Nursing Studies with Registration as a Children's Nurse
Children's nursing is the branch of nursing dedicated to the health and wellbeing of infants, children and young people, from neonates through to adolescents, in a wide variety of clinical settings from paediatric wards and intensive care units to community health services and schools. It is a nursing specialism that requires not only rigorous clinical training but also distinctive communication skills, a deep understanding of child development and a commitment to family-centred care that recognises parents and carers as essential partners in the care of their child. At King's College London this three-year programme develops the clinical and professional capabilities needed for registration as a children's nurse, while also encouraging you to think carefully about what your nursing career might look like and how to build towards it.
You will study the biological, psychological and developmental sciences relevant to the health of children and young people alongside clinical assessment, pharmacology, safeguarding, management of acute illness and chronic condition management. King's connections with major London NHS trusts provide access to clinical placements across a diverse range of paediatric settings, giving you experience with a wide variety of patient presentations and professional contexts. The programme develops your ability to work within multidisciplinary teams, to advocate effectively for children and families and to provide care that is responsive to the individual needs and circumstances of each patient.
Simulation facilities allow you to practise clinical skills in a safe environment before working directly with patients.
Graduates register as children's nurses with the Nursing and Midwifery Council and work in paediatric wards, neonatal units, children's community nursing teams, school nursing, paediatric outpatients and specialist services. With experience, nurses develop into specialist and advanced practitioner roles in areas including oncology, cardiology, emergency care, neonatal medicine and safeguarding. Some go on to postgraduate study in areas such as advanced paediatric nursing, healthcare leadership or public health, and some move into clinical education or research roles within the NHS.