The Med Shed
What NHS career would suit you?

Children’s Nurse

THE WORKING DAY

Your day starts on Acorn, the children’s ward at Hull Women and Children’s Hospital. Today, you’re looking after a teenager who’s been in a car crash. You talk with his parents, assuring them he’s recovering well, and discuss future care plans. Although his mum is very upset, you reassure her that he’s in safe hands so she can go home and rest.

Later, you help monitor a toddler with breathing problems. Since you can’t communicate verbally, you pay close attention to the child’s facial expressions and movements to try and establish how she is feeling. You enjoy being around children and young people and making a positive difference to their lives.

DOES THIS SOUND LIKE ME?

You enjoy communicating with young people and are good at picking up both verbal and non-verbal clues about how they’re feeling. You’re calm in a crisis and good at handling people in distress.

WHAT'S NEXT?

You’ll need to do a degree level qualification to be a nurse so will usually need a minimum of five GCSEs (typically including maths, English language or literature and a science subject) at grades 5/4 (C) or above or equivalent level 2 qualification, then go on to take at least two A-Levels (e.g. including a subject like human biology, psychology or sociology) or equivalent level 3 qualification such as a BTEC or apprenticeship.

After A-Levels, you’ll need to go to university to do an approved full-time degree in nursing or apply for a nursing degree apprenticeship.

Nursing degree apprenticeships are available in some parts of the country and you’ll usually need the same level of GCSEs and A-Levels or equivalent qualifications.

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An interactive resource to help you find your career with us in the local NHS.

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