The selection of students for children's nursing: the qualities expected of candidates

The knowledge, skills and attitudes which institutions expected of applicants for pre-registration Diploma programmes in children's nursing were investigated. Criteria were derived through an examination of nursing literature related to activities undertaken to meet the needs of children, when they are ill. Specific qualities, such as observational, psychomotor and interpersonal skills, combined with a desire to work with children and their families, were considered as being important in the selection of potential children's nurses. These criteria were compared with the expectations of those involved in the selection of students for children's nursing. Surprisingly, psychomotor skills were not mentioned by respondents and only around one-third of institutions clearly stated that they expected some understanding of children and their families. There was no mention of observational skills. These data supported the notion that there are a number of inherent qualities which selectors might look for in candidates; however, not all respondents have the same expectations of their candidates for the Child Branch. This raises the question of whether those offering programmes which leads to a qualification, acceptable throughout the UK, should be encouraged to work towards greater agreement on the qualities of those suitable to be taken into education as a children's nurse.