Children's Nursing

Children's nursing is the branch of nursing concerned with the care of neonates, infants, children, and young people across a wide range of health conditions, from acute illness and surgical recovery to long-term and complex conditions that require sustained support across childhood and into adulthood. Children's nurses work in hospital settings including paediatric wards, neonatal units, and children's intensive care, as well as in community settings, schools, and specialist clinics. The role demands a distinctive set of skills: not only the clinical competence to assess and care for patients with developing and variable physiology, but the ability to communicate with children across a wide developmental range and to work effectively with families who are often under considerable stress.

At London South Bank University, this three-year full-time programme is approved by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), which means successful graduates are eligible to apply for registration as a registered nurse in the children's field. The programme includes a foundation year, providing a supported entry route for students who are building towards degree-level nursing education. The current description highlights the dedicated facilities that support your training: two children's skills laboratories set up like nursing wards, where you will learn manual handling, basic life support, and nursing skills specific to the care of children.

This simulation environment allows you to develop and practise clinical skills in a safe context before you enter real clinical placements.

Clinical placements are a central and substantial part of the programme, with significant time spent in paediatric settings under the supervision of qualified nurses. This direct clinical experience is essential for the professional development that NMC registration requires.

Graduates registered as children's nurses work in NHS paediatric hospitals and trusts, community children's nursing services, private paediatric healthcare, school nursing, and specialist roles in paediatric oncology, intensive care, neonatal care, and other clinical areas. Career progression includes senior nursing roles, specialist practice, management, education, and research.