Are there any Children's nurses on here please?

[nursetobee]

I want to pursue a career in healthcare, and I'm currently trying to weigh up my different options.

I used to work in a nursery and really enjoy interacting with children, so I'm thinking of applying to study Children's Nursing. However, I worry that the opportunities for progression will be much less than Adult Nursing. I'd like to work my way up to earn around £35,000ish, and would like to work in the community such as working in a GP practice, or perhaps going into clinical research as a research nurse.

Would there still be opportunities for this if I pursue paediatric nursing?

I started as a children's nurse 13 years ago, I now work as an Advanced Nurse Practitioner (earn £50k).
I work on a ward so weekends/bank holidays etc. I've worked in community in the past going to children's homes to give their health care at home.
There are roles in health visiting school nursing if you want more of a 9-5 job.
Progression I would say is proportional less competition from children's nurses because there's less of us

Thank you, your reply was really helpful :)

I started in adult nursing back in the project 2k days as I thought it was similar to 'general' nursing. I quickly realised my mistake and switched to child branch. I am a very senior nurse working in child protection on an 8b. I have had a very varied career working in A&E, picu, cahms, in major teaching hospitals, in local DGH's, in a mental health trust and with the ambulance service. I've also worked in the community.
Children's nurses can work in as many varied specialities as adults. If it's what you want to do, go for it. But completion for child branch places is fierce (I used to interview for a university). You absolutely need to go above and beyond in doing your homework before applying. Ask friends and family if they know any children's nurses who may be willing to chat with you. Have a bit of an understanding of how the NHS functions and where children's nursing fits in that wider strategy.
And just as an ex interviewer, dress for an interview. The number of young people who turned up in jeans and trainers was frightening!