NURSING is the ultimate job with a purpose – and it also the UK’s most employable degree, with 94 per cent of students getting a job within six months of finishing their course.

However, the nursing shortage means thousands of new nurses are needed each year to keep up patient care standards.

A new role in nursing could be a rewarding career change

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A new role in nursing could be a rewarding career changeCredit: Getty

Official figures show there are over 43,000 open nursing vacancies across the UK, with the Government promising to deliver a further 50,000 nurses by the end of this year.

Nursing can offer job security and the satisfaction of knowing you are helping others, often when they are at their most vulnerable.

It’s a vocation as well as a job, so if you’re that special someone who has what it takes to become a nurse, here’s what you need to know from Sun Jobs.

What types of nursing are there? 

Most people tend to think of nurses as working in a major hospital and while many do, there are four key areas of nursing.

These cover adult nursing, children’s nursing, mental health nursing and learning disability nursing. Nurses work in both the NHS and private sector and can also work in GP surgeries and local clinics too.

What can I personal qualities do nurses need?  

Nursing can be a tough job as you will be dealing with people who might be in pain or frightened.

A good nurse needs to be caring and compassionate and able to listen and communicate well. You’ll also need to be practical and have good judgment and assessment skills to best help your patients.

It also helps if you can work across a team and influence other departments in order to make the most of your abilities.

How do I become a nurse?

There are two main routes into nursing. Most people qualify by studying for a nursing degree which offers a high level of practical experience combined with academic study.

You can also take a registered nurse degree apprenticeship. Entry requirements vary as each university sets its own entry criteria, but you will usually be asked for three A-levels or equivalent qualifications at level 3, such as a T level or BTECs, plus GCSEs including English, maths and biology.

Some courses specify A-level subjects which are usually biology and a social science such as psychology.

Some universities offer courses with a foundation year for those without the necessary entry qualifications. To help potential nurses meet study costs, eligible undergraduate and postgraduate student nurses will qualify for a £5,000 bursary for each academic year.

You can find out more at https://www.healthcareers.nhs.uk/explore-roles/nursing/how-become-nurse.

What happens after I have qualified as a nurse?

Before you can apply for a nursing job, you must register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council in order to be able to practice.

You can then apply for jobs through the NHS website at https://www.jobs.nhs.uk/candidate.

As you gain experience, you may decide to specialise in a specific role, and go into research or teaching.

We care that you find the right role, so here are our Sun Jobs nursing picks of the week.

Registered General Nurse/Specialist Nurse, Bluestones Medical South Wales, Aberystwyth

Expand your skillset with this crucial role helping pre-op patients.

The Job: Bluestones Medical South Wales is seeking a skilled and dedicated Registered General Nurse to join its team.

What You’ll Do: You will play a crucial role in providing high-quality preoperative care to patients, to provide exceptional care and help advance the field of medicine.

You’ll Need: You will have a valid NMC pin, a minimum six months’ experience, and experience in general nursing.

Apply Now: See further details of this role, along with other jobs at Bluestones Medical South Wales.

Registered Nurse, Appoint Healthcare, Birmingham

Looking for a flexible role? Choose the hours which suit you in this acute mental health position.

The Job: Appoint Healthcare is hiring an experienced Registered Nurse to work at its facility in Birmingham.

What You’ll Do: You will provide care for acute mental health and PICU. Both full- and part-time hours are available, with options to work days only, nights only or mixed shifts.

You’ll Need: You will be an experienced registered nurse, with applicants from learning disabilities and mental health nurses welcomed.

You will be registered with the NMC, with a valid pin, and full eligibility to live and work in the UK.

Apply Now: Find out more, or discover more opportunities with Appoint Healthcare.

Nurse, Veincentre, Manchester

The Job: Veincentre, the UK’s largest varicose vein clinic, has an opportunity for an experienced Registered Nurse to join its team.

What You’ll Do: You will provide nursing care to patients undergoing assessment and minimally invasive treatments for varicose veins, supporting the consultant.

You will be a key part of a small and friendly team, with part-time hours working five days a week, which is likely to increase along with patient demand.

You’ll Need: The ideal person for this role will be registered with the NMC, with a passion for providing high standards of care and an excellent experience to all patients.

No previous venous experience is required as full training will be provided.

Apply Now: Apply for this position, along with other opportunities with Veincentre.

Discover thousands of open vacancies for jobs all across the UK now on The Sun Job Board

This post first appeared on thesun.co.uk

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