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CONTENTS

1. Routes to becoming an adult nurse
2. Skills you’ll need
3. Finding work experience
4. How to get a job as an adult nurse
5. What it's like to be an adult nurse

Routes to becoming an adult nurse

If you are thinking of becoming a registered adult nurse, you could do an undergraduate nursing degree. There’s also the option of a nurse degree apprenticeship if you prefer learning on the job. Alternatively, if you already have an undergraduate degree in a related field, you could look at postgraduate courses focusing on adult nursing to gain your registered status.

Undergraduate degrees

Undergraduate nursing degrees cover the four main areas of nursing: adult, children, mental health, and learning disabilities. You could choose an adult nursing degree or opt for a ‘dual’ degree incorporating two nursing areas. Degrees usually take three years to complete, or four if you study in Scotland.

Entry requirements for adult nursing will vary depending on the university but typically range from 104–136 UCAS tariff points.

A nursing degree involves a range of theoretical and practical elements including placements in hospitals and community settings.

You can learn more about what to expect from a Nursing degree in our Nursing subject guide, including what topics you’ll cover and how you’ll be assessed.

Degree apprenticeships

Nursing degree apprenticeships are available through some employers and involve 80% on-the-job training and 20% classroom-based study at a university approved by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC). University fees are paid for by the employer, who also provides the apprentice with an income – usually the minimum wage for the age of the student – and some paid holiday.

To gain a nursing degree apprenticeship you’ll need to find an opportunity you’re interested in with an organisation you’d like to work for, and apply for the role. You can find nursing apprenticeship vacancies on the NHS jobs website.

An apprenticeship usually takes four years but could take less if the apprentice already has some relevant previous experience. Once you have successfully completed the apprenticeship, you will be qualified to work as a registered nurse. You could also be offered a permanent job with the organisation you’ve trained with.

Postgraduate degrees

If you already have a relevant undergraduate degree, for example in a science, social care or nursing subject, you may decide to do a postgraduate 'pre-registration' degree in adult nursing. Entry requirements will vary depending on the course and university, but you will usually need a good honours degree and recent work or voluntary experience in a health or social care setting.

Full-time postgraduate courses usually take two years to complete and are a mix of practical and theoretical study. On successful completion you’ll become a registered adult nurse.

Skills you’ll need

Nursing is more than just academic ability; you’ll need to possess and be willing to develop skills such as:

• Empathy
• Good verbal and written communication skills
• Attention to detail
• Excellent observational skills
• Team working
• Multitasking
• Good judgement skills
• Building rapport

Finding work experience

Adult nursing can be a demanding career so it’s worth doing some work experience to check if it’s right for you. This might be a hands-on role or shadowing a healthcare professional.

Try looking for work at:

• NHS Trust
• Private clinic
• Residential care home
• Day care centre
• Relevant charity e.g. St John Ambulance

How to get a job as an adult nurse

You might find a job as an adult nurse with a public or private healthcare provider or with a nursing agency. You could also work for the armed forces, prison service, schools and universities as well as holiday companies and cruise ships.

One of the leading employers is the NHS; visit their jobs website to see what opportunities are available near you.

If you completed a nursing degree apprenticeship with an employer, they might offer you a permanent role on qualifying.

What it's like to be an adult nurse

Nursing is a dynamic career and no one day is ever the same as the next. Depending on your role and specialisation, your tasks could include:

• Writing patient care plans
• Maintaining patient records
• Checking and giving medication
• Setting up drips and blood transfusions
• Carrying out routine tests and investigations
• Keeping patients and relatives up to date with progress
• Mentoring students and junior nurses

You might be working in a hospital, GP surgery, hospice, specialist unit, residential home, or an educational setting like a school.

Adult nursing is a very flexible option as there are so many career development options. Once you have gained some experience, you might decide to specialise in a particular area of interest like sexual health or you might take on more responsibility as a leader and move up the career ladder that way.

If you work for the NHS, you’ll typically start on band 5 of the pay scale which is currently £28,407 to £34,581. This could increase significantly with experience and responsibility. For example, a matron or nurse consultant earns from £50,952 to £57,349.

Is a role as an adult nurse right for you?

If you’re passionate about helping others and interested in developing your clinical and interpersonal skills, adult nursing could be for you.