What does a paediatric nurse do?

Paediatric nurses play a vital role in providing care to children and young adults. They have a range of responsibilities and can work in various care settings.  

In this article, we look at the role and responsibilities of a paediatric nurse, their salary, and more. To navigate around our article, select from the list below.

• What is a paediatric nurse?
• Role and responsibilities of a paediatric nurse
• Paediatric nurse salary and pay rates
• Skills and qualities of a paediatric nurse
• Paediatric nurse jobs
• What to expect working as a paediatric nurse
• Paediatric nurse role FAQs

What is a paediatric nurse?

A paediatric nurse, also known as a children’s nurse, is a registered nurse who specialises in caring for babies, children, young people and teenagers.  

Paediatric nursing differs from adult nursing, as children and young people have very specific and complex health needs. Paediatric nurses must understand the complexities of a child’s development to adulthood to ensure they remain healthy and minimise the impact of illnesses and injuries.

Role and responsibilities of a paediatric nurse

The role and responsibilities of a paediatric nurse can change depending on the care setting in which they work.

Working as a paediatric nurse at Thornbury Community Services (TCS), you will provide care to our clients in a community setting (in the clients’ own homes). Your responsibilities will vary depending on the child or young person you care for.

Below, we have included a list of community paediatric nursing responsibilities to give you an idea of the daily duties and tasks you may carry out in a community setting.

• Monitoring the client’s breathing and airways (tracheostomy and ventilator management might be required)
• Completing regular health and safety checks
• Providing personal care
• Administering medication
• Completing client digital records and forms
• Supporting tissue viability
• Conducting physiotherapy
• Communicating with the clinical lead nurse, colleagues, the client and their family
• Overseeing the client’s general health and wellbeing

Paediatric nurse salary and pay rates

Paediatric nurses can receive a salary or hourly pay rates. At TCS, we offer our nurses excellent pay rates that match the top-paying nursing agencies.

Our pay rates reflect the clinical expertise and passion our nurses demonstrate every day in their roles.

Skills and qualities of a paediatric nurse

Paediatric nurses need to possess a range of skills and qualities to provide the best possible care to children and young people.

At TCS, we look for resilient paediatric nurses who are passionate about providing exceptional care and are naturally empathetic and confident in their roles.

They need to demonstrate dependability and autonomy in their roles as we support children with highly bespoke complex care conditions that can rapidly change.

What to expect working as a paediatric nurse

Working as a paediatric nurse, you can expect to make a lasting impact in children’s and young people’s lives, providing holistic care and support to enable them to recover or stabilise their care condition.

In a community setting, you will usually care for one or a few children. You will support them in achieving personal goals, learning new hobbies, and taking trips into their local community.

Paediatric nurse role FAQs

To learn more about the role of a paediatric nurse, their duties and responsibilities and how you can join Thornbury Community Services, read our frequently asked questions (FAQs) below.