Critical care pediatric nurses specialize in the care of infants, children, and adolescents ranging in age from birth to 18 years, who have severe, critical, or life-threatening conditions. Family involvement is an integral part in the care process and the critical care pediatric nurse acknowledges family expertise and collaborates with them to provide care for the child. Highly developed communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and systematic inquiry skills are necessary to care for seriously ill children. As well, a keen knowledge of human growth and developmental phases is needed in order to adapt interventions according to the child’s developmental level.

For registered nurses, the Canadian Nurses Association offers the following certification credential: CNCCP(C) - Certified Nurse in Critical Care Pediatrics Canada

For a more detailed description of the critical care pediatric nursing role visit the National Association: Canadian Association of Critical Care Nurses (CACCN)

http://www.caccn.ca/new/