Paediatric nurse: Job description

A paediatric nurse works with children of all ages suffering from many different conditions. They play a key role in assessing children's nursing needs, taking into account their medical, social, cultural and family circumstances. Paediatric nurses then plan and deliver care in a variety of settings, such as hospitals, homes and in the community, as well as during transfers between these settings.

Paediatric nurses care for and support children and young people and work alongside their families in conjunction with other healthcare professionals.

Typical work activities

It is important that a paediatric nurse understands the particular needs of children and how these change through each developmental stage. Being able to communicate appropriately with children and their parents or guardians is a key part of the job, as is working in partnership with other healthcare professionals to ensure continuity of care.

Typical work activities vary according to the role, but they may include:

• assessing, observing and reporting on the condition of patients;
• preparing patients for operations and procedures;
• recording pulse, temperature and respiration and keeping accurate records of these observations;
• setting up drips and blood transfusions;
• maintaining and checking intravenous infusions;
• administering drugs and injections;
• assisting with tests and evaluations;
• responding quickly to emergencies;
• explaining treatment and procedures to enable parents/guardians to consent to treatment;
• supporting, advising and educating patients and close relatives;
• engaging in and promoting multidisciplinary teamwork, including working alongside specialist doctors and nurses, health visitors, social workers, radiographers and physiotherapists;
• observing strict hygiene and safety rules and ensuring that visitors also observe any rules on the ward or unit;
• writing reports and updating records before completing a shift.

More senior roles may include:

• teaching skills to student nurses, doctors and other healthcare professionals;
• organising staff and workload to ensure shift cover, possibly across more than one ward.