Why I became a children’s nurse – and why I still love it

From professors to sickle cell specialists via end of life care, six nurses reveal why they chose children’s nursing and why the specialty remains so rewarding

• When asked if children’s nursing is sad, one nurse describes how clowns, face-painting or music playing on the ward help to make it fun
• For many nurses the rewarding part of their job is getting to know young people and their families and being able to make a difference to them
• Children are honest and ask the best questions, but adults need to listen so they can make meaningful decisions about their care

Children and young people’s nursing can go in fascinating directions – and it can