I’m baffled. I can’t find an old fashioned pediatric nurse blog. I’ve found NICU nurse blogs. But where are the pediatric unit nurses? Perhaps someone needs to direct me on where to look.

I know there are pediatric nurses out there, so this post is for you. It continues in the theme of needing to remain up to date in the latest evidence based practice, with one of the best ways of keeping yourself informed is by joining professional organizations.

The Society of Pediatric Nurses is one of the largest professional organizations for pediatric nurses. They have incorporated clinical practice, research, education, and advocacy into their mission for caring for children and their families. Their professional publication is the Journal of Pediatric Nursing which is included in membership.

I absolutely love the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners acronym: NAPNAP. Oh, the power of suggestion….a nap sounds good. But once you start reading through their website, you’ll find a nap is the last thing you’ll want to do. Their website is loaded with information for NP’s and RN’s alike as well as information for parents. Their publication is the Journal of Pediatric Health Care. The President’s Choice Articles are free online in pdf format.

I have a great respect for nurses who care for children with cancer and terminal illness. I know that I could not do it, and I’m so glad for those who do. The Association of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Nurses offers nursing education and certification in this specialty. The Journal of Pediatric Oncology Nursing philosophy is special patients need special nurses also offers free sample articles available in pdf format.

Other pediatric specialty associations include the American Pediatric Surgical Nurses Association, the Northeast Pediatric Cardiology Nurses Association, and the Initiative for Pediatric Palliative Care.

Journals not affliated with a professional nursing organization include the Pediatric Nursing Journal. They offer a free copy to check them out before committing to a subscription. For some international flair, check out the Issues in Comprehensive Pediatric Nursing or the Journal for Specialists in Pediatric Nursing.