Nursing
Child nursing is a specialised field of professional nursing practice dedicated to the care of infants, children, and young people from birth to early adulthood. It requires a blend of clinical expertise, developmental knowledge, and the ability to communicate and build trust with patients who range from neonates to teenagers, as well as with their families and carers. Children's nurses work in hospital wards, paediatric intensive care units, community settings, schools, and specialist clinics, supporting young people through illness, injury, long-term conditions, and the transition to adult services.
At the University of Winchester, this four-year programme with foundation year leads to registration as a children's nurse with the Nursing and Midwifery Council. The foundation year is designed for students with non-standard entry qualifications, providing comprehensive academic preparation that supports progression onto the full nursing degree. Through the degree itself, you will develop the clinical knowledge, practical skills, and professional values needed to provide safe, compassionate, and evidence-based care to children and their families.
You will study the physiology and pathology relevant to childhood illness, pharmacology and medicines management, safeguarding principles, child development, family-centred care, and the ethical and legal dimensions of working with young patients. Clinical placements are a core feature of the programme, giving you experience across the range of settings in which children's nurses work and developing your clinical competence alongside your academic understanding.
On qualifying and registering with the NMC, you will be eligible to work as a children's nurse across the NHS and independent sector. Career pathways include paediatric ward nursing, neonatal care, community children's nursing, school nursing, and specialist roles in areas such as oncology, emergency paediatrics, and palliative care. Postgraduate study in advanced clinical practice or specialist paediatric nursing is available for those who wish to develop their expertise and take on leadership or specialist roles.