Nursing experience?

im nearly 17 and would like to do a degree in nursing at university but would like some experience in a hospital with children. Is this possible, what with guidlines etc. Does any one know the rules, would I be able to follow round a nurse or just play with children in the hospital etc
Thanks

I am n no way undermining your course, I know its difficult and rewarding which is why I want to do it. The reason I suggested playing with children is because I would be rather worried if they would allowed me to 'work' in the hospital, being 17 and having no experience

The web site in the link below will guide you through.

The NHS is the largest employer of nurses and their website is a good source of information about careers with themselves. Look at all the careers, you may just change your mind.

For work experience in the NHS you would need to contact your local hospital and see the Human Resources Department.

Link : http://www.nhscareers.nhs.uk/search.aspx...

No you wouldn't. I'm a final year nursing student and if you want experience, you'll either have to get a job as a HCA, or start your nursing course. They'll not allow a random stranger on the ward "playing" with children, nursing is a job, remember that before you start, its a difficult course.

You would need a CRB (criminal record check) . Enquire at your local Children's hospital volunteer section or through your college or school.I am a Nurse and Midwife and also my daughter spends a lot of time in hospital with a chronic illness so l know any genuine help is always welcome.GOOD LUCK.

why not sign up for hospital volunteers, they will do a police check and make sure you are insured, its a way to see what its like before taking the plunge!

Contact the hospital and ask about volunteering. They will have the details.

It is good that you are looking to get experience before doing your nursing course at it will stand you in good stead when it comes to making your application. You can get in touch with your local hospital to see if you can do some volunteer work on their children's ward but this is not always available as a lot of children's nursing in now done in the community rather than in hospitals so unless you live near a large a children's hospital it may not be possible to get this kind of experience.

You could ask about volunteer work on the maternity wards as this involves some children experience (albeit all with very young babies due to the nature of the ward) but it all still counts.

Have you thought about volunteering with a children's charity or children's sports groups as your experience does not have to be hospital based. It is good if you can get experience with groups of children of different ages.

If you cannot get experience working with children get some working with adults as any voluntary work is looked on in a good way.