Children's Nursing BN (Hons)

At the University of Chester, Children’s Nursing isn’t just about reading textbooks—it’s about doing and experiencing nursing firsthand. From day one, you’ll gain practical skills in state-of-the-art simulation suites that mimic real hospital wards, community clinics, and family care settings. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to practise vital techniques safely before stepping into real clinical environments, all while being guided by experienced nurses who bring their real-world insights into every session. Alongside this, you’ll enjoy a mix of workshops, group activities, and digital tools that make learning interactive, engaging, and directly applicable to the work you’ll do with children and families.

Your practical learning experience includes:

• Hands-on practice in simulation suites: replicate hospital and community environments so you can practise core nursing skills confidently.

• Clinical placements in hospitals and community settings: work with real patients under the guidance of qualified nurses, building both skill and confidence.

• Group projects and interprofessional sessions: collaborate with other healthcare students to understand team-based care and communication.

• Digital and virtual tools: use virtual simulations to sharpen decision-making and clinical reasoning before, during, and after placements.

• Workshops and scenario practice: develop key skills like communication with children and families, monitoring vital signs, and delivering age-appropriate care.

• Access to libraries and resources: use the Wheeler Library and online databases for research, evidence-based practice, and reflective learning.

• Guidance from experienced professionals: learn from registered nurses and clinical educators who bring real patient care experience into the classroom.

Graduating from the Children’s Nursing programme at the University of Chester sets you up for a meaningful and rewarding career caring for children, young people, and their families. Many students move straight into frontline roles where they can make a real difference, supported throughout by the university’s expert Careers and Employability team:

• Typical career paths: Registered Children’s Nurse, Community Paediatric Nurse, Specialist Clinical Practitioner in paediatrics, Health Educator.

• University support for employment: Chester’s Careers and Employability team offers personalised guidance, CV and application help, interview preparation, workshops, and access to CareerHub — the university’s platform with job listings, internships, and employer events.

• Graduate outcomes & salary: Around 85% of nursing graduates move into work or further study within 15 months, with starting salaries averaging about £28,000, giving you a strong launch into a career in healthcare.

• Industry partnerships: Clinical placements are offered in collaboration with NHS Trusts and other healthcare providers, giving you invaluable real-world experience and professional contacts that often lead directly to job opportunities.

• Accreditation & professional value: Completing the course qualifies you to register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) as a Children’s Nurse — a credential recognised across the UK and internationally.

• Strong employability: Graduates are well-prepared for roles across hospitals, community health teams, paediatric departments, and specialist children’s services.

Further Academic Progression:
Once you’re a registered nurse, you can take your career further with postgraduate study. Options include MSc in Advanced Clinical Practice, specialisms in Paediatric Nursing, or research-led pathways that open doors to teaching, clinical leadership, or health policy roles. Postgraduate study allows you to specialise, take on more responsibility, and make an even bigger impact on children’s healthcare.