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Frequently asked questions
Nurse Jobs
Discover nurse roles nationwide with NHS Trusts, staffing and recruitment agencies, and private providers. Scroll down for insights into nurses do, how to become one, typical employers, pay bands, and FAQs.
What Does a Nurse Do?
Nurses in the UK play a vital role across healthcare settings, from busy hospital wards, theatres, and intensive care units to community clinics and patients’ homes. They work as part of a multi-disciplinary team alongside doctors, allied health professionals, and support staff to care for people of all ages and conditions, from acute medical needs to long-term chronic care. Nurses may support surgical patients in theatres, monitor recovery on wards, coordinate care for elderly patients, and assist in specialised units such as paediatrics or critical care. Both NHS and private healthcare employers rely on skilled nurses to deliver safe, compassionate care every day.
Key duties include:
- Assessing and monitoring patient health and vital signs
- Administering medications and treatments
- Supporting surgical procedures and wound care
- Communicating with patients and families
- Collaborating with doctors and therapists
How to Become a Nurse
Becoming a nurse in the UK starts with the right qualifications and training. Most nurses complete a recognised nursing degree or diploma approved by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) and then register with the NMC to become a Registered Nurse (RN). Common entry routes include university BSc (Hons) nursing programmes, apprenticeship pathways, and for those with prior healthcare experience, conversion courses that lead to full registration. Typical entry requirements involve A-levels, equivalent qualifications, or relevant healthcare experience, though specifics vary by university and programme.
Once accepted onto training, students gain hands-on experience through clinical placements in hospitals, community settings, and specialist units. After successful completion of training and passing the NMC registration assessment, candidates apply for Nurse jobs across the NHS, private hospitals, and community providers. Continuous professional development and revalidation are required to maintain NMC registration and progress in a nursing career.
…if you're a bit older like me and you're worrying about whether it's too late to start something new, like Nursing, it definitely isn't too late. And the Nursing profession needs the extra life experience that older people like us bring to the table.
Janet Dalton, Student Nurse
Read Janet’s complete blog on her experience of becoming a nurse at 48 here.
Also, please follow along with Claire Carmichael as she shows you how to apply for your NMC PIN number here.
Our Nurse Career Guide
This information comes from our own Nurse Career Guide which you can jump into for a full, deep dive into everything you need to know about becoming a Nurse - career pathways, education, qualifications and registration details. It also includes insights from people who do this job so you can hear directly from those who have gone before you.
I would advise anyone who intends to go into the Nursing profession or any Medical-related field, to endeavour to gain some level of work experience before proceeding or while studying.
Dorcas Salako, Student Nurse and Healthcare Assistant
Read Dorcas’ complete blog on what to consider if you're thinking of becoming a Nurse here.
Typical Employers of Nurses
- NHS Trusts and Foundation Trust hospitals
- Private hospitals and specialist clinics
- Healthcare agencies and locum services
- Community health providers and GP practices
Some of our current employers hiring for nurses include:
Pay and Benefits for Nurse Jobs
The average annual salary for a Nurse in the UK is around £37,000 depending on experience and banding. Here’s an example of typical pay ranges:
- NHS Band 6: £38,600 to £46,600 per year
- London vs provinces: London roles often include a high-cost area supplement, boosting pay above national averages
- Private sector: Experienced Nurses can earn competitive rates, often between £39,000 and £47,000+ depending on role and setting.
In addition to base pay, many providers offer unsocial hours premiums, pension schemes, and continuing professional development support.
Our Nurse Pay Guide
This information comes from our own Nurse Pay Guide which you can jump into for a full, deep dive into salary and pay rates for this job role. We keep all of our pages up to date, using trusted sources and humans, so this is accurate information.
Career Progression for Nurse
Nurses in the UK have a clear career ladder, from Band 5 Staff Nurse through senior clinical and leadership roles (e.g., Charge Nurse, Ward Manager). Many pursue specialist pathways in fields like critical care, oncology, or advanced practice, while others move into leadership and management positions.
The key messages really are to align your professional and academic development to the role early on. Be proactive, network with other specialist nurses, create those opportunities.
Carol Johnstone, Divisional Recruitment & Retention Lead
Read Carol’s blog on how to become a Specialist Nurse here.