Children's nurse

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

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• student finance for fees and living costs|https://www.gov.uk/student-finance
• university courses and entry requirements|https://www.ucas.com/

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

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide

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.

You'll find it helpful to get some experience before you apply for nurse training.

You could:

• get work experience in health or education
• volunteer with a charity that works with children and young people
• search for opportunities with NHS Volunteering
• find openings through The National Council for Voluntary Organisations and Do IT

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.

Registrations

you'll need to register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council

Career Tips

You'll be expected to show how you would use NHS values in your work, when applying for a course or apprenticeship.

Further Information

You can find advice about how to become a children's nurse from the Nursing & Midwifery Council and Health Careers .

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

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.