Nursing
Child nursing is a professional nursing specialism dedicated to the care of infants, children, and young people, from birth through to young adulthood. Working with this patient group requires particular knowledge, sensitivity, and skill: children's physiological and psychological needs differ significantly from those of adults, their ability to communicate symptoms varies with age, and family-centred care is central to effective practice. Children's nurses must build trust with young patients who may be frightened or in pain, communicate clearly with parents and carers who are often anxious, and work with the paediatric healthcare team to coordinate safe and compassionate care.
At Middlesex University, this three-year programme leads to registration as a children's nurse with the Nursing and Midwifery Council. You will study with expert teaching staff in state-of-the-art facilities, and undertake placements at London's top hospitals, giving you clinical experience in the diverse and complex paediatric healthcare environments that a major city offers. You will develop the clinical knowledge and skills to care for children across the full spectrum of paediatric conditions, from common acute illnesses to complex long-term needs, and build the communication and professional skills to support children and their families effectively.
The curriculum covers child development, paediatric physiology and pathology, pharmacology and medicines management, safeguarding, mental health awareness, and the ethical and legal dimensions of caring for children and young people. Clinical placements are integrated throughout, developing your competence alongside your academic understanding.
On qualifying and registering with the NMC, you will be eligible to work as a children's nurse across NHS and independent sector settings. Career pathways include paediatric ward nursing, community children's nursing, neonatal care, school nursing, and specialist roles in areas such as oncology, palliative care, and emergency paediatrics. Postgraduate study in advanced practice or a specialist paediatric field is available for those who wish to develop their expertise further.