A career as a nurse is both diverse and incredibly satisfying, after all, what could be more rewarding than helping to save lives? To support and help patients and improve their quality of life? To watch as your patients regain their health and strength? Not only does a nurse require a diverse skillset to be able to undertake all their duties, but they must also embody the definition of empathy, compassion and dedication every single day. Nurses are the backbone of society and those engaging in nursing practice are nothing short of real0life heroes. Sadly, there aren’t nearly as many nurses as is required in the NHS, which is why you should consider gaining the experience, knowledge and skills a nurse needs and embracing this diverse and incredibly rewarding role.
Overview of a nursing career
As a nurse, you would typically be required to work 37 to 42 hours per week, which includes evenings, weekends and bank holidays, and for this you would earn between £28,000 and £43,000 per year. Nurses require an abundance and diverse skillset. Not only do they need to be understanding and sensitive, they also need a desire to help others. They need a knowledge of psychology, a meticulous attention to detail and an ability to use computers and main software packages. As well as good customer service skills, they also need to be able to work well with others, remain calm and patient in stressful situations and an ability to work well under pressure and accept criticism. In addition to these skills and knowledge, you will also need to pass enhanced background checks in order to become a nurse.
Nursing Education
To become a nurse you would need to complete relevant nursing education to gain the skills and nursing qualifications required. Degrees in adult nursing which is approved by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), is therefore essential. You may also be able to study another area of nursing alongside adult nursing. Nursing degrees (BSc or MSc) are offered by universities or higher education institutions and typically take three years to complete. To help gain your nursing qualifications, you may be able to get additional student financial support through the NHS Learning Support Fund. If you already have a degree in a subject such as psychology, life sciences, social work, or another health-related subject, you may be able to join a nursing degree in the second year. To gain your nursing qualifications you will usually need 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science, as well as 2 or 3 A levels, including a science, or a level 3 diploma or access to higher education in health, science or nursing.
You may also train as a nurse and gain your nursing qualifications through a career in the armed forces. Look at roles in the Army, Royal Air Force or Royal Navy if this nursing education path appeals to you.
Nursing Apprenticeships
An alternative to completing a nursing degree is to apply for a nursing apprenticeship. If you work in a healthcare setting, such as a hospital, you might be able to apply for a Registered Nurse Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship. This takes approximately four years to complete and is a combination of on-the-job training and academic study, leading to qualifications recognised by the NMC. In order to be accepted onto a nursing apprenticeship, you need to have the support of your employer and you will also need the entry requirements, which are usually 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent.
Nursing Career Work Experience
To prepare yourself for a nursing career and support your nursing education you should try gain as much nursing career work experience as possible, in a healthcare settings such as hospitals, clinics or care homes. By gaining work experience you will have the opportunity to put your knowledge into practice, develop your hands on practical skills and enhance your understanding of the processes and procedures of a nursing career.
Once you have gained your nursing qualifications, either through nursing education or a nursing apprenticeship, you need to register your details with the NMC and receive your formal professional nursing registration. You can apply for a nursing registration on the NMC website. The application process is a four-step process. Step one is a self-assessment where you have the opportunity to look at the evidence you need to provide and the tests you need to complete, so you can be sure you meet the requirements of the application before you begin the process. In step two you will need to complete an eligibility and qualification application in which you have to provide identity evidence, qualification and registration information and pay a non-refundable evaluation fee of £140. Before you can proceed to the next step you will need to wait for this stage to be confirmed as completed.
Step three is a test of competence which consists of two parts, a multiple-choice computer based theoretical test known as the CBT and a practical test known as the OSCE, you need to pass both parts. When you complete these tests you also need to provide some supporting information, including: evidence of health, evidence of character, evidence of language, confirm professional indemnity arrangement and pay the registration fee. The NMC will then assess your application which can take between 30 and 90 days. Once you have completed this process and secure your nursing registration, you will be able to access your certification, which you can save, print and share.
Specialisation and Career Progression
A nursing career comes with excellent career progression and specialisation. With experience as a nurse you will have the opportunity to continue professional development, which includes ongoing learning, training and professional certifications which will help you to maintain competence and enhance your career prospects. Other nursing career progression includes going on to become a nursing sister, ward manager, team leader, or you could more into a management role such as a matron or director of nursing role. Alternatively, if you already have a postgraduate qualification, you would have the option to become an advanced nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist or nurse consultant. Another option is to continue training to become a midwife, health visitor, district nurse or practice nurse. Or you could become a specialist in a field such as intensive care, neonatal nursing or operating theatre work. If you do not want to continue working practically as a nurse in the UK, other alternatives include moving into a teaching role, conducting research or becoming self-employed and working overseas. Find out more about the career progression and specialisation available for nurses on the Royal College of Nursing website.
Start your nursing career today
As you’ve seen, the role of a nurse is a diverse and exciting one that has fantastic career progression and specialisation. However, to begin your nursing career you will need to gain the relevant nursing qualifications through either a university degree, or a nursing apprenticeship, both of which take years to complete. You should also engage in some work experience and/or volunteer experience to help you to develop your skillset and prepare you for a role as a nurse. Then, once you you’re your education and some experience, you can gain your nursing registration and begin your rewarding nursing career, in which you can make a significant and positive impact to the lives of others.