Nursing jobs vary with respect to qualification, experience, registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), specialism, the type of work environment, and even the nursing agency registered with and the types of jobs available through them.
Certain employment environments, such as the NHS, have opportunities to work as a part of a healthcare or clinical team. Smaller medical practices may mean that care is offered to case loads of patients by smaller groups of practitioners or care assistants. Many employers, particularly larger ones, such as the NHS, will assist those interested in a nursing career to develop their qualification and experience.
Thinking about getting a nursing job?
People interested in nursing jobs often ask: “Where do I start?” Means of finding out more about nursing jobs includes:
l Speaking with care assistants or qualified nurses
l Enquiring about a nursing career at a local college or university
l Visiting local employment services or job centre to find out about a “work taster”
l Researching on the Internet, such as the NHS Careers or NMC Website
l Looking at current job descriptions and qualifications for nurses
l Considering what you feel passionate about
l Thinking about the environment you wish to work in
There are a variety of nursing jobs available in the UK and abroad. Depending on the country you choose to live in, the nursing roles may go by different job titles. In the UK, there are recognised work titles associated with specific nursing jobs. See our Nursing Career Roles section for further information. Those doing nursing jobs may be classified by their registration with the NMC or by their specialism, such as a neonatal nurse or children’s nurse.
Is becoming a healthcare assistant or support worker a step into nursing?
Yes, becoming a healthcare assistant or support worker may be a starting point to becoming a nurse. Support workers often work with healthcare professionals and qualified nurses to care for people. At the heart of a healthcare assistant’s or support worker’s care is a person-centred approach that develops the comfort and wellbeing of patients or people being supported.
Once gaining experience as a support worker, opportunities may arise through the employer to further qualifications. Many support workers progress to complete NVQ in Health and Social Care, and may also complete medications training to be able to give prescribed medication to patients. Healthcare is a growing sector with a variety of opportunities available for those interested in developing a career in care and nursing. Support worker jobs are often advertised in local newspapers, websites, and the job centres, and applying may lead to future nursing jobs.