If you are looking for a rewarding and fulfilling career, nursing may be the perfect choice for you. Nurses play a vital role in the healthcare system, providing care and support to patients in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare settings. In the UK, nursing is a highly respected profession, and there is a strong demand for qualified Nurses in both the public and private sectors. Here are five top tips on why becoming a Nurse in the UK is a great career choice:
High demand for Nurses
Nurses are in high demand in the UK healthcare system, and the demand is only set to increase. The ageing population in the UK means that more people will require healthcare services in the coming years, and the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of having a strong healthcare workforce. This means that there are plenty of job opportunities available for qualified Nurses, making it a great career choice for those who are passionate about helping others.
Excellent career progression
Nursing is a highly respected profession, and there are many opportunities for career progression within the field. Nurses can specialise in a particular area of healthcare, such as paediatrics, mental health, disability, or critical care. They can also progress to more senior roles, such as Nurse Practitioner or Nurse Consultant, which offer greater responsibility and higher salaries. With the right training and experience, there are plenty of opportunities for Nurses to progress in their careers and make a real difference in the healthcare system.
To maintain their professional registration, nurses need to undertake a certain number of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) hours in a stipulated timeframe. CPD is classed as any education that adds to your skillset as a nurse, that isn’t part of your mandatory or statutory training.
Besides attending seminars and other valuable nursing events, this includes any nursing-related educational courses you find interesting. CPD courses for nurses can be a great way to align yourself with a specialism in nursing or provide a certain type of care that means a lot to you.
If you want to ease your patient’s final days, you can study courses in end-of-life care. Should you want to help people cope with the loss of loved ones, you could complete a course in grief and bereavement counselling. If you want to progress into management roles, a course in the legal aspects of health care would be advantageous.
Flexible working arrangements
One of the great things about nursing is that it offers a lot of flexibility in terms of working arrangements. Nurses can choose to work in hospitals, clinics, care homes, and other healthcare settings, and they can also work part-time or full-time, depending on their preferences. Many Nurses also work flexible hours or shift work, which can be ideal for those who need to balance work with other commitments, such as caring for children or elderly relatives.
Day to day you will be up on your feet moving between patients as you cater to their individual needs. No two days will be the same as you handle different processes and procedures in line with each patients care plan.
What’s more, as you gain more skills through your training and CPD, you will be able to take on different tasks and responsibilities. Your role will constantly evolve, keeping you engaged, challenged and able to help patients more effectively each day.
Competitive salaries and benefits
Nurses in the UK are well-paid, with competitive salaries and benefits packages. The starting salary for a newly qualified nurse is £27,055 per year, but this can increase significantly with experience and career progression. Nurses also receive a range of benefits, such as pensions, sick pay, and paid holidays, making it a financially stable career choice.
Making a real difference
Perhaps the most important reason to become a Nurse in the UK is the opportunity to make a real difference in people's lives. Nurses play a vital role in the healthcare system, providing care and support to patients when they need it most. They help patients manage their conditions, provide emotional support, and work closely with other healthcare professionals to ensure the best possible outcomes for patients. For those who are passionate about helping others, nursing is a highly rewarding career choice.
For many people, doing work that has some meaning is extremely important, and it’s safe to say that nursing is up there on the list of the most meaningful careers. Improving and saving lives is one of the most important things a person can do. A nurse may not be the one completing the life-saving procedure, but if it wasn’t for the aftercare they provide, the condition of many patients would fail to improve.
Depending on the type of nurse you decide to become, you could be part of the lifeline for children, the elderly or people with special educational needs. You could also care for people with mental health issues and disorders and help them manage and make sense of their condition.
In conclusion, becoming a Nurse in the UK is an excellent career choice for those who are passionate about helping others and want to make a real difference in people's lives. With a high demand for nurses, excellent career progression opportunities, flexible working arrangements, competitive salaries and benefits, and the opportunity to make a real difference, nursing is a highly respected and fulfilling profession.
You can start your nursing journey today!
If you feel empowered to embark on this rewarding career, then we here at learndirect Digital Group can help you get started. To study for a nursing degree, you require previous qualifications, but if you don’t have A Levels, our Access to Higher Education Diploma (Nursing) is the perfect alternative. What’s more, you can gain this Level 3 qualification from the comfort of your own home as it’s delivered 100% online. To find out more about our course, click here.
