Children's nurse

In this role you could:

• work with doctors to assess what a child needs if they are ill, injured or have a disability
•  decide what level of nursing care is required
•  give injections and medication, treat wounds and use medical equipment
•  observe and interpret a child's behaviour to monitor how well their treatment is working
•  support parents and carers who have a child in hospital
•  advise parents and carers on how to give ongoing care at home

• knowledge of medicine and dentistry
• knowledge of psychology
• excellent verbal communication skills
• the ability to use your initiative
• leadership skills
• the ability to work well with others
• the ability to understand people’s reactions
• customer service skills
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

You can get into this job through a university course or an apprenticeship.

With experience, you could:

• specialise in an area like burns, child protection, cancer care, neonatal nursing or intensive care
•  run a ward or team of nurses by becoming a clinical team leader or ward manager
•  work towards a management role like matron or director of nursing
•  train as a health visitor, school nurse or practise nurse in a doctor's surgery
•  do further study to become a nurse consultant and carry out research and training