How to become
Explore the different ways to get into this role.
How to become a children's nurse
You can get into this job through a university course or an apprenticeship.
University
You can do a degree in children's nursing approved by the Nursing and Midwifery Council.You might be able to study another area of nursing alongside children's nursing on some degree courses.
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
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Apprenticeship
You might be able to apply for a Registered Nurse Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship, if you work in a healthcare setting like a hospital.
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 higher or degree apprenticeship
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Volunteering
You might find it helpful to get some paid or voluntary experience in healthcarebefore you apply for nurse training. It might also be useful to have experience working with children or young people.
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Registration
- you'll need to register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council
Further information
You can find advice about how to become a children's nurse from the Royal College of Nursing and Health Careers.
What it takes
Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.
What it takes
Skills and knowledge
You'll need:
- knowledge of medicine
- knowledge of psychology
- excellent verbal communication skills
- the ability to use your initiative
- leadership skills
- the ability to work well with others
- the ability to understand people’s reactions
- customer service skills
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
Restrictions and Requirements
You'll need to:
What you’ll do
Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.
What you'll do
Day-to-day tasks
In this role you could:
- work with doctors to assess what a child needs if they are ill, injured or have a disability
- decide what level of nursing care is required
- give injections and medication, treat wounds and use medical equipment
- observe and interpret a child's behaviour to monitor how well their treatment is working
- support parents and carers who have a child in hospital
- advise parents and carers on how to give ongoing care at home
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.
Career path and progression
Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.
Career path and progression
With experience, you could:
- specialise in an area like burns and plastics, child protection, cancer care, neonatal nursing or intensive care
- run a ward or team of nurses by becoming a sister, ward manager or team leader
- work towards a management role like matron or director of nursing
- train as a health visitor,school nurse or practise nurse in a doctor's surgery
- do further study to become a nurse consultant and carry out research and training
Current opportunities
Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.
Current opportunities
Apprenticeships In England
We can't find any apprenticeship vacancies in England for a children's nurse right now.
The Find an apprenticeship service can help you with your search, send alerts when new apprenticeships become available and has advice on how to apply.
Courses In England
Access to HE - Nursing
- Provider: Harrow, Richmond & Uxbridge Colleges (HRUC)
- Start date: 09 September 2024
- Location: Harrow
Access To Nursing
- Provider: On Course South West
- Start date: 21 September 2024
- Location: E-assessor
Find courses near you
Jobs In the United Kingdom
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