Children's Nurse

A Children’s Nurse works with children of all ages who are suffering from many different illnesses and conditions, supporting the family as well as the child.

You will play a key role in caring for the needs of the child, considering their medical, social, cultural, and family circumstances when providing care. When working with children, you will need to interpret their behaviour and reactions to assess them, as they may not be able to explain how they are feeling.
A Children’s Nurse is a rewarding career as you will build strong bonds with both the children and their families, provide support through difficult times and make a difference to their lives.

Children's Nurse is also known as Nurse, Child Nurse.

Role Characteristics

Provide information, emotional support and reassurance to children and their parents or carers
Help and treat children who are unwell, injured or have a disability
Promote good health
Monitor children and keep records of any changes in their health
Help parents or carers to continue their child's care at home
Work with other health and care professionals

Skills

Empathy
Resilience
Observation
Communication
Working under pressure
Team work

Day in the life

Watch this video to find out more about work as a Children's Nurse

Routes into this role

Here are some example routes that can lead into this role.

Volunteering or work experience

GCSEs

BTEC

T-Level

A-Levels

Undergraduate degree

Degree apprenticeship

How to become

There are many routes into becoming a Children's Nurse; these include university or apprenticeships.

You will normally need 5 GCSEs including English, maths and sciences, or equivalent.

You will normally need either A-Levels, BTEC or T-Levels depending on your preference in learning. However, volunteering and work experience is valued by employers.

It is important to check your preferred course provider's entry requirements for guidance.

To practice as a Children’s Nurse you must be registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC).

Where can this role lead

No matter what role you start in or where you are in your career path, there are always opportunities to develop and progress in health and care.

You could specialise as a Children's Nurse within an area like burns and plastics, child protection, cancer care, neonatal nursing or intensive care.

You could run a ward or team of Nurses by becoming a Sister, Ward Manager or Team Leader, or you could work towards a management role like Matron or Director of Nursing. You could train as a Health Visitor, School Nurse or Practise Nurse in a Doctor's surgery.