Professional Nursing

Children and young people's nursing is a specialist branch of nursing that focuses on the healthcare needs of patients from birth to late adolescence, recognising that children are not simply small adults and that their physical, emotional and developmental characteristics require a distinct approach to assessment, treatment and care. Children's nurses work alongside paediatricians, allied health professionals and social workers in hospital wards, neonatal units, community settings and specialist children's centres, always with the family at the centre of the care relationship.

At Queen's University Belfast, this three-year full-time programme integrates academic theory and clinical practice in equal measure, with students spending half their time at university and half in placement with internationally recognised clinical partners in a wide variety of hospital and community settings across Northern Ireland. You will study the latest nursing theory and develop clinical skills across the full range of paediatric care, building the knowledge, judgement and professional attributes needed to deliver person-centred, safe and effective care in a fast-moving health service. The programme is designed to produce graduates who are ready to practise from their first day as registered nurses.

Successful completion of the programme leads to registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council as a children's nurse. Graduates work in paediatric hospitals, neonatal intensive care, paediatric emergency departments, community children's nursing teams, school nursing services and children's hospices. Many go on to develop specialist expertise in areas including paediatric oncology, cardiac care, neurology and safeguarding.

Leadership, clinical education and advanced practice are well-established career pathways, and the profession offers a deeply rewarding career with consistent demand for skilled practitioners across the UK and internationally.