Caring for children: Your guide to becoming a paediatric nurse in Australia

Paediatric nurses play a pivotal role in promoting the health and wellbeing of children. Other than providing specialised care for children and calming anxious young patients, they also offer comfort and guidance to families, ensuring that they feel informed, empowered and supported.

If you have a genuine love for working with children and have a positive, approachable demeanour, you might be interested in pursuing a career as a paediatric nurse in Australia. In this article, we’ll explore what paediatric nurses do, the key steps to becoming one in Australia, essential skills and qualities required and more.

Paediatric nursing in Australia: key statistics

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According to Jobs and Skills Australia, only two per cent of registered nurses in Australia work as paediatric nurses. Of those, 24 per cent have completed a postgraduate qualification – four per cent higher than the 20 per cent average across the broader nursing workforce. This figure reflects the emphasis on advanced training and continuous learning in paediatrics where specialised knowledge is essential for managing the needs of children.

How to become a paediatric nurse in Australia?

If you’re keen on becoming a paediatric nurse in Australia, you will first need to complete a Bachelor of Nursing before applying for nursing registration. Once registered, you can begin gaining nursing experience before applying for paediatric nursing roles. To enhance your expertise, you may choose to further develop your skills with a postgraduate qualification.

1. Consider if this is the right path for you
   As an aspiring paediatric nurse, it’s essential to reflect on whether your interest is primarily in working with children in general, or if your interest extends to wanting to support young patients through illnesses, injuries and complex health conditions.

   In addition, while the role can be incredibly rewarding as it offers the opportunity to care for children and support their recovery, it’s important to recognise that it also comes with emotional challenges. Paediatric nurses often encounter complex and sometimes distressing situations. Children may be admitted for serious or traumatic reasons and caring for them in these moments requires emotional resilience. Before committing to this career, it’s worth taking some time to reflect on whether this path is right for you. If you’re unsure, consider speaking with a paediatric nurse who may be able to offer valuable insight into the realities of the role.

2. Complete a Bachelor of Nursing
   The first step to pursuing paediatric nursing as a career is to complete a Bachelor of Nursing. This undergraduate degree is typically completed in three years full-time and provides you with the core clinical skills and theoretical knowledge required to become a registered nurse. Most courses also include supervised clinical placements, allowing you to gain hands-on experience in a range of healthcare settings.

   If you already have a degree in another field, you can consider applying for a Master of Nursing (Graduate Entry). These postgraduate courses are a fast-track pathway into nursing, usually take around two years to complete full-time and typically offer supervised clinical placements to ensure that you’re industry-ready.

3. Gain experience
   Once you’ve received your registration, you can begin working as a nurse. If you’re a recent graduate, you can consider applying for a graduate nurse program that has a focus on paediatrics. Depending on the program, you may complete clinical placements that incorporate medical, surgical and specialty nursing practice specific to the paediatric population.

   If you don’t secure a place in a paediatric-focused graduate program, don’t be discouraged. You can still build valuable experience by applying for other graduate nurse programs or working in healthcare settings such as general practice clinics, aged care facilities or community health. This experience will help you develop transferable skills that can support your application for paediatric nursing roles in the future.

   After gaining some nursing experience, you can also consider applying for a transition to a specialty practice program. Typically offered by hospitals, these programs provide an opportunity for registered nurses to enhance their knowledge and clinical skills in specialised areas such as paediatric care.

4. Apply for paediatric nursing jobs
   You can apply for paediatric nursing roles on job platforms such as Indeed or SEEK. Other than experience, common requirements for paediatric nursing jobs include a Working with Children Check, Criminal History Check, current first aid and CPR certification and in some cases, an NDIS Worker Screening Check.

   Depending on the role and healthcare setting, employers may also seek applicants with skills in areas such as mental health and emergency nursing.

5. Upskill with a postgraduate healthcare course
   While not required, a postgraduate qualification in paediatric nursing is looked upon favourably by many paediatric nursing employers . In addition, a postgraduate paediatric nursing course can also enhance your clinical expertise, build your confidence and strengthen your capacity to deliver high-quality care in a specialised setting.

   While there are a range of courses to consider, if you’re unable to commit to long-term study, the Graduate Certificate in Paediatric Nursing at Griffith University could be a great starting point. The course can be completed in 12 months part-time and includes core units such as Paediatric Nursing Care and Advanced Health Assessment.

   For those looking to advance their skills further, a Master of Nursing with a specialisation in paediatrics may be a more suitable option. Queensland University of Technology, for instance, offers a Master of Nursing (Paediatric and Adolescent Nursing) with the option to choose between a dissertation or coursework pathway, depending on your interests and career goals.

   Depending on your chosen practice setting, additional qualifications may also be beneficial. In school-based nursing roles, for example, completing a postgraduate course in mental health is often highly regarded as it allows nurses to better support students in navigating emotional or psychological challenges.

What is paediatric nursing?

Paediatric nursing is a specialised area of nursing that involves caring for children from infancy through to adolescence. This field recognises that children aren’t simply smaller adults, instead, they have unique physical, emotional and developmental needs that require specialised knowledge and tailored approaches to care. Paediatric nursing is also inherently family-centred, acknowledging the essential role that family members and carers play in caregiving and advocacy.

What is a paediatric nurse?

A paediatric nurse is a registered nurse who provides care to children of all ages, including neonates, toddlers and teenagers. Paediatric nurses work in diverse healthcare settings such as children’s hospitals, outpatient clinics, schools and community-based health services. Many paediatric nurses also choose to further specialise in areas such as paediatric oncology, intensive care or emergency medicine.

Typical daily responsibilities for a paediatric nurse may include conducting health assessments, monitoring vital signs, administering medications and supporting children before and after medical procedures.

Beyond clinical responsibilities, paediatric nurses also educate carers and families about their child’s health and care, collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and provide emotional support to both children and their families.

What does a paediatric nurse do?

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Fundamentally, a paediatric nurse’s role combines clinical expertise with compassion, empathy and effective communication to make a difference in the health outcomes of young patients.

Typical duties of a paediatric nurse may include:

• Administering medication and managing clinical procedures
• Developing nursing care plans and providing clinical oversight
• Educating parents or carers about the child’s condition along with required treatment and procedures
• Collaborating with other healthcare professionals, including paediatricians, doctors and members of multidisciplinary teams
• Providing emotional support to patients, families and carers
• Supervising enrolled nurses and other healthcare professionals

Paediatric nurse salary

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According to Indeed, the average salary for paediatric nurses in Australia is approximately $108,000 per year. This is around 16 per cent higher than the average salary of a registered nurse which sits at approximately $93,000 annually. Salaries can, however, vary depending on factors such as experience, location and workplace setting.

Here are the average annual salaries of paediatric nurses in each Australian state and territory:

• Western Australia: $121,000
• Northern Territory: $116,000
• South Australia: $94,000
• Australian Capital Territory: $94,000
• Victoria: $90,000
• New South Wales: $85,000
• Queensland: $84,000
• Tasmania: $84,000

Where do paediatric nurses work?

Paediatric nurses can work across a wide range of settings depending on their interests, experience and the type of environment they prefer. From fast-paced hospital wards to community-based care, there are plenty of settings to choose from.

Hospitals

One of the most common settings for paediatric nurses to work at is hospitals. This includes children’s hospitals, general hospitals with paediatric wards, emergency departments and intensive care units. Paediatric nurses working in hospitals often develop and implement nursing care plans, deliver direct patient care, prepare patients for surgical procedures, monitor patient recovery and supervise nursing staff.

🎓 If you’d like to develop your skills in child and family health nursing, there are a wide range of postgraduate courses available. For instance, the Graduate Certificate in Women’s and Children’s Health at the University of Technology Sydney is ideal if you’re looking for a short course that builds specialist expertise.

Otherwise, there is also the Graduate Certificate in Children and Young People’s Nursing at Edith Cowan University, which equips you with the skills to care for children and adolescents across a range of settings.

Homes

Paediatric nurses may also deliver care to children in their homes. Here, the role extends beyond clinical care and focuses on supporting children in achieving their lifestyle goals. This may include assisting children with daily routines and accompanying them on outings. If you’re a paediatric nurse who values building long-term relationships with children and families, you may find this role particularly rewarding.

Not-for-profit organisations

Paediatric nurses working in not-for-profits play a key role in delivering high-quality nursing care that addresses the health and wellbeing needs of children. They can work in a variety of services which may include disability support, community outreach and family violence prevention. In addition to providing care, they may also be involved in case coordination, education and advocacy.

Community health services

Paediatric nurses in community health services typically work as part of multidisciplinary teams to provide coordinated care to children and families. Working in this setting often involves supporting vulnerable communities and requires a strong understanding of social determinants and community issues that may affect a child’s health and wellbeing.

🎓 If you’d like to enhance your skills in community health, consider the Graduate Certificate in Community and Primary Health Care Nursing at the Australian College of Nursing. This course can be completed in 12 months part-time and offers a range of elective options including Immunisation for Registered Nurses and Wound Management.

Schools

Paediatric nurses may also work in schools where they play a vital role in supporting student health and wellbeing. Responsibilities may include delivering health education, assisting with first aid and health assessments, supporting mental health initiatives, managing chronic health conditions such as asthma and allergies and championing school-based immunisation programs.

🎓 If you’re keen on honing your skills in child and adolescent mental health, the Graduate Certificate in Child and Adolescent Mental Health at Victoria University is the only university-level mental health qualification in Australia focused specifically on this age group. The course can be completed in eight months part-time and includes units such as Effective Trauma-Informed Care and Adolescent Engagement and Assessment.

Rural and remote areas

Paediatric nurses in rural and remote areas often work closely with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and their families. Working in this setting requires cultural competence, a solid understanding of primary healthcare principles and the ability to deliver care in resource-limited or geographically isolated areas.

🎓If you’d like to advance your nursing skills in rural and remote practice, the Master of Nursing (Rural and Remote) at the University of Southern Queensland will equip you with the skills to improve individual and community health outcomes in rural and remote areas.

Clinics

Paediatric nurses can also work in paediatric clinics or outpatient paediatric surgical centres where they provide specialised care in a structured, non-acute setting. Paediatric nurses working in this setting may be involved in pre and post-operative care, administering vaccinations, conducting health assessments and supporting children with chronic conditions.

Child and family health centres

Paediatric nurses in child and family health centres support the growth and development of children up to five years old. After the age of five, children typically transition to school-based or general healthcare services.

Responsibilities for a paediatric nurse working in child and family health centres often includes conducting developmental checks, offering guidance in areas such as nutrition, sleep and behaviour and supporting parents in their parenthood journey.

🎓Hone your skills in this area by pursuing a postgraduate nursing degree such as a Graduate Diploma of Advanced Nursing (Child and Family Health Nursing) from the University of Tasmania. This course can be completed in two years part-time and offers three different pathways to suit your interests and goals.

Skills and qualities of a paediatric nurse

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Paediatric nursing demands a broad skill set that builds on the foundations of registered nursing. While clinical expertise, emotional intelligence and effective communication remain essential, paediatric nurses must also navigate the unique complexities of caring for children.

Some of the key skills and qualities a paediatric nurse requires include:

Strong clinical and nursing skills

Paediatric nursing requires a high level of technical competence and an understanding of the key physiological differences between children and adults. Children can deteriorate more rapidly than adults but also tend to bounce back quicker. Their responses to medications can also vary significantly and clinical procedures must be adapted to suit their developmental stage, size and overall condition.

As a paediatric nurse, you must confidently administer medications, accurately assess both physical and emotional wellbeing and recognise subtle signs of deterioration. Strong observation skills are also crucial, particularly when caring for children who may not clearly express their symptoms. Routine tasks in adult care, such as inserting IVs or measuring vital signs can often present greater complexity with paediatric patients and require additional precision and care.

Effective communication

Effective communication is essential in paediatric nursing as you’ll be engaging with both children and their parents or carers. With children, it’s important to use age-appropriate language and avoid medical jargon. For example, instead of saying, “Take this medicine,” you might say, “Here’s some super juice that helps your body fight the bugs making you sick.” Non-verbal cues such as a reassuring smile or a gentle pat on the shoulder can also help to ease fear and build trust.

When communicating with parents and carers, the approach needs to be clear, calm and empathetic. Emotions often run high when a child is unwell and it’s not uncommon to encounter frustration, anxiety or even aggression. In these situations, you will need to remain composed, assertive and set professional boundaries where needed.

Staying calm and composed

Staying calm under pressure is crucial in paediatric nursing as your demeanour significantly influences the emotional state of both children and their families. Children are highly perceptive and displaying visible stress or uncertainty can heighten their anxiety. Maintaining composure, even in challenging circumstances, can create a reassuring environment that supports better patient outcomes.

Adaptability and creativity

Caring for children across a wide range of ages requires a high degree of adaptability. As a paediatric nurse, you must be able to adjust your communication style and clinical approach based on a child’s age, emotional state, medical condition or developmental stage. The way you engage with an eight-year-old child, for instance, will differ significantly from how you interact with a teenager.

Creativity is also an important skill to have, particularly when working with younger children, as it can help ease anxiety, build trust and encourage cooperation. Examples of creative approaches could include a paediatric nurse describing a blood pressure cuff as a superhero arm squeeze or using play-based techniques to distract a child during a procedure.

Being compassionate and emotionally attuned

Empathy lies at the heart of paediatric nursing. You will often care for children who are frightened or in pain and encounter parents or carers who may be feeling anxious, overwhelmed or emotionally vulnerable. Demonstrating empathy helps children and their families feel seen, heard and supported during what is often a very difficult time.

Empathetic care can differ depending on whether you’re engaging with children or adults. With younger children, it might mean sitting at their eye level and using simple language with reassuring tones. With adults, empathy often involves active listening, validating their concerns and giving them space to express themselves without judgement.

Teamwork and collaboration

As a paediatric nurse, you will often be part of a multidisciplinary team that may include paediatricians and other allied health professionals. Working collaboratively is essential for achieving the best outcomes and requires clear communication, mutual respect and a shared commitment to delivering the best possible care.

Remaining patient

Patience is an indispensable quality in paediatric nursing, especially when addressing frightened or uncooperative children. You may need to patiently repeat explanations of procedures using different words, tones or visual aids to help children feel safe and comfortable. This also extends to parents and carers who may require repeated reassurance and clarification to ease their anxiety.

Children may also exhibit anxiety, fear or emotional outbursts during clinical assessments. In these moments, you will need to take a calm, measured and patient approach without rushing or adding pressure to avoid escalating the situation.

Being emotionally resilient and self-aware

Paediatric nursing can be emotionally demanding, particularly when caring for critically ill children or coping with the loss of a young patient. To provide consistent, compassionate care and prevent burnout, developing emotional resilience is essential. Resilience allows you to effectively manage challenging situations and continue to deliver high-quality care without being overwhelmed.

Passionate about advocating for children and families

Paediatric nursing is grounded in a commitment to safeguarding each child’s safety, comfort and dignity. Given that children are inherently vulnerable and dependent on caregivers and healthcare providers, advocacy plays a central role in ensuring their rights and best interests are upheld.

As a paediatric nurse, you will be responsible for championing the child’s rights and ensuring that they’re receiving the care that addresses their needs and preferences. By empowering families and children to actively participate in care and decision-making processes, it can contribute to improved health outcomes and patient satisfaction.

Why choose a career in paediatric nursing?

Paediatric nursing is a rewarding and multifaceted field that allows you to make a difference in the lives of children and their families. From helping a child recover from illness to supporting families during their most vulnerable moments, it’s a career that’s impactful, purposeful and dynamic. Here are a few reasons why you might consider a career in paediatric nursing:

You want to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and their families

If you’re driven by the desire to make a lasting impact, paediatric nursing offers a unique opportunity to support children through some of the most critical moments of their lives. From newborns to adolescents, you will care for children across all stages of development and have the privilege of witnessing them recover and return to their playful, energetic selves while knowing that you had a part to play in that transformation.

The ability to provide emotional support to caregivers when they’re feeling overwhelmed, frightened or anxious can also be deeply rewarding and often, just as meaningful as the clinical care you provide.

You want to help children feel safe and at ease

If the thought of comforting an anxious child or brightening their day appeals to you, paediatric nursing could be an ideal career choice. As a paediatric nurse, you’ll often need to use your creativity and imagination to connect with children and help them feel less anxious. This may include singing them their favourite nursery rhyme, giving medical tools silly names or turning a routine procedure into a lighthearted game.

You want to challenge yourself

Paediatric nursing is undeniably rewarding, but it can also be challenging. Some days may bring emotional weight in the form of difficult conversations, managing distressed or anxious parents or experiencing the loss of a young patient.

The role is also typically fast-paced and requires quick thinking, adaptability and strong problem-solving skills. If you’re looking for a role that stretches your abilities and helps you build emotional resilience, communication and empathy skills, paediatric nursing could be a good fit.

You want a role that brings variety and keeps you on your toes

Paediatric nursing is anything but predictable. Every child has distinct developmental needs, personality traits and challenges, which means you’ll be constantly adapting your clinical and communication approaches. The work is never mundane, as one moment you might be soothing a fussy toddler, and the next, you’re discussing treatment plans with a teenager and their family. If you thrive in varied environments and enjoy problem-solving, this could be the role for you.

You enjoy continuous learning

Paediatric nursing is constantly evolving and you’ll need to keep pace with emerging research, new technologies and changing best practices. Many paediatric nurses also choose to pursue a postgraduate healthcare course or undergo specialised training to advance their clinical skills and expertise. If you’re someone who enjoys learning and developing professionally, working as a paediatric nurse may be suitable for you.

You want a career that offers flexibility

Paediatric nursing offers considerable flexibility in terms of working hours and practice settings. According to Jobs and Skills Australia, less than half of paediatric nurses work full-time, with the majority working part-time hours. Additionally, you’ll find opportunities in various settings such as hospitals, schools, community health centres and clinics, enabling you to choose roles aligned with your interests and lifestyle.

Make an impact as a paediatric nurse today

If you’re ready to make a meaningful impact in the lives of children and their families, now’s the time to jumpstart your career in paediatric nursing.

Already a nurse and looking to expand your expertise or pivot into another area of nursing? Explore the diverse range of postgraduate nursing courses available on GlobalHealth Education. Healthcare courses are also offered in other disciplines such as psychology, counselling, mental health, public health, leadership and management, nursing and social work. To apply, simply enquire to connect with a Student Enrolment Advisor.