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Children's nurse
Hours
37.5 per week
Starting salary
£21,176 + per year
If you enjoy helping and caring for children, this job could be ideal for you. A children's nurse provides care for children and young people with a wide range of conditions.
As a children's nurse, you will need to have the ability to comfort, reassure and gain the trust of patients. You’ll need excellent communication and listening skills. You’ll also need the authority and confidence to deal with children or parents in stressful circumstances.
To work as a children's nurse, you will need a Nursing and Midwifery Council approved degree or a Diploma of Higher Education in Nursing. You must also agree to a Criminal Records Bureau check.
WorkDesc
The work
A children's nurse provides care for children and young people (under the age of 18) with a range of conditions often linked to acute or long-term health problems.
Children are not always able to fully communicate how they are feeling. As a children's nurse, you would use your skills and knowledge to interpret children's behaviour and recognise when their health has deteriorated.
Your duties would usually include:
- working with doctors to assess the needs of ill, injured or disabled children
- deciding what level of nursing care is required
- working closely with parents and carers to help them cope with having an ill child in hospital
- teaching parents or carers how to care for their child after returning home.
The practical nursing care you give could include:
- checking temperatures
- measuring blood pressure and breathing rates
- helping doctors with physical examinations
- giving drugs and injections
- cleaning and dressing wounds
- administering blood transfusions and drips (intravenous drips)
- using hi-tech medical equipment.
You would work closely with other professionals including healthcare assistants, doctors, social workers and hospital play specialists.
With experience, you could go on to specialise in an area such as burns and plastics, child protection, cancer care, neonatal nursing or intensive care.
HoursDesc
Hours
You would normally work 37.5 hours a week, which can include evenings, weekends, night shifts and bank holidays. Many hospitals offer flexible hours or part-time work. Extra hours may also be available.
You could work in a special children’s hospital or hospice, on a children’s ward in a general hospital or, after further training, in paediatric intensive care. You could also work in the community, at a GP practice or at a child health clinic.
IncomeDesc
Income
Nurses can earn between £21,176 and £27,534 a year.
Nurse team leaders and managers can earn around £30,460 to £40,157 a year. Nurse consultants can earn up to £55,945 a year.
Extra allowances may be paid to those living in or around London.
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
EntryRequirementsDesc
Entry requirements
To work as a children's nurse, you will need a Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) approved degree or a Diploma of Higher Education in Nursing (child branch).
Please note: The final opportunity to start the nursing diploma will be Spring 2013. From September 2013, students will only be able to qualify as a nurse by studying for a degree.
To do an approved course, you will need:
- proof of your English and maths skills, good health and good character
- evidence of recent successful study experience, especially if you have been out of education for a number of years.
You must also agree to a Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) check. For information, see the CRB website.
Course providers can also set their own academic entry requirements, which can include:
- for a nursing diploma – five GCSEs (A-C) preferably in English, maths and/or a science-based subject
- for a nursing degree – the same GCSEs as the diploma, plus two or three A levels, possibly including a biological science or an equivalent qualification.
Some course providers offer Advanced Diplomas in Children's Nursing. This qualification and the entry requirements are between a diploma and a degree.
Check with universities for exact entry requirements as other qualifications, such as an Access to Higher Education course, may be accepted. For a list of degree and diploma course providers and application advice, visit the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).
It could also help you if you have some relevant paid or voluntary experience. Contact the voluntary services coordinator or manager at your local NHS Trust for further advice.
Funding
Nursing diploma and degree courses starting in 2011 attract non-repayable bursaries to cover living expenses. Those starting their studies on an approved nursing course from September 2012 will receive a non-means tested grant of £1,000, an additional means tested bursary of up to £4,395 per year (£5,460 for students in London) and a reduced rate non-means tested loan. Check the NHS Business Services Authority website for details.
Alternative entry routes
You could prepare for a nursing course through a two-year cadet scheme or Apprenticeship. Schemes vary between NHS Trusts but usually combine clinical placements with working towards QCF/NVQ Level 3 in Health. Contact your local NHS Trust for details of cadet schemes in your area. To find out more about Apprenticeships, visit the Apprenticeships website.
If you are a healthcare assistant with a QCF/NVQ Level 3 in Health and have the support of your employer, you may be able to complete nurse training on a part-time basis by applying for a secondment. You would receive a salary whilst you study. When you qualify, you may need to work for the NHS Trust that funded you for a minimum period of time.
If you have a first or second class honours degree in a subject related to health or nursing, you could qualify by taking an accelerated programme for graduates. For more information, see the course finder section on the NHS Careers website.
As a nurse trained outside the UK and European Economic Area (EEA), you may need to complete the Overseas Nurses Programme (ONP) before you begin work. Occasionally, EEA-trained nurses may also be required to take an aptitude test (or similar) in order to prove professional competence. See the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) website for details.
TrainingAndDevelopmentDesc
Training and development
Once you are on a nurse training programme, you will divide your time between university or college and supervised placements in local hospitals and the community. Courses usually take three years full-time to complete.
During the first year you will follow the Common Foundation Programme, which includes:
- an introduction to the four branches of nursing and maternity care
- developing observation, communication and caring skills
- studying anatomy, physiology, psychology, sociology and social policy
- learning core practical caring skills.
For the remaining two years of training, you will specialise in the children's branch of nursing and study the development and care of children who are healthy as well as sick. You will also spend around 50% of the course on relevant clinical placements.
To work as a children's nurse in the community, you will usually need to take a Specialist Practitioner Community Children's Nurse Programme. Check the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) website for details.
Professional registration
As a qualified nurse you must renew your professional registration with the NMC every three years. To renew, you will need to have worked a minimum of 450 hours and completed at least five days of study for professional development every three years. Check with the NMC for details.
Return to practice
If you are a former registered nurse wanting to return to the profession, you can take a return-to-practice course. Contact your local NHS Trust for details.
SkillsAndKnowledgeDesc
Skills and knowledge
To become a children's nurse, you will need to have:
- a genuine interest in helping and caring for children
- good observation skills
- the ability to make decisions and act quickly when you notice changes in children's health
- the ability to comfort, reassure and gain children's trust
- excellent communication and listening skills
- an awareness of the variety of techniques for communicating with children, such as play
- the authority and confidence to deal with children or parents in stressful circumstances
- the ability to teach parents or carers basic nursing skills
- physical and mental stamina
- good organisation and time management skills
- the ability to remain calm under pressure
- a mature, compassionate and sensitive manner.
MoreInformationDesc
More information
Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) 
23 Portland Place
London
W1B 1PZ
Tel: 020 7333 9333
www.nmc-uk.org
Queens University of Belfast
School of Nursing and Midwifery
Medical Biology Centre
97 Lisburn Road
Belfast
BT9 7BL
Tel: 028 9097 2233
www.qub.ac.uk
University of Ulster at Jordanstown
School of Nursing
Shore Road
Newtownabbey
Co Antrim
BT37 0QB
Tel: 08700 400 700
www.ulster.ac.uk
Health Learning and Skills Advice Line
Tel: 08000 150850
National Leadership and Innovation Agency for Healthcare
Innovation House
Bridgend Road
Llanharan
CF72 9RP
Tel: 01443 233 333
www.nliah.wales.nhs.uk/
NHS Careers
PO Box 2311
Bristol
BS2 2ZX
Tel: 0345 60 60 655
www.nhscareers.nhs.uk
Skills for Health
Goldsmiths House
Broad Plain
Bristol
BS2 0JP
Tel: 0117 922 1155
www.skillsforhealth.org.uk
OpportunitiesDesc
Opportunities
You will find most jobs within the NHS, however you could also work in the private sector and in schools.
With experience you could progress to sister, ward manager or team leader with responsibility for running a ward or a team of nurses in the community. You could go on to other management roles, such as a matron or director of nursing.
With further study (for example to Masters degree level) you may be able to apply for advanced nurse practitioner (ANP) and clinical nurse specialist (CNS) posts.
Experience in these roles can lead to a nurse consultant position. Consultants work directly and independently with patients, carry out research, and develop and deliver training. You may need to be working towards a PhD in a relevant subject for this.
As a children's nurse, you could train as a health visitor, neonatal or school nurse, or practice nurse in a doctor's surgery. You could also become self-employed or work overseas. You could train in another branch, such as adult, learning disability or mental health, by completing a ‘second registration’ course. These take around one year and you will usually need evidence of recent study and financial support from your employer.
You may find the following useful for vacancies and general reading (links open in new window):
Job profiles are based on the latest information supplied to us by industry bodies, such as Sector Skills Councils. Please be aware that with the introduction of the Qualifications and Credit Framework there has been, and will continue to be, changes to vocational qualifications. For more information, please check with industry bodies directly.
We do not accept responsibility for the content of external sites.
LMIData
Related industry information
Industry summary
The health sector is represented by Skills for Health Sector Skills Council, which comprises three sub‐sectors:
- National Health Service (NHS)
- Independent Healthcare Sector (such as private and charitable healthcare providers)
- Third Sector (healthcare) (such as small local community and voluntary groups, registered charities, foundations, trusts, social enterprises and co‐operatives)
The health sector is made up of hospitals, doctors’ surgeries, dental practices, the ambulance service, nursing homes, residential care homes, complementary medicine and a huge range of other health related activities, from sight tests in opticians to research in medical laboratories. Most people in the health sector work in the publicly funded National Health Service (NHS), which includes:
- primary care (organisations which the public goes to first) – Doctors/General Practitioners (GPs), NHS Walk in Centres, NHS Direct, Out of Hours Emergency Care
- secondary care (organisations which the public are referred onto) – Ambulance Trusts, NHS Trusts/hospitals, NHS Foundation Trusts/hospitals, Mental Health Trusts, Care Trusts (provide joint health and social care activities)
NHS policy in England is directed from the centre by the Department of Health. Local organisations, known as Primary Care Trusts (PCTs), are in charge of providing and commissioning services, controlling the majority of the budget. PCTs are overseen by 10 regional organisations called Strategic Health Authorities (SHAs).
The independent sector includes companies and charities that offer hospital and specialist services usually after referral from a doctor. Operations and other work are carried out in private hospitals, independent treatment centres, mental health units and hospices.
Key facts:
- The health sector is the largest employer in the UK, representing 5.5% of the working age population of the UK and 7.3% of the working age population that are currently in employment.
- It is estimated that the sector employs over 2 million people, including:
- over 1.5 million people in the NHS (72%)
- over 0.5 million people in the Independent Healthcare sector (26%)
- almost 40,000 in the voluntary sector (2%)
- 56% of the workforce has a higher education qualification (or equivalent).
- The age profile for the sector shows an older than average workforce, which is due in part to the fact that it takes some professions a long time to train and can mean that people enter the sector later.
There is a varied list of jobs in the sector ranging from a diverse number of clinical roles, to support and infrastructure staff, for instance: Allied Health Professionals (AHPs); Ambulance Staff; Dental Staff; Doctors/Medical staff; Nursing staff; Midwifery Staff; Healthcare Scientists; Health Informatics Staff; Management; Wider Healthcare Team; Complementary Therapists.
National and regional data
High proportions of the health sector workforce are located in:
- London
- South East
- North West
East Midlands - The health sector employs 131,515 people, which accounts for 7% of all employment in the region.
- The East Midlands employs 8% of the total health sector workforce for England.
- The private sector accounts for 29% of all employment across the sector or 41,200 employees.
- Between 2007 and 2017, the total requirement for workforce will be approximately 133,000 people. This is the total of the predicted expansion plus replacement demand.
East of England - The health sector employs 164,720 people, which accounts for 7% of all employment in the region.
- The East of England employs 9.8 % of the total health sector workforce for England.
- The private sector accounts for 30% of all employment across the sector or 52,300 employees.
- Vacancies in the health and social work sector account for 14% of all industry vacancies.
- Between 2007 and 2017, the total requirement for workforce will be approximately 103,000 people. This is the total of the predicted expansion plus replacement demand.
London - The health sector employs over 249,524 people, which accounts for 6% of all the employment in the region.
- London employs 15% of the total health sector workforce for England.
- The private sector accounts for 33% of all employment across the sector or 78,500 employees.
- Vacancies in health and social work account for 12% of all industry vacancies.
- Between 2007 and 2017, the total requirement for workforce will be approximately 146,000 people. This is the total of the predicted expansion plus replacement demand.
North East - The health sector employs 89,201 people, which accounts for 8.7% of all employment in the region.
- The North East employs 5.3 % of the total health sector workforce for England.
- The private sector accounts for 25% of all employment across the sector or 23,800 employees.
- Vacancies in the health and social work sector account for 12% of all industry vacancies.
- Between 2007 and 2017, the total requirement for workforce will be almost 46,000 people. This is the total of the predicted expansion plus replacement demand.
North West - The health sector employs 251,960 people, which accounts for 8% of all employment in the region.
- The North West employs 15% of the total health sector workforce for England.
- The private sector accounts for 23.5% of all employment across the sector or 59,200 employees.
- Vacancies in the health and social work account for 11% of all industry vacancies.
- Between 2007 and 2017, the total requirement for workforce will be approximately 133,000 people. This is the total of the predicted expansion plus replacement demand.
South East - The health sector employs 264,071 people, which accounts for 7.1% of all employment in the region.
- The South East employs 15.7% of the total health sector workforce for England.
- The private sector accounts for 23.5% of all employment across the sector or 59,200 employees.
- Vacancies in the health and social work sector account for 12% of all Industry vacancies.
- Between 2007 and 2017, the total requirement for workforce will be approximately 164,000 people. This is the total of the predicted expansion plus replacement demand.
South West - The health sector employs 182,187 people, which accounts for 8.2% of all employment in the region.
- The South West employs 10.8 % of the total health sector workforce for England.
- The private sector accounts for 30% of all employment across the sector or 60,700 employees.
- Vacancies in the health and social work sector account for 12% of all Industry vacancies.
- Between 2007 and 2017, the total requirement for workforce will be approximately 105,000 people. This is the total of the predicted expansion plus replacement demand.
West Midlands - The health sector employs 168,746 people, which accounts for 7.2% of all employment in the region.
- The West Midlands employs 10% of the total health sector workforce for England.
- The private sector accounts for 25% of all employment across the sector or 43,000 employees.
- Vacancies in the health and social work sector account for 9% of all industry vacancies.
- Between 2007 and 2017, the total requirement for workforce will be approximately 108,000 people. This is the total of the predicted expansion plus replacement demand.
Yorkshire and the Humber - The health sector employs 182,848 people, which accounts for 8.2% of all employment in the region.
- Yorkshire and the Humber employ 10.9 % of the total health sector workforce for England.
- The private sector accounts for 24% of the total health care workforce or 42,000 employees.
- Vacancies in health and social work account for 11% of all industry vacancies.
- Between 2007 and 2017, the total requirement for workforce will be approximately 97,000 people. This is the total of the predicted expansion plus replacement demand.
Northern Ireland - The health sector employs 61,300 people.
- Northern Ireland employs 3% of the total health sector workforce.
- 81% of the workforce is female.
- 26% of the workforce is aged 35‐44 years.
- 96% of the workforce is white.
- 10% of the workforce reports a disability.
- 48% of the workforce is in Associate Professional and Technical occupations.
- 23% of organisations in the health and social work sector report vacancies.
Scotland - The health sector employs 201,500 people.
- Scotland employs 10% of the total health sector workforce.
- 78% of the workforce is female.
- 30% of the workforce is aged 45‐54 years.
- 95% of the workforce is white.
- 14% of the workforce reports a disability.
- 39% of the workforce is in Associate Professional and Technical occupations.
- 23% of organisations in the health and social work sector report vacancies.
Wales - The health sector employs 114,900 people.
- Wales employs 6% of the total health sector workforce.
- 74% of the workforce is female.
- 34% of the workforce is aged 45‐54 years.
- 94% of the workforce is white.
- 18% of the workforce reports a disability.
- 40% of the workforce is in Associate Professional and Technical occupations.
- 27% of organisations in the health and social work sector report vacancies.
[N.B. Data derived from Labour Force Survey, 2008‐2009, Annual Business Inquiry, 2007, and Northern Ireland Census of Employment, 2007]
Career paths
Further sources
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