Placement Overview

This VIP works in a local nursing home caring and doing clinical procedures for the residents.

Generic Job Description for a Nurse

Nurses work in hospitals, caring for ill and injured people and providing health care and advice. Their job involves providing medical care, observing and recording the condition of patients, preparing patient care plans and supporting the recovery of patients. Their patients could be people suffering from acute and long-term illnesses or diseases or people requiring surgery.

Nurse’s work as part of care team, working alongside other healthcare professionals such as doctors, surgeons and radiologists.

Skills:

• Patience
• A Caring nature
• The ability to remain calm under pressure
• The ability to work well as part of a team
• Physical fitness
• Emotional strength

Pay:

• Entry approx £18,000
• £30,000 with experience and specialist qualifications
• £50,000 or more for consultant nurses

Please not that salary figures are a guide only. Actual salaries may vary depending on the organisation and geographical location

Hours:

• Approx 40 hours per week
• Night-time and weekend shifts are common
• Nursing offers opportunities for part-time work

Environment:

• Inside, usually on a hospital ward or in a care home
• Nursing can be physically and emotionally stressful

Qualifications:

• Nursing entrants study for a degree or diploma at University
• Most degree courses require five GCSE passes grades A – C and two A-Levels
• Courses last three to four years
• Cadet Apprenticeship schemes are available 

Training:

•  A branch of nursing must be decided upon and followed after the first year of training i.e. adult, children or mental health, or learning disabilities
• Further training is available in clinical specialisms
• Continuous professional development is essential to nursing 

Opportunities:

• There is a shortage of qualified nurses in the NHS
• Opportunities also existing in private hospitals and care homes, the police and military 

Links:

www.nhscareers.nhs.uk - NHS Careers

www.nmas.ac.uk - Nursing and Midwifery Admissions Service

www.rcn.org.uk - Royal College of Nursing