A career in nursing is extremely important in today's society. Without nurses to help doctors care for patients, the quality of care provided to patients may not be the same. Nurses not only play an important role in our community, but they are just as necessary as a police officer patrolling the streets or a teacher in a classroom. Although it may seem very easy to become a nurse, a person's desire must be very strong to actually pursue a career in nursing. Pediatric nursing is not only a profession that one would desire, but a profession that is widely sought after. The study of pediatrics began in the 1800s under the influence of Abraham Jacobi (Hockenberry, et al). Jacobi later opened a children's clinic at New York Medical College. “Pediatrics has become a distinct discipline from obstetrics” (Pearson 2005). Since then, pediatric care has progressed greatly. The first children's hospital in the United States opened in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1855, with the goal of reducing infant mortality rates through research. In terms of education, pediatric nursing requirements include either an associate's degree or a bachelor's degree in nursing. An associate's degree typically takes two years, while a bachelor's degree takes up to four years. Nurses can expect good job prospects regardless of their degree, but a bachelor's degree offers the best opportunities for advancement and pay. “In order to obtain your registered nurse license, you must obtain an associate's or bachelor's degree in nursing from an accredited nursing program” (Pearson 2005). Next, you must contact the Board of Nursing in the state in which you are seeking your license to obtain eligibility requirements and request the license application. After...... middle of paper ...... that so-and-so does this better/differently/faster/more competently than you at least once a shift. You will have to explain your actions most of the time and not only to the child but also to the parent. Children wrap themselves around your heart and get inside your head. When they laugh at something we say, it makes us feel good. When they want a hug before we leave the room, it makes us feel special. When they come back to visit us months after discharge and they've grown so much that you have to look at mom to make sure it's the same child, it's like no other feeling. When they get really sick, you suffer, and when they die, you grieve. They keep us human. Pediatric nursing isn't just a job you just have to want to do. It is a job that a person should put their whole heart into. A career in nursing is extremely important. The desire must be very very strong.