What experience do you need to be a Pediatric travel nurse?

Usually 1–2 years of recent pediatric experience; PICU contracts want PICU experience. Requirements are set by each hospital, so check the job post.

What certifications do Pediatrics travel nurses need?

Most Pediatrics contracts require BLS and PALS, and many prefer CPN and CCRN (pediatric) for PICU. Bring current cards: agencies verify them before submitting you.

What is the nurse-to-patient ratio for Pediatrics?

Only California sets ratios in law: 1 nurse to 4 patients (PICU is critical care, 1:2) (Title 22 CCR §70217). Elsewhere it's hospital policy, so ask on the interview.

Pediatric travel nurse

Also posted as peds, PICU and pediatric.

Usually 1–2 years of recent pediatric experience; PICU contracts want PICU experience. Most contracts require BLS and PALS; many prefer CPN and CCRN (pediatric) for PICU. California, the only state with ratios in law, caps Pediatrics at 1 nurse to 4 patients (PICU is critical care, 1:2).

Updated October 2026

Children from infants to teens, on the floor or in a PICU. Children's hospitals and general hospitals with a peds unit want different experience.

What agencies ask for

Experience: Usually 1–2 years of recent pediatric experience; PICU contracts want PICU experience.
Required on most contracts: BLS and PALS
Often preferred: CPN and CCRN (pediatric) for PICU
Also expect: A skills checklist and references from your recent Pediatrics managers, and a license for the state (or a multistate license where it applies).

Ratios and floating

California minimum: 1 nurse to 4 patients (PICU is critical care, 1:2). Title 22 §70217

Traveler reports on Pediatrics ratios and floating appear here once a hospital's Pediatrics has 3 reports. Report a unit you worked on.

What Pediatrics travelers were offered

No Pediatrics offers shared yet. Pay is published as medians once 3 travelers have shared.

Decode a Pediatrics job post Share an offer anonymously

Ask before you sign

What ages, and is it a children's hospital or a peds unit in an adult hospital?
Will I float to adult units?
What's the usual ratio on days and on nights, and who covers breaks?
How many orientation shifts do travelers get, and are they paid?
Which charting system does the unit use?

Questions

What experience do you need to be a Pediatric travel nurse?: Usually 1–2 years of recent pediatric experience; PICU contracts want PICU experience. Requirements are set by each hospital, so check the job post.
What certifications do Pediatrics travel nurses need?: Most Pediatrics contracts require BLS and PALS, and many prefer CPN and CCRN (pediatric) for PICU. Bring current cards: agencies verify them before submitting you.
What is the nurse-to-patient ratio for Pediatrics?: Only California sets ratios in law: 1 nurse to 4 patients (PICU is critical care, 1:2) (Title 22 CCR §70217). Elsewhere it's hospital policy, so ask on the interview.

Other specialties: ICU · ER · Labor & Delivery · Med-Surg · PCU / Stepdown · Telemetry · OR · NICU · Psych