Do you have what it takes to become a nurse?
NURSE is the ultimate job with a purpose – and it's also the most employable course in Britain, with 94 percent of students getting a job within six months of completing their course.
However, the nursing shortage means that thousands of new nurses are needed each year to maintain patient care standards.
Official figures show there are more than 43,000 nursing vacancies in Britain, with the government promising to deliver a further 50,000 nurses by the end of this year.
Nursing can provide job security and the satisfaction of knowing you are helping others, often when they are at their most vulnerable.
It's as much a calling as it is a job, so if you're that special person who has what it takes to become a nurse, here's what you need to know about Sun Jobs.
What types of nursing are there?
Most people tend to think that nurses work in a large hospital. While many do as well, there are four main areas of nursing.
These include adult nursing, pediatric nursing, mental health nursing and learning disabilities nursing. Nurses work in both the NHS and private sector and can also work in GP practices and local clinics.
What personal qualities do nurses need?
Nursing can be a tough job because you deal with people who may be in pain or scared.
A good nurse must be caring and compassionate and must be able to listen and communicate well. You also need to be practical and have good judgment and assessment skills to best help your patients.
It also helps if you can work in a team and influence other departments to get the best out of your abilities.
How do I become a nurse?
There are two main routes into nursing. Most people qualify by studying for a nursing degree that provides a high level of practical experience combined with academic study.
You can also train to become a nurse. Entry requirements vary as each university sets its own entry criteria, but you will usually be asked to take three A-levels or equivalent Level 3 qualifications such as a T-level or BTECs, plus GCSEs including English, Maths and Biology.
Some courses specify A-level subjects, usually biology and social sciences such as psychology.
Some universities offer foundation year courses for people without the necessary entry qualifications. To help potential nurses cover the costs of study, eligible undergraduate and postgraduate student nurses are eligible for a grant of £5,000 for each academic year.
More information can be found at https://www.healthcareers.nhs.uk/explore-roles/nursing/how-become-nurse.
What happens after I qualify as a nurse?
Before you can apply for a job as a nurse, you must register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council in order to practice.
You can then apply via the NHS website at https://www.jobs.nhs.uk/candidate.
As you gain more experience, you may decide to specialize in a specific role and take up research or teaching.
We think it's important that you find the right role, so here are our Sun Jobs nurse picks of the week.
Registered General Nurse/Specialist Nurse, Bluestones Medical South Wales, Aberystwyth
Expand your skills with this critical role in helping preoperative patients.
The job: Bluestones Medical South Wales is looking for an experienced and dedicated Registered general nurse to join his team.
What you will do: You play a critical role in providing high-quality preoperative care to patients, to deliver exceptional care and advance medicine.
You need: You have a valid NMC pin, at least six months of experience and experience in general nursing.
Apply now: See further details of this rolealong with other jobs Bluestones Medical South Wales.
Registered Nurse, Appoint Healthcare, Birmingham
Looking for a flexible role? Choose the hours that suit you in this acute mental health care position.
The job: Appoint Healthcare is looking for an experienced Registered Nurse to work at its Birmingham factory.
What you will do: You provide care in acute mental health care and in the PICU. Both full-time and part-time hours are available, with the option to work only during the day, only at night, or mixed shifts.
You need: You will become an experienced registered nurse, with applicants with learning disabilities and mental health nurses welcome.
You will be registered with the NMC, with a valid PIN, and you will be fully eligible to live and work in Britain.
Apply now: Find out moreor discover more options with Name care.
Nurse, Veincentre, Manchester
The job: Veincentre, Britain's largest varicose vein clinic, has an opportunity for an experienced Registered Nurse to join his team.
What you will do: You will provide nursing care to patients undergoing assessment and minimally invasive treatments for varicose veins, in support of the consultant.
You will be an important part of a small and friendly team, with part-time hours working five days a week, which is likely to increase as patient demand increases.
You need: The ideal person for this role will be registered with the NMC, with a passion for providing high standards of care and an excellent experience to all patients.
No previous venous experience is required as full training is provided.
Apply now: Apply for this positionalong with other options with Vein center.
Discover thousands of open vacancies for jobs across the UK now on The Sun Job Board