Those people choosing to become a nurse may opt to do so via an experiential route or through a structured training programme. Student nurses are those who choose to study via a structured training programme, such as a three to four year full time diploma or a degree in nursing or six year part time study.
Studying to become a nurse
During the course of obtaining a qualification as a student nurse, half of the course involves theoretical study while the other half is experiential, gained by completing work placements to exercise nursing skills. Student nurses initially complete a common foundation programme (CFP) for a year where they are taught basic nursing skills. Thereafter for the following two to three years, nurses are expected to select a specialism, such as in children’s nursing, adult nursing, mental health nursing or learning disability nursing. See our sections on Areas of Nursing and also Nursing Specialities for further information.
From student nurse to registered nurse
After qualification, student nurses then become registered nurses by registering with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) in the UK. Their status then changes from student nurse to registered nurse (RN).
Entering the job market
Some student nurses are fortunate enough to be retained by their work placements after graduation and registration as an RN, however others either need to or choose to search for nursing jobs. With a high demand for nurses in certain areas, graduate nurses may or may not be spoiled for choice.
Finding the right nursing job in your area of specialism may be more of a challenge that finding a nursing job in general. This is where nursing recruiters or nursing agencies may be valuable in your search for the right nursing job. Our section on “Introduction to nursing and nursing agencies” may help you understand the value of using nursing agencies.
Questions to help you choose the right nursing agency or employer
l If your choice is to go the nursing agency/recruiter route, there are a few questions to consider that may help guide you in the right direction:
l What geographical location do you wish to work in?
l What nursing skills and knowledge do you have?
l What medical technology have you used?
l What is your field of interest or specialism?
l Are you looking for full time, part time, shift, permanent or temporary work?
l What environment do you prefer to work in, such as hospital, clinic, GP practice, prison, or school?
l What nursing recruiters or nursing agencies have vacancies with your interests?
l What employers in your geographical location are looking for nurses with your skills?
Considering such questions and answers may help you as a student nurse preparing for getting the right nursing job after graduation and registration. Nursing agencies can also help student nurses identify options for developing their career path.