Reflections of a children’s nurse: Nicola McLarnon

Could you tell us about yourself and your role? 

I am a Metabolic Children’s Nurse based at the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children, where I have worked in this specialist role for the past six years. Our service is regional, providing care and support to children and young people across Northern Ireland who have inborn errors of metabolism. My role involves supporting patients and families, from diagnosis and treatment planning, to ongoing management of their condition and helping families navigate day to day life. We work closely within a multidisciplinary team to deliver specialist, family-centred care tailored to each child’s needs. 

Prior to moving into metabolic nursing, I worked in the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit caring for critically ill children and was also part of the paediatric transport team, supporting the safe transfer of children requiring specialist intensive care. 

What inspired you to become a children’s nurse? 

I wanted to become a children’s nurse from a very young age. I have always been drawn to working with children and young people and supporting them and their families. I enjoy the challenge that nursing brings, that every day is different and to help make a meaningful difference to a child and family’s life.  

What do you enjoy most about being a children’s nurse? 

In metabolic nursing, we often care for families over many years, which allows us to provide continuity, trust and build good relationships. We strive to support them in any way we can. I gain a great deal of satisfaction from helping families through diagnosis, treatment and the challenges of everyday life, making things a little easier wherever possible. Supporting families to feel informed and reassured is incredibly important to me. 

We are also there during the most difficult times, providing support and compassionate care at end of life when needed. It is a privilege to be trusted by families during these moments and to ensure care remains centred on dignity, kindness and compassion. 

How does the Code and NMC standards support you to provide safe, effective and kind care for babies, children, young people and their families? 

 The Code and standards provide a strong foundation for safe, effective and compassionate nursing practice. They support me to deliver evidence-based care while always placing children, young people and their families at the centre of decision making.  Within a specialist service, maintaining professional standards ensures we provide consistent, high-quality care and communicate effectively with families. 

As we celebrate the first National Children’s Nurses Day, what does children’s nursing mean to you? 

Children’s nursing means being an advocate and a source of support to children, young people and their families. It means combining specialist knowledge with compassion to help families navigate both everyday challenges and life-changing moments. 

National Children’s Nurses Day is an opportunity to recognise the dedication, expertise and impact of children’s nurses and to celebrate the difference they make every day across all areas of paediatric care. 

What message would you like to share with fellow children’s nurses marking the day? 

I am fortunate to work within a team of 4 children’s nurses who work incredibly hard and truly love what we do. We are dedicated to supporting our families through every stage of their care and always strive to make life easier when we can. 

The work of children’s nurses really matters and the dedication to their patients and families is valued by all. Children’s nurses should feel recognised in their role and reminded of the importance of their work.  

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