Nursing FAQ
What is nursing?
The UK Royal College of Nursing defines nursing practice as: “The use of clinical judgement in the provision of care to enable people to improve, maintain, or recover health, to cope with health problems, and to achieve the best possible quality of life, whatever their disease or disability, until death.”
What age can I start a nursing career?
There are people who have started a nursing career through part education and part work experience at the age of 17, however the average age of registered nurses is around 45. Young people may choose to start as healthcare assistants or support workers before developing a career as a nurse.
Can anyone become a nurse?
Anyone can become a nurse who gains a nursing qualification and registers with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC). Nurses who work with children or vulnerable adults are required to have a fully enhanced CRB check to ensure that they meet the standards for working with certain groups of people. Those that are unable to register or who do not have appropriate CRB’s may not be able to practice as a nurse.
How do I become a nurse?
There are two main routes to becoming a nurse. One is the formal academic route where study is undertaken through a college or university to obtain a nursing qualification while also gaining work experience. The other route is to start working as a support worker or healthcare assistant where an employer then assists you with working towards a nursing qualification and career development as a nurse. Once gaining qualification, the next step is to register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) to become a registered nurse (RN).
Is a support worker a nurse?
A support worker fulfills a caring role, such as personal care, cooking meals and assisting people to live life as independently as possible for optimal wellbeing. However, a support worker is not a nurse until they have gained a nursing qualification and have registered with the NMC.
What is a student nurse?
A student nurse is a person undertaking a formal course of study in nursing at a college or university, such as a diploma or degree in nursing. Half of the course entails theoretical study while the other half consists of a work placement to exercise nursing skills and knowledge.
When is a nurse a registered nurse?
A registered nurse is someone who has gained a nursing qualification after being a study or trainee nurse, and have then registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC).
What stages of development are there for nurses?
In the UK, people interested in nursing may start off as healthcare assistants or support workers. Thereafter, through gaining a nursing qualification, the student or trainee nurse can register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) to become a registered nurse (RN) or staff nurse. See “Nursing Career Roles” for further information.
What nursing specialities are available?
Usually student nurses branch into either adult, child, learning disability or mental health nursing. However, there is a vast range of specialities even in these branches of nursing. See our section on “Nursing Specialities” for further information.
Who employs nurses?
Nurses may be employed by hospitals, either private or through the NHS Trust. Other employers include GP Practices, Dental Surgeries, Prisons, Army or Military, Universities and Schools, Assistance Companies (Flight Nurses), Legal Departments (Nurse Investigators), Law Enforcement (Forensic Nurses), and Occupational Health (any employer with the need for nursing expertise).
What are nursing agencies?
Nursing agencies are recruitment companies that specialise in matching people with nursing qualifications and experience with the staffing needs of employers who need their skills. Nursing agencies also offer training, marketing, and information on working abroad.
Can nurses work in different countries?
Nurses with qualifications and experience may be able to work overseas, however the requirements do depend on their registration or licensing with the appropriate councils or regulatory bodies in that country. See our section on “Nursing Internationally”.