Children's nurse
Children's nurses care for babies, children and young people recovering from illness, injury and other health issues.
- Starter salary£32,000 a year
- Experienced£48,000 a year
- Typical hours37 to 40 a week
What you'll do
As a children's nurse, you could:
- care for children and young people who are ill, injured or have a disability
- work with doctors to assess a child's needs and draw up care plans
- administer drugs, treat wounds and set up drips
- observe and interpret a child's behaviour during treatment
- monitor patient progress and update medical records
- support parents and carers who have a child in hospital
- advise parents and carers on how to give ongoing care at home
- work closely with the healthcare team, like play therapists and support staff
Working environment
You could work in an NHS or private hospital, at a hospice, at a children's care home, at a GP practice or at a health centre.
Your working environment may be physically and emotionally demanding.
You may need to wear a uniform.
Skills and knowledge you'll need
You'll need:
- knowledge of psychology
- excellent verbal communication skills
- active listening skills
- the ability to understand people's reactions
- the ability to use your initiative
- leadership skills
- the ability to work well with others
- to be flexible and open to change
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
How to become a children's nurse
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
- a conversion course from another branch of nursing
University
You can do a degree in children's nursing approved by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) .
You might be able to get extra student financial support through the NHS Learning Support Fund .
You may be able to do an extended degree that combines children's nursing with another nursing branch. You'll need to check that this type of course is recognised by the NMC.
You might be able to join the second year of a nursing degree if you already have a degree in:
- a health-related subject
- psychology
- life sciences
- social work
Full-time courses usually take 3 years.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science
- 2 or 3 A levels, including a science, or a level 3 diploma or access to higher education in health, science or nursing
Apprenticeship
You could apply to do a Registered Nurse Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship, if you work in a healthcare setting, like a hospital or clinic.
The degree apprenticeship takes around 4 years and is a mix of academic study and on-the-job training.
You'll need the support of your employer to do a degree apprenticeship.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a degree apprenticeship
Work
You could work as an assistant practitioner or nursing associate and study for a shortened nursing degree to qualify as a registered children's nurse.
Volunteering
You can volunteer with a charity that works with children and young people to get some experience.
Volunteering in the NHS is also a good way to get work experience in healthcare. This can be helpful when you apply for jobs or training.
You can find further opportunities through The National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) and Do it .
Other routes
If you're already a registered nurse, for example in adult nursing, you may be able to complete a conversion course to become a children's nurse. Courses normally take between 1 and 2 years.
Restrictions and requirements
You'll need to:
- pass enhanced background checks
Career path and progression
With experience, you could:
- specialise in an area like cancer care, neonatal nursing or intensive care
- supervise a team of nurses by becoming a clinical team leader or ward manager
- work towards a management role like matron or director of nursing
- train as a health visitor , school nurse or practice nurse
- become an advanced nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist or nurse consultant, if you have a postgraduate qualification
- work in research and training
Career tips
You would be expected to have an understanding of how the NHS values would apply in your work.
Registration
- you'll need to register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council
Guides for this industry
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