What sort of tasks would I be doing?
There are loads of different types of nurses – adult, pediatric, school, practice and mental health nurses to name just a few. The tasks would vary depending on where you worked but here are some examples.
If you were nursing on a hospital ward, you might…
- Check a patient’s blood pressure and temperature
- Give medication and change dressings
- Keep watch for any changes in your patient’s condition
If you worked as part of an accident and emergency team you might…
- Decide on the order in which patients should be seen by doctors
- Be on hand to treat patients with conditions like wounds or heart attacks
In an operating theatre you might…
- Pprepare and pass instruments to doctors and surgeons
- Prepare for patients coming out of surgery
In a GP surgery or healthcare centre you might…
• Run clinics for people suffering from ailments such as asthma and diabetes
• Give injections
• Carry out health checks
What qualifications would I need?
To become a nurse you will need to complete a nursing degree or Diploma of Higher Education Course in nursing. Once you have completed your degree you can register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council.
Before starting your course, you choose whether you would like to do adult, mental health, learning disabilities or children’s nursing.
If you haven’t got any qualifications at the moment, think about doing one of the following which would allow you to apply to do a nursing degree or diploma:
• Diploma in society, health and development
• Access to health and social care course (offered through colleges of further education)
• An apprenticeship or taking part in a nurse cadet scheme. These offer trainees opportunities to work in the NHS in a support role for about two years, gaining experience in several areas of healthcare whilst working towards an NVQ.
Having some work experience would also be really helpful - ask your local NHS trust or St. John’s Ambulance if there are any work placements available.
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