Children's Nursing
What is Children’s Nursing
A Registered Children’s Nurse (RCN) is responsible for promoting optimum health and for preventing ill health amongst children up to the age of 18, intervening where appropriate to provide holistic care for children and families. Children’s nursing recognizes that care is ideally provided in collaboration with children and their families, and in conjunction with other health professionals. Children’s nurses deliver care to children of all ages in a variety of settings which makes it a very interesting varied career choice that is fulfilling.
How can I become a Children’s Nurse
Bachelor in Science (Nursing): Children’s and General (Integrated) Nursing
- CAO code: TR911 Children’s and General Nursing (Integrated) – Level 8
- TR912 Mature Applicants Children’s and General Nursing (Integrated) – Level 8 (Restricted)
Upon successful completion of this course, students will obtain a B.Sc (Cur) (Bachelor in Science (Nursing) from the University of Dublin, Trinity College and be eligible for registration in both Children’s and General Nursing with An Bord Altranais. This degree course consists of theory and practice in both the care of children and their families, adults and the elderly. Undertaking this course will equip you to meet the age related needs of clients across the life span in both health and illness. Students will obtain core knowledge and transferable skills relevant to the various age related groups within the current health services.
- Duration of the course: 4.5 years
- Course quota: 20
- The application process: All applicants for this course must go through the Central Applications Office (CAO) www.cao.ie
Higher Diploma in Children’s Nursing
Upon successful completion of this course, students will obtain a Higher Diploma in Children’s Nursing from the University of Dublin, Trinity College and be eligible for registration in Children’s Nursing with An Bord Altranais. This diploma course consists of both theory and practice in the care of children and their families, in health and illness. Undertaking this course will equip you to meet the age-related needs of infants and children within a family-centred care framework. Students will obtain core knowledge and transferable skills relevant to the various age-related groups within the current child health services.
- Duration of the course:
1 year (programme commences in September of each year)
- Course quota:
15 (For retention of increments please refer to HSE circular)
- The application process:
This course is advertised in the National Press and on the School of Nursing and Midwifery website. Applications for this course must be made online at www.pac.ie
- Course content:
This programme consists of 12 weeks theory and 40 weeks of clinical experience (including annual leave)
Venues for teaching
Theory: The School of Nursing and Midwifery has teaching facilities both in D’Olier Street and in the Trinity Centre for Health Sciences, St. James’s Hospital. Children’s specific clinical skills classes are taught in the clinical laboratories in the Trinity Centre for Health Sciences, St. James’s Hospital. Some lectures may also be delivered on the main campus of Trinity College.
Higher Diploma in Children’s Nursing: Theory can also be delivered in the National Children’s Hospital, Tallaght.
Practice: The linked Health Service Provider is the Adelaide and Meath Hospital Dublin, incorporating the National Children’s Hospital, (AMNCH), Tallaght. Most Children’s and General Placements will occur in this site and the students will be employees of AMNCH during their rostered placements.
Career Opportunities for Registered Children’s Nursing
What our students say
The testimonials below illustrate the types of roles available in children’s nursing when you qualify and the job satisfaction associated with the roles:
Clinical Nurse Manager
My name is Deirdre. I studied general nursing in the United Kingdom. I returned to Ireland to commence a Post-graduate Diploma in Children’s Nursing in Trinity College, Dublin (TCD) and Adelaide and Meath Hospital, incorporating the National Children’s Hospital. Since qualifying as a children’s nurse I have worked as a staff nurse in a neonatal unit and on a busy children’s medical ward. I now work as a Clinical Nurse Manager on a busy children’s ward in the National Children’s Hospital. I really enjoy working with sick children and their families – helping them on the road to recovery.
Clinical Nurse Specialist
My name is Ger. I first studied general nursing in Trinity College, Dublin (TCD) and Adelaide and Meath Hospital, incorporating the National Children’s Hospital. After two years working as a staff nurse on an adult ward I was accepted onto the Post-graduate Diploma in Children’s Nursing in Trinity College, Dublin (TCD) and the National Children’s Hospital. Since qualifying as a children’s nurse I have worked on a busy general children’s medical ward as a staff nurse for four years where I gained experience working with children with cystic fibrosis and their families. My current role as a Clinical Nurse Specialist (Children’s Cystic Fibrosis) involves co-ordinating the care of children with cystic fibrosis and supporting their parents and families.
Nursing Education
My name is Caitríona. I studied general nursing first. During my student years I really enjoyed my clinical placement on a children’s ward. After one year working as a staff nurse on an adult ward I was accepted onto the Post-graduate Diploma in Children’s Nursing in Trinity College, Dublin (TCD) and the National Children’s Hospital. My current role as a Clinical Placement Co-ordinator involves supporting the clinical learning of students pursuing a degree in children’s and general nursing. I get great satisfaction working with students and observing them progress from first year through to completion of the programme and becoming qualified children’s and general nurses.
BSc Nursing Student
Damaris Noble, Children’s and General Integrated Nursing.
The decision to return to college to do nursing was the best decision I have made. The children’s and general course is a full, challenging but very rewarding course. The lecturers in Trinity really supported and motivated me to achieve my full potential throughout the programme. It has been an enjoyable four and a half years full of new opportunities and learning both in college and in hospitals. It is definitely one of the best experiences and made me certain I have chosen the right career path.
Open Day
Please check the TCD Admissions website for information on the next scheduled Open Day. We will have presentations on Children's Nursing on that day here at the School of Nursing and Midwifery, 24 D'Olier Street. Please come along and visit us, the Children's Nursing team will be very happy to talk with you and answer any queries about children's nursing as a rewarding career choice for you.