Nursing is widely regarded as a challenging, varied, and above all rewarding profession. Therefore, if you would like to make an impact on the lives of patients, consider becoming a nurse. Nurses and nursing staff are responsible for taking care of patients, answering their questions, and addressing their concerns.
Because of the kind of training that nurses receive, they are able to react to various challenges that may arise in their work environment. Moreover, nursing education and training enable nurses to work as clinicians and leaders.
However, nursing is also changing fast. Today there is more focus on preventive care and public health. So it is possible to build a career in clinical nursing, management, research, and education.
Where Can You Work as a Nurse?
Contrary to popular belief, nursing careers are not restricted to the hospital environment. As a nurse, you can find a career in GP surgeries, the pharmaceutical industry, in nursing and residential homes, and with volunteer organizations that operate hospices and occupational health services. As a nurse you will also be able to find a fulfilling career on leisure cruise ships, in the military, and at universities.
Training to Become a Nurse
In order to become a qualified nurse in the United Kingdom, you need to hold a pre-registration nursing degree from a certified institution. Thereafter, you need to be registered by the NMC (Nursing and Midwifery Council) in order to practice as a nurse. Since the nursing diploma in higher education has already been phased out, you need to obtain a pre-registration nursing degree in order to become a nurse.
Different Types of Nursing Careers
There are four branches of nursing: adult nursing, children’s (pediatric) nursing, learning disability nursing, and mental health nursing. Therefore, before applying to a nursing degree program, you need to make an informed decision on the nursing career that you would like to pursue. Nevertheless, there are a couple of universities that will give you the option of selecting a nursing career after you enroll. There are also universities that have been authorized to offer dual nursing pre-registration degrees, thereby enabling students to graduate in at least two branches of nursing.
Pre-Registration Nursing Programs
Nursing degree programs are made up of 50 percent practical and 50 percent theory work. Consequently, your time will be divided between theory classes at the university and hands-on work placements. Courses at the university will incorporate tutorials, lectures, presentations, and seminars.
Training also includes working with lifelike models that offer a safe means through which you can practice the much-needed confidence that nurses require in their work. While at the university, you will also get to learn more about the four key areas of proficiency: professional values, nursing practice and decision making, interpersonal and communication skills, and team work, management, and leadership,
In addition, you will also get the chance to train with other students who are specializing in other areas of health care such as social work, occupational therapy, midwifery, and pharmacology.
After Completing a Pre-Registration Nursing Degree
After the successful completion of your pre-registration nursing degree, you will have to be registered with the NMC (Nursing and Midwifery Council). Thereafter, you will be able to apply for virtually any nursing position.
Byline
Chester Fulton is a freelance writer based in London, England who often contributes articles on nursing, medical education, the medical field, medical science and other kindred areas; those interested in starting down the path of becoming a nurse should consider these LPN programs.
Image credit goes to sru89.