According to NHS after the 5.5% nurse pay rise 2025 the nurse band 5 salary is now £36,483 per year.
Nursing homes near me is one of the most searched topics across the UK. As of 2025, the NHS faces critical staff shortages, especially in nursing, with around 47,000 vacancies in NHS England, over 10% of the total workforce. This indicates that nursing associates and nursing assistants jobs are trending in the UK.
Nurses play a vital role in healthcare, with numerous opportunities for career advancement and specialisation. In this article from Apex Learning, we’ll have a brief look at what is a nursing job, what are the responsibilities of a nursing assistant and how to become a nurse in the UK. So, let’s start our learning journey!
What is a Nurse?
A nurse is a healthcare professional who provides care to those who are sick, injured, or have physical disabilities. Nurses play a crucial role in saving lives by monitoring patients’ vital signs and ensuring they receive appropriate care. They collaborate with doctors and other healthcare professionals to determine the best treatment plans for patients. Many nursing students choose to specialise in areas that interest them, such as paediatrics, gerontology, or anaesthesiology, shaping their careers within specific fields of healthcare.
Responsibilities of a Nurse
- Patient care: Provide direct care to patients, including administering medications, wound care, and assisting with personal hygiene.
- Monitoring vitals: Regularly check and record patients’ vital signs, such as heart rate, blood pressure, temperature, and respiration.
- Health assessments: Conduct assessments to evaluate patients’ conditions, identify potential health issues, and track recovery progress.
- Care coordination: Collaborate with doctors, healthcare teams, and families to create and implement individualised nursing care plans for patients.
- Health education: Educate patients and their families on managing illnesses, treatments, and healthy lifestyles, promoting self-care and prevention.
- Administering treatments: Administer medications, intravenous therapies, injections, and other treatments as prescribed by physicians.
- Emotional support: Offer compassionate support to patients and families, addressing emotional, psychological, and mental health needs.
- Documentation: Maintain accurate medical records, documenting patient care, treatments, and any changes in condition.
- Patient advocacy: Act as a voice for patients, ensuring their needs and preferences are respected in care decisions.
- Infection control: Implement infection prevention measures to protect patients, staff, and visitors in healthcare settings.
- Supervising junior staff: Oversee and mentor junior nursing staff, student nurses, and healthcare assistants in delivering high-quality care.
For aspiring nurses or the professional already working in nursing and wants to develop skills and knowledge we have some courses that may help:
- Nursing: Nurse Training Level 4
- Adult Nursing Diploma
- Community Practice Nurse
- Level 3 Diploma in Nursing Assistant Complete Training
- Practice Nurse Level 3 – CPD Accredited
- Nurse Prescribing & Medicine Management
- Immunisation Nurse
In these nursing courses, learners will gain a comprehensive understanding of essential skills and knowledge needed for various nursing roles. They will learn patient care techniques, including adult nursing, community practice, and immunisation procedures. The courses cover medicine management, nurse prescribing, and advanced clinical responsibilities, equipping learners with the competencies to work as nurse assistants, practice nurses, day nurse or community healthcare professionals. Additionally, they will be trained in administering vaccinations and managing healthcare in diverse settings, with a strong emphasis on both practical experience and theoretical foundations to ensure professional competence.
Necessary Skills for a Nursing Career
It’s crucial to have empathy and compassion when treating patients. Many patients experience fear or frustration during medical episodes, which can lead to difficult interactions. By understanding their emotions and showing empathy, you can build a strong rapport with patients, making your tasks easier and improving patient outcomes. A positive relationship with patients fosters better communication and care.
The Ability to Work Well Under Pressure
Nursing is unpredictable, with each day presenting new challenges. You’ll encounter patients with a wide range of health issues, adding excitement but also stress to the job. Nurses must be able to handle life-or-death situations, perform critical tasks under pressure, and respond swiftly to emergencies. Being adaptable and staying calm in a fast-paced hospital environment is essential.
Communication
Strong communication skills are vital for nurses. When speaking to doctors and colleagues, clear, concise, and professional communication is necessary to ensure accurate information is shared. When interacting with patients and their families, nurses need to explain medical procedures simply and empathetically, ensuring understanding and reducing anxiety.
If you are thinking about what are Communication Skills you may take a look at the following:
The Ability to Work Well with Others
Collaboration is key in healthcare. Nurses must work seamlessly with other medical professionals, including doctors, paramedics, and healthcare assistants, to deliver efficient, high-quality care. Understanding your role within the team and communicating effectively helps ensure the best outcomes for patients.
A Desire to Help Others
Nursing is more than a job; for many, it’s a calling. A genuine desire to help people and provide excellent care is what drives nurses, especially on challenging days. This passion for making a difference in patients’ lives is a core quality of a successful nurse.
These skills not only help nurses thrive in their roles but also contribute to delivering compassionate, effective care.
How to Become a Nurse?
Here are the steps to become a nurse in the UK:
University Course
The most common way to become a nurse is by earning a nursing degree. Once you decide to pursue nursing, you will need to choose a specific field. The four fields approved by the Nursing and Midwifery Council are:
- Adult nursing
- Children’s nursing
- Learning disability nursing
- Mental health nursing
Some universities offer dual degrees, allowing you to study two fields simultaneously. If you already hold a degree in a relevant subject, such as health sciences, psychology, life sciences, or social work, you may be eligible to join the second year of a nursing degree programme.
A nursing degree typically takes three years to complete. Entry requirements vary by university, but most require 4-5 GCSEs (grades 9 to 4) in subjects including English, maths, and science, as well as 2-3 A levels, one of which should be a science, or a Level 3 diploma.
Nursing Apprenticeship
Alternatively, you can become a nurse through a Registered Nurse Degree Apprenticeship (RNDA). This route combines practical, on-the-job training with part-time university study. It offers a more flexible path to nursing, as it doesn’t require full-time university attendance.
An RNDA typically takes four years to complete. However, if you have Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL) from relevant studies or work experience, this could reduce the apprenticeship duration to two years. Check the NHS Course Finder to see if your previous experience qualifies for APEL. To apply for a nurse apprenticeship, you will need 4-5 GCSEs (grades 9 to 4) along with A levels or equivalent qualifications.
Certification
Once you’ve completed your education and training, you must register with the Nursing & Midwifery Council (NMC), which regulates nursing practice in the UK. To register, you will need to pass a competency test and an English language exam.
Many healthcare employers also require nurses to undergo an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. This check reveals any unspent convictions, cautions, or warnings and is mandatory for those working with children or in healthcare settings.
Career Prospects as a Nurse in the UK
Here are some key career benefits of being a nurse in the UK:
- Job Security: Nursing is in high demand, providing strong job stability and numerous opportunities across the NHS and private sectors.
- Career Progression: There are diverse pathways for advancement, including specialisation in areas like paediatrics, mental health, or surgery.
- Flexible Working Hours: Many healthcare employers offer flexible shifts, allowing nurses to balance personal and professional commitments.
- Continuous Learning: Nurses have access to ongoing professional development, with options for further qualifications, including master’s degrees and leadership courses.
- Competitive Nurse Salary: Nursing salaries in the UK are competitive, with opportunities for overtime pay and additional allowances for night shifts or weekend work.
- Pension and Benefits: Working in the NHS includes a comprehensive pension scheme, paid holidays, and maternity/paternity leave.
- International Recognition: UK nursing qualifications are respected globally, offering opportunities to work abroad.
- Job Satisfaction: Nurses often report high levels of job satisfaction from helping others and making a positive impact on patients’ lives.
These benefits contribute to making nursing in the UK a rewarding and fulfilling career path.
Conclusion
Becoming a nurse in the UK is a rewarding career path that involves dedication, rigorous training, and a commitment to continuous professional development. From meeting the educational requirements to gaining practical experience through clinical placements, each step is crucial to ensuring high standards of patient care. Once qualified, nurses can enjoy a wide range of opportunities in various healthcare settings, with options for further specialisation and growth.
By following the outlined steps, aspiring nurses can launch on a fulfilling journey that makes a real difference in people’s lives. Whether you’re just starting or switching careers, nursing in the UK offers a dynamic and meaningful role with the potential for lifelong learning and advancement.
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