Why study children's nursing?

What does a children's nurse do?

A children’s nurse – or paediatric nurse – provides both physical and emotional care to children and young people. They play an important role in healthcare, advocating children’s specific needs and building strong relationships with patients, families, and carers. As a paediatric nurse, you’ll be responsible for fostering a safe and supportive environment for your patients, and there are some vital skills you’ll need to go into this field of nursing.

One of the most important qualities for a children’s nurse is excellent communication. Establishing trust and rapport is essential, especially since young children may struggle to communicate as effectively as adults, so interpreting their behaviour is key to providing the appropriate treatment. Empathy, compassion, and problem-solving are also critical in this role, as well as having the ability to multitask, stay calm under pressure, and remain patient in challenging situations.

As a paediatric nurse, you’ll collaborate closely with doctors and other healthcare professionals, working as part of a multidisciplinary team. Your responsibilities will vary, ranging from conducting routine checkups and administering medication to treating injuries and offering preventative advice.

Four reasons to study children's nursing

1. It's a diverse area of nursing

Children’s nursing is one of the most diverse areas of nursing you can go into, giving you the chance to work with a wide range of patients in many different settings. Paediatric nurses care for children and young people of all ages, from newborns to teenagers, meaning every day on the job will present its own unique challenges.

While many nursing graduates choose to work for the NHS, a career as a children’s nurse offers many more opportunities beyond this. You could work in a private hospital or hospice, provide care in the community, or support children in settings like GP surgeries, charitable organisations, or schools as a school nurse.

You may decide to specialise in a particular area of children’s nursing that interests you most, such as neonatal intensive care, oncology, orthopaedics, child protection, or counselling. This highlights the importance of being adaptable and flexible, as the demands of each specialism can vary greatly and require a willingness to continuously learn and grow in your role.

2. You can make a real difference

While paediatric nursing can be both physically and emotionally challenging, it’s also one of the most rewarding roles in healthcare, and you’ll be able to make a lasting and positive impact on the lives of children and their families. Witnessing the resilience of children as they overcome hardship – and knowing that you’ve been an integral part of their recovery – brings an immense sense of job satisfaction. In some cases, you may also provide long-term care for a child, becoming a trusted and important part of their healthcare journey.

"I chose to study at Sunderland because I really liked the look of the facilities, especially the children’s ward, which gives us an opportunity to practise essential nursing skills. I also liked the structure of the course, which allows you to complete the theory and placement blocks separately. I love the practical lessons – getting hands-on and learning those skills excites me! Studying for my degree has helped me get a step closer to my dream career." Rachael Gallagher, BSc (Hons) Children's and Young People's Nursing Practice.

3. Children's nurses are in high demand

The NHS workforce continues to face a shortage of qualified nurses, which means that securing a job after graduation is likely to be easier than in many other fields. Paediatric nurses are in high demand across the UK, so you can expect to find opportunities wherever you live. Becoming a children’s nurse offers excellent job prospects and clear career progression, and if you decide to work for the NHS, you’ll start at band 5 with a salary of £29,970. Over time, this will gradually increase as you gain experience, reaching £36,483 at the top of the band.

You may then choose to take on more senior roles within higher bands, such as a team leader or ward manager. The highest paying nursing positions, such as nurse consultants, offer a salary of up to £57,349 within band 8a. Obtaining a postgraduate nursing degree can also help accelerate your development and open doors to more advanced roles.

4. Opportunities for professional development

All nurses are required to renew their registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) every three years, which means there’ll always be opportunities for children’s nurses to continue their professional development and enhance their practice. Keeping up to date with the latest advancements in paediatric care is essential to providing the highest quality treatment for your patients. We offer a variety of short courses and CPD across a wide range of healthcare specialisms to help you stay at the forefront of your field.

Studying on the BSc (Hons) Children's and Young People's Nursing Practice course

Becoming a children’s nurse requires completing an undergraduate degree, and our BSc (Hons) Children’s and Young People’s Nursing Practice course is the perfect next step towards achieving your dream career. The course is taught by experienced staff with a strong nursing background, and you’ll benefit from state-of-the-art facilities, such as our mock children’s ward, immersive suite, and simulation technology – which includes our baby and child interactive manikins. Successful completion of the course will allow you to become a registered children's nurse with the NMC.

Have we convinced you that a career in children’s nursing could be a great choice? Find out more and apply now by visiting the course page or join us on campus for an Open Day.