Registered nurses are among the largest groups of employees in the UK. As such, they can be found in a wide range of healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, nursing homes and schools. Nurses specialise in face-to-face patient care across a number of healthcare fields such as dentistry, oncology and paediatrics
Registered nurses provide much of the patient care before and after surgery. This can include giving medication, taking readings and making sure all written records are up to date. More senior nurses may be involved in the management of nursing teams, as well as the training of junior members of staff
It normally takes between two and four years to train as a registered nurse. Those applying to train should have GCSEs in mathematics and English and be ready to take courses relating to nursing, such as anatomy, psychology and patient care. On completion of these studies, nurses should be able to register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC). Starting salaries of about £20,700 can be expected, rising to a very high level for those classified by the RCN at Band 9. Individuals working in London can earn more.