Adult Nursing

What is it?

Adult nursing is about caring for sick and injured adults and helping them get better, in hospital or in the community.

Who’s your typical patient? There isn’t one. Just as people come in all shapes and sizes, so do the challenges of being an adult nurse.

 

You’re a highly-trained professional with the practical skills to cope with many illnesses and injuries. You look at your patient’s needs, plan their care and deliver it – and every patient will teach you something about yourself and your job.

 

It takes more than training and hard work to make a great nurse. It takes a talent for caring and a real interest in people. But with talent and ambition, adult nursing can take you anywhere. You can specialise, travel, progress to consultant level – the possibilities are endless.

 

What are the good bits?

• Job satisfaction – reducing suffering and helping people stay healthy
• Loads of opportunities including overseas and private sector
• The NHS pays tuition fees, and you can apply for a bursary
• Career path leads up to consultant level

What about pay?

£19,000 - £61,000+

 

What skills and interests do I need?

• Communication, caring and helping skills
• Able to work independently and as part of a team
• Flexible and able to prioritise
• Motivation, dedication

What qualifications/training will I need?

You can study either for a nursing diploma or for a nursing degree. A Nursing Diploma is typically two years in length and classed as a level five qualification. To apply for a diploma you must be at least 17½ and have a minimum of GCSEs or equivalent vocational qualifications (like NVQ Level 2) Other entry routes might also be available for example a relevant Access to HE course.

 

For a degree which is typically three years in length and classed as a level six qualification, you normally need to have level three qualifications to apply like A levels or a BTEC National Diploma in science and/or a health-related subject. Again other entry routes such as a relevant Access to HE course might also be accepted.

 

To find out more about the differences between a Nursing Diploma and Degree and the entry qualifications, it is a good idea to visit university websites. To help decide which is likely to be best for you it is a good idea to visit university open days and speak with staff and students studying on the courses.