Course summary

Available for September or January intakes. Course overview: A child nurse cares for sick and healthy infants, children and young people and their families in a variety of health care settings. You share the child and family healthcare experiences, in sometimes very difficult and emotional times, is a privilege requiring sensitivity and compassion. The public places high expectations and levels of trust upon nurses, and this course develops practitioners who can meet these expectations. It is hard work and challenging, and very rewarding. Children's nurses take an holistic approach, and evidence-based practice coupled with an awareness of contemporary health issues facing children and young people. In accordance with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) you spend 50% of the course in theory settings and 50% in practice settings in child health settings such as children’s wards, health visiting, school nursing services and neonatal units where you develop proficiency and experience in skills required to be a child nurse. During practice allocations you are required to complete the shift patterns allocated to you by your mentor or supervisor. These will include early starts, night duty and weekend shifts. The structure and sequencing of University and placement-based learning means that holidays are fixed - it is not possible to take holidays outside of the set dates. Technology is an integral part of your learning with a dedicated children’s nursing lab on campus where you practice and develop required skills in a safe environment using simulation with the use of state of the art equipment. You study a range of modules to develop relevant underpinning theory specific to the needs of children such as child development, family centred care and safeguarding. The teaching team are experienced child nurses who use a blended approach of face-to-face teaching in seminars and lectures, virtual and online learning. Service users are involved in the development and delivery of the modules which ensures lived experiences of children and their families, exploration of contemporary issues facing children and young people and the impact on their physical, mental, social and emotional health are considered. All new and continuing eligible students on this course will receive a £5,000 each year, which is non-repayable. Eligible students can also apply for reimbursement of essential expenses for travel and accommodation to attend practice placements. On successful completion of the course you will be eligible to register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council on the nurses' part of the Professional Register (Children's Nursing). Please note 100% attendance is expected during this programme. Top reasons to study this course 1. Placement opportunities: strong links with our practice placement areas ensures a smooth transition between theory and practice, enhancing your student experience. 2. Industry-standard facilities: our facilities mirror aspects of clinical practice placements including a dedicated children’s ward lab where simulated mannequins are used to emulate real clinical situations. 3. Experienced teaching team: our teaching team collectively have a wealth of experience as children’s nurses so you benefit from their practical experience and academic expertise. 4. Financial support: study this course and you may be eligible for a £5,000 maintenance grant each year from the NHS Business Service Authority. Visit our course page to find out more. After the course: A diverse range of career opportunities are available within the NHS and private sectors in the UK and overseas. This course provides a stepping stone from which you can develop your expertise in the fields of nursing practice, leadership, research, education and consultancy.