Pediatric Nursing Jobs in Utah - UT

The highest demand, yet greatest shortage, for healthcare professions in the US belongs to nurses.  The nation’s youngest residents, in particular, require qualified care from pediatric nurses (PNs) and pediatric nurse practitioners (PNPs).  Since PNPs are advanced practice registered nurse professionals, they can serve as primary care providers for children, practice independently, and prescribe medicine.  For these reasons, many clinics have staff comprised completely of PNPs.

Utah’s pediatric nurses must be registered nurses with Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degrees.  Nursing students who aspire to practice as pediatric nurse practitioners must go further in school and earn Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degrees or doctorates.  They must also register as advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) with Utah’s state board of nursing and maintain prescriptive authority.

The nursing shortage nevertheless offers career opportunities for nursing professionals who become pediatric nurses and pediatric nurse practitioners.  In February 2011, for example, Indeed.com listed over 200 pediatric nursing jobs in Utah for pediatric nurses and nurse practitioners.

According to Kaiser Family Foundation’s 2008 figures, Utah had 43 hospitals and 96 nursing facilities.  Among Utah’s top employers for nursing professionals are Intermountain Medical Center, Saint Mark's Hospital, University of Utah Health Care, and Utah Valley Regional Medical Center.