Aims To explore the experience of younger students of children’s nursing when required to care for clients of similar age in hospital, and their concerns in relation to professional boundaries.

Methods A phenomenological study was undertaken as a requirement of the doctorate in education programme. Individual unstructured interviews were conducted with 11 students under 20 years of age, and nine of their young clients.

Findings The students described the difficulties of trying to balance being a friend to the young people to gain trust, with maintaining a professional relationship.

Conclusion Students of children’s nursing should be encouraged to relate to their clients of similar age in a professional way that inspires trust and therapeutic engagement. For this the students need the support and guidance of their tutors, mentors and peers.