Childrens Nursing

What is it?

A children’s nurse cares for children who are sick, and offers support to their families.

Your patient might be a tiny newborn, or a teenager hurt in a road accident. Whatever their age, they need your care and reassurance – and so do the people who love them.

 

Children aren’t just mini-adults. Younger children, especially, can’t always describe where it hurts or how scared they are.

 

You need to be sensitive to pick up on their feelings about being ill or in hospital. And you’ll need the strength and confidence to cope professionally with the distress of parents.

 

If you’ve got the talent to be a children’s nurse, your training will give you the skills you need for a rewarding career. It can be a challenge, but there’s no greater job satisfaction in nursing than helping a critically ill child.

 

What are the good bits?

• Enjoyable, varied and satisfying work
• Lots of opportunities including overseas and private sector
• The NHS pays tuition fees, and you can apply for a bursary
• Career path leads up to consultant level

What about pay?

£19,000 - £61,000+

 

What skills and interests do I need?

• Sensitive and reassuring
• All-round communication skills
• Confidence to deal with difficult situations
• Motivation, dedication

What qualifications/training will I need?

You can study either for a nursing diploma or for a nursing degree. A Nursing Diploma is typically two years in length and classed as a level five qualification. To apply for a diploma you must be at least 17½ and have a minimum of GCSEs or equivalent vocational qualifications (like NVQ Level 2) Other entry routes might also be available for example a relevant Access to HE course.

 

For a degree which is typically three years in length and classed as a level six qualification, you normally need to have level three qualifications to apply like A levels or a BTEC National Diploma in science and/or a health-related subject. Again other entry routes such as a relevant Access to HE course might also be accepted.

 

To find out more about the differences between a Nursing Diploma and Degree and the entry qualifications, it is a good idea to visit university websites. To help decide which is likely to be best for you it is a good idea to visit university open days and speak with staff and students studying on the courses.