Adult Nurse

As an adult nurse, you'll care for patients suffering from a variety of health conditions, ranging from minor injuries and ailments to acute and long-term illnesses and diseases. You will support their recovery by observing and assessing their needs, using care plans and carrying out care procedures.

You will need to build trust with patients and may also have to contact their families, particularly in cases of chronic illness where the patient may be returning regularly for treatment.

Nurses usually work within a multidisciplinary team with other healthcare professionals but are often the main point of contact for patients, frequently providing the most consistent care.

Adult Nurse is also known as Nurse.

Role Characteristics

Provide information, emotional support and reassurance to people and their relatives
Promote good health
Provide care
Monitor people and keep records of any changes in their health
Take samples, pulses, temperatures, and blood pressure readings
Work with other health and care professionals

Skills

Team work
Empathy
Resilience
Attention to detail
Observation
Communication

Day in the life

Watch this video to find out more about work as an Adult Nurse

Routes into this role

Here are some example routes that can lead into this role.

Volunteering or work experience

GCSEs

Undergraduate degree

BTEC, T-Level or A-Levels

Degree apprenticeship

How to become

There are several routes into nursing, including university study and apprenticeships. Apprenticeships provide a clear progression pathway into Adult Nursing. Individuals can begin as an Apprentice Clinical Support Worker and work towards recognised qualifications while gaining practical experience. For entry to the apprenticeship, applicants are normally expected to have, or achieve during the programme, Level 2 English and Maths (equivalent to GCSE Grade 4/C). Following successful completion, there may be opportunities to progress to a Trainee Nursing Associate apprenticeship. After qualifying and registering as a Nursing Associate, individuals can further progress onto a Nursing Degree Apprenticeship, leading to registration as a Registered Nurse

If you would prefer to study nursing at university, you will typically need GCSE English Language, Maths and a Science subject at Grade 4/C or above (or an equivalent qualification). You will also usually need a Level 3 qualification, such as A Levels, a BTEC, T Level or Access to Higher Education Diploma, depending on your chosen university and route of study. In addition, volunteering, care experience and work experience are highly valued by universities and employers as they demonstrate a commitment to caring for others.

It is important to check your preferred course provider's entry requirements for guidance.

It is a requirement for you to be registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC).

Where can this role lead

No matter what role you start in or where you are in your career path, there are always opportunities to develop and progress in health and care.

Once you have qualified as an Adult Nurse, you could work in a range of settings and start to develop your career further.

You will start by gaining some experience in a more generalist role, but you could take further training in order to specialise in an area such as accident and emergency, intensive care, cancer or sexual health.

Location

Peoples Homes
Community Settings
Care Homes
GP Practices
Hospitals
Prisons
Schools, colleges and universities
Armed Forces

Working hours

Weekdays
Weekends
Nights
Full Time
Part Time
Casual Hours
Overtime
Flexible Hours

Opportunities

BTECs, T-levels or A-levels

Leeds City College Health and Social Care courses

Find BTEC, T-Level or A-Level courses in Health and Care at Leeds City College

Organisation: Leeds City College

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Undergraduate Degree

BSc Nursing (Adult)

This nursing degree has been designed to provide a great foundation for your future career in community or acute settings, and will help you make a real difference to the lives of others.

Organisation: University of Huddersfield

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Support

Pre-employment programme - Careers in Care

Join a one week training course to get a taste of a role in health and care, gain a qualification and have the opportunity to interview for a job.

Organisation: Leeds Health and Care Talent Hub

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Access to university

Access to Higher Education (Nursing)

This qualification is the ideal stepping stone for those seeking to further their education and career prospects, offering a flexible and supportive route into higher learning.

Organisation: Heart of Yorkshire Education Group

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Volunteering

Volunteering in Health and Care

Find out more about volunteering opportunities in Health and Care

Organisation: Volunteering Opportunities

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Apprenticeships

Clinical Support Worker Apprenticeship

Leeds Teaching Hospital Trust are seeking to recruit motivated, caring and compassionate individuals that can support their nursing teams to deliver care to patients within a clinical setting.

Organisation: Leeds Health and Care Talent Hub

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Support

NHS Student Nursing Hub

This hub is designed to support you from the point of thinking of becoming a nurse through to entering the workforce as a newly registered nurse. Whether you are considering nursing as a career, currently studying, or preparing for your first role, this hub is here to help. This student hub has been developed with students, partners in the NHS, higher education and other health and care sectors. It will be regularly updated.

Organisation: NHS England

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Undergraduate Degree

BSc Nursing (Adult)

Develop the knowledge, expertise, and attitude to begin your career as a registered nurse. You'll learn to lead and coordinate care on this nursing degree.

Organisation: Leeds Beckett University

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Undergraduate Degree

BSc Nursing (Adult)

The three-year full-time degree in Nursing leads to a professional nursing qualification and eligibility to register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council.

Organisation: University of Bradford

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