Nursing Career Aspirations
Former student returns with a nursing colleague to promote opportunities within the field of paediatric nursing to Y13 Health & Social Care students
On Tuesday, 4th March, two paediatric nurses, Anisa and Tachelle, visited our Year 13 Health and Social Care class. Anisa is a former student of Barnhill who studied Child Development under Mrs Jumpp- Graham.
Anisa and Tachelle provided a detailed insight into the field of paediatric nursing. Their talk was highly informative and particularly useful for students considering a career in paediatric nursing.
Child Nursing, also known as paediatric nursing, is a specialised branch of nursing that focuses on providing care for infants, children, and young people up to the age of 18 with a range of medical conditions. Paediatric nurses work in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, and community care, to support the physical, emotional, and developmental needs of children while also offering guidance and reassurance to their families.
Key responsibilities of paediatric nurses, include:
- Assessing and monitoring health conditions
- Administering treatments and medications
- Educating and advising parents and carers
- Working as part of a healthcare team – Collaborating with doctors, physiotherapists, and other healthcare professionals to develop and deliver treatment plans.
The "6 Cs of Nursing" are a set of values and principles that guide the nursing profession (see graphic).
Anisa and Tachelle discussed different pathways into pediatric nursing, including:
- University Degree – Completing a BSc (Hons) in Children’s Nursing, which typically takes three years and includes both academic study and practical placements.
- Degree Apprenticeships – Some hospitals offer nursing degree apprenticeships, which allow students to work and study at the same time.
- Nursing Associate Route – Some people start as nursing associates, gaining practical experience before progressing to a full nursing qualification.
- Typical entry requirements for pediatric nursing courses usually include:
- A-levels or equivalent qualifications – Most universities require at least two A-levels, often in a science or health-related subject.
- GCSEs – A minimum of five GCSEs, including English, Math's, and Science at grade 4/C or above.
- Access to Higher Education Diploma – A qualification designed for those who do not have traditional academic qualifications.
- Relevant Work Experience – Gaining experience in a healthcare setting, such as volunteering or working in a hospital, can strengthen applications.
