Children’s Nursing is a branch of nursing science that involves caring for the wellbeing of children from birth to around 17 years old. The focus in nursing children is also on family care and support within family.
Becoming a Children’s Nurse
Child Nursing is one of the branches of nursing that student nurses can choose one completing the Common Foundation Programme (CFP) units of study. Further study involves learning the theory of Child Nursing while also completing a work placement in a Child Nursing setting. Some people do start working within child or family care first as Healthcare Assistants or Support Workers, then progressing to complete a nursing course of study.
Once qualified, student nurses then register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) to become registered nurses. Some may already have a nursing job to step into, and others may be searching for a nursing job in Children’s Nursing. Registering with Nursing Agencies may help to find the right job in your specialism.
Role of the Children’s Nurse
The child’s body and mind develops at a different rate to an adult’s which means that caring for a child is not like caring for an adult’s health. Children’s Nurses work with other medical professionals, family members, guardians and carers to prevent illness and injury. Part of the role often involves educating families about healthcare.
Certain competencies or skills are vital to work as a Children’s Nurse, such as being able to communicate with a child, being able to understand their responses and behaviours. Children, due to being in a developmental stage to adulthood, may experience sudden illness or stress, and nurses have a responsibility to identify and interpret the health of children.
Communicating with Children
For children, it is sometimes harder to express fears or anxieties and needs. Some children have disabilities and may not be able to communicate verbally. Their non-verbal or body language may have to be understood to know their needs. For this reason, people who choose to work as Children’s Nurses, need to have empathy and be intuitive, providing reassurance to the child for support.
Communicating with Distressed Parents
When children become ill, parents often become stressed because they fear losing their child due to illness or injury. Children’s Nurses need to show that they are in control and confident in exercising their caring skills, often having to educate parents about their child’s needs. Parents often need support and my need psychological therapy, particularly if they have a terminally ill child.
Working environments of the Children’s Nurse
Children’s Nurses may work in family homes, child health clinics, hospitals and day care centres. Their work is community orientated and includes interaction with doctors, hospital staff, psychologists, social workers and support staff.