Pure Potential

All About Careers - Nursing

Nurses are the heart and soul of hospitals, surgeries and health centres. Of course, hospitals aren’t their only stomping grounds: you can find nurses working in primary care trusts, general practices, research centres, in people’s own homes and in the wider community. Forming the largest group of staff in the NHS, there is an army of nurses in the UK caring for individuals on a round the clock basis, making sure patients receive the appropriate care to befit their needs. As a result, nursing is one of the most important and rewarding professions out there.

Cast aside any old preconceptions of nurses as ‘lower versions’ of doctors: nurses are highly trained, skilled and knowledgeable individuals. Unlike the medical profession, nurses are trained to focus on the whole person and their families, not just one aspect of the body or a specific disease. Registered General Nurses (RGN) work with adults, whilst Registered Sick Children’s Nurses (RSCN) work with children up to the age of 16. The other two main nursing specialisms are learning disability and mental health. Nurses don’t just have caring roles; they can be involved with research, management, teaching and practice development.

A good nurse has excellent people and communication skills. Nurses need to be able to put their patients at ease, offering clear advice and guidance, and to be able to work well in a team. Skilled nurses are also great problem solvers: able to gather lots of information, analyse it and present solutions. To practice as a qualified nurse, you’ll need a degree or diploma in nursing. Fortunately, you won’t be saddled with huge student debts as the NHS offers financial help to eligible students.

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