Pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) jobs involve the care of children and adolescents, usually up to the age of 18, with life-threatening or high-acuity conditions. PICU nursing jobs also typically require collaboration with families, physicians and other healthcare professionals or clinicians to determine the best course of patient care and recovery.
RNs seeking PICU nursing jobs must have completed a four-year course of instruction at an accredited university, or have earned an associate of nursing degree from a two-year community college followed by a diploma program at a healthcare facility. Many facilities usually require additional pediatric education and support PEDS training.
The 2012 Nurse Salary Survey from ADVANCE for Nurses found that ICU nurses make an average of $75,800 annually, while pediatric nurses average $72,600. Nurses with tenured experience may receive higher levels of compensation.
