information according to the BLS. The BLS details wage estimates for RNs ranging from 10% at $59,450 to 90% at $120,250 with a median annual wage of $77,600.

Furthermore, the BLS projects employment for RNs to grow 9% from 2020 to 2030.

The fastest career path for a pediatric endocrinology nurse is to earn an ADN and pass the NCLEX exam.

A master of science in nursing degree is the best degree for pediatric endocrinology nurses. This advanced degree allows a nurse to function in roles such as an NP or clinical nurse specialist (CNS).

This specialized nurse works with a team of healthcare professionals. This panel may include physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, social workers, dietitians, and CDCES nurses.

Advanced opportunities available for a pediatric endocrinology nurse include nurse administration, NP, or CNS.

Page last reviewed February 28, 2022