Children's nursing courses

Undergraduate courses

Children's Nursing BSc(Hons) Pre-registration course

What is children’s nursing?

Children’s nursing is a challenging but rewarding profession. Responsibilities include caring for sick children and their families; in addition, emphasis is placed upon the promotion of the health and well-being of children and young people.

There are numerous situations a children’s nurse may encounter such as:

• Caring for a very premature baby who weighs less than 1Kg (a bag of sugar).
• Assessing the needs of a child having an asthma attack.
• Supporting a family who is caring for their child with complex needs.

The opportunities and situations are endless...

What does it involve?

Children’s nurses work closely with the child’s family and members of the interprofessional team in order to facilitate high quality care. Children and young people are cared for in a variety of settings, including their own homes, schools and NHS trusts; this provides a range of clinical placements for those studying this field of nursing.

What personal attributes does a children’s nurse require?

• Excellent communication skills.
• An ability to respond to the needs of children, young people and families from different cultural backgrounds.
• An ability to remain calm in difficult situations.
• Empathy with children and their families and the ability to build therapeutic relationships.
• An ability to appreciate the developmental needs of children and young people.

Typical work activities

• Assessing, planning and implementing the care of a child or young person.
• Preparing children, young people and their families for operations and procedures.
• Explaining treatment and procedures to children, young people and their families.
• Supporting, advising and educating children, young people and their families.
• Working as a member of the interprofessional team, including working alongside doctors, health visitors, social workers, radiographers and physiotherapists.
• Administering medication.

Career options

As a registered nurse working with children, you will hold a degree with a professional qualification recognised by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC Council).

Children’s nursing provides a range of career pathways including:

• Working within NHS trusts, both acute and community settings.
• Working within non-NHS community environments (for example, hospices; special needs schools).
• Research posts.
• Educational posts.