Children’s Nursing staff and students from the University of Worcester have been meeting the public and hearing stories of inspirational nurses at The Hive in celebration of National Children’s Nurses Day.
Heath Barclay, Gilda Davies, Caitlin Gwilliam, Ayesha Ali, Sue Poultney
The day, organised by the Association of British Paediatric Nurses, aims to recognise the vital role that children’s nurses play in delivering specialist nursing care to babies, children, young people and their families.
“It’s the first time ever that we’ve had a day dedicated to children’s nurses,” said Caitlin Gwilliam, Lecturer in Children’s Nursing at the University of Worcester.
“We’ve had all sorts of activities on offer, including a game of ‘find the germs’, where children can look for germs hidden around the library. We’ve been showcasing stethoscopes and medical equipment so children can familiarise themselves with them, and we’ve brought along our lifelike training mannequins; they always go down well!”
The event was held in the children’s library at The Hive, and the team created a timeline showcasing the history and development of children’s nursing in the UK.
“The display explored how children’s nurses have long recognised that children are not just ‘small adults’,” said Caitlin. “They have unique physiological, psychological, and developmental needs that require specialist care.”
Visitors learned how in the 1800s, children were often cared for alongside adults in general wards, and how this led to the development of dedicated children’s wards, specialist hospitals, and children’s nursing as a distinct profession.
Caitlin said: “We’re really proud of the progress that has been made in providing specialised, child-centred care, and we look forward to continuing to advance the profession for future generations of children, young people, and their families.”
The event was an opportunity for the public to meet serving healthcare workers.
“It has been great to let children get stuck into our colouring activities while we chat about the profession,” said Caitlin. “Reaction has been fantastic. Around 30 people from the Bounce and Rhyme group came over and they were all chatting to us. The Hive really is a great venue for an event like this.”
The University’s Nursing (Children’s) BSc (Hons) course is highly popular with competition for limited places. Students carry out work placements on children’s wards alongside three years of study before going on to work in hospitals across the region and beyond.
As part of the day, the staff and students were asking attendees to nominate their children’s nursing superheroes.
Caitlin, who is a practising children’s nurse as well as a university lecturer, said: “It has been so wonderful to hear from people about the difference that those in this inspiring career have made to others’ lives.”
She added: “It’s a profession where we look after everyone with a holistic approach, so you’re not just supporting a young patient; you’re caring for them and their entire family.”
For more information on courses in nursing at the University of Worcester, visit the University’s website.
For information on courses at University of Worcester visit www.worcester.ac.uk or for application enquiries telephone 01905 855111 or email admissions@worc.ac.uk