Did you know that there are more than 660,000 registered Nurses in the UK?
Nurses are some of the most committed members of the healthcare system. They are highly trained and help the lives of millions of people each year. There aren’t many careers that are as rewarding as nursing, but it can be challenging and demanding.
Are you thinking of becoming a nurse? Wondering what skills are needed to be a nurse? Unsure what qualifications you need to have a career in nursing?
Well, this guide will cover all you need to know, giving you some tips and advice on what is needed to work in this gratifying role.
What Qualifications Are Needed To Become A Nurse In The UK?
If we take a look at the qualifications to become a nurse, then we need to break it down into the different fields within nursing. They are adult nursing, children’s nursing, mental health nursing and learning disability nursing. Each of these areas requires specific skills and qualifications.
It should be noted that this is a general guide, as different universities have various requirements to study there. Numerous entry requirements are dependent on what the university’s needs, so you should consult the institution yourself to see what they offer. You can also calculate your UCAS points to see where you currently stand.
| Field | General Qualifications Needed To Study |
| Adult Nursing | To study adult nursing, you’ll need between 100 – 120 UCAS points. Along with this, A-Levels in the sciences or social sciences is likely to be required. GCSE passes in English language, maths, and sciences will be needed too. BTECs, HE Diplomas or NVQs may also be considered by some universities, so check with your preferred institution if this is possible. Relevant work experience could be useful for your application too. |
| Children’s Nursing | To study children’s nursing, you’ll need between 100 – 120 UCAS points. Along with this, A-Levels in the sciences or social sciences is likely to be required. GCSE passes in English language, maths, and sciences will be needed too. BTECs, HE Diplomas or NVQs may also be considered by some universities, so check with your preferred institution if this is possible. Relevant work experience could be useful for your application too. |
| Mental Health Nursing | Following the standard guidelines to study mental health nursing, you’ll need between 95 to 115 UCAS points. Along with this, A-Levels in the sciences or social sciences is likely to be required. GCSE passes in English language, maths, and sciences will be needed too. Relevant work experience could be useful for your application too. |
| Learning Disability Nursing | The standard entry requirement to study learning disability nursing is between 95 and 115 UCAS points. Along with this, A-Levels in the sciences or social sciences is likely to be required. GCSE passes in English language, maths, and sciences will be needed too. BTECs, HE Diplomas or NVQs may also be considered by some universities, so check with your preferred institution if this is possible. Relevant work experience could be useful for your application too. |
What Skills Do I Need To Become A Nurse In The UK?
Nurses learn skills through both education and on the job experience. It takes a truly special type of person to become a nurse, as they can combine their knowledge and empathy to provide exceptional care at all times. However, to have a successful career, there are some essential nursing skills you’ll need. We’ve created these tips to help you on your journey.
Teamwork Skills
Of course, teamwork is key for all roles, but in nursing, it is critical. You’ll be working with other nurses, as well as having to liaise with numerous medical professionals such as paramedics, doctors and healthcare assistants. Being able to work as a team, understanding your role and everybody else’s will put you on the right path.
Communication Skills
Similar to teamwork, communication is a skill that is used in most workplaces. Nurses need to be able to communicate effectively with both patients and other members of staff. You’ll have to be able to adapt to how you speak to certain people.
Poor communication can create a stressful and overwhelming environment for patients and family members. An example of some situations where you’ll need to change your communication include:
| Family members | Sometimes, you may have to give bad news to family members. Family members will be concerned and on edge about their relatives, so being able to reason and comfort them is key. |
| Older patients | Older patients may have a harder time understanding what is going on, with new surroundings and people they don’t know, it can be confusing. Being reassuring and calm is crucial. |
| Non-English speaking patients | It can be overwhelming and stressful for someone who doesn’t speak English to be receiving care in a language they don’t understand. Relaying information in a way they recognise is a skill to learn. |
| Young patients | It is likely that children don’t understand what is going on and may get upset easily. Your task is to make them as comfortable as possible, ensuring they feel safe and looked after. |
Being Able To Adapt
Each day on the job will be completely different, with sudden and unexpected situations occurring regularly. You’ll need to be able to adapt to the ever-changing environment you’re surrounded with, being able to deal with situations under lots of pressure. Nurses are thrown many tasks and you may not have dealt with some of them before.
This is a great chance to learn, improve and experience new skills that you can develop for the future, as well as pass on to others. The healthcare sector is always moving and evolving, clearly apparent with the last couple of years that have shaken the world. This means you have to be adaptable and be able to learn new things on the job.
Being Strong Minded
In nursing, you may be taking care of patients for a long time, building a connection and it is easy to get attached. However, this is when it can be extremely difficult when the worst case happens. Being the person that has to let families know of upsetting situations can be distressing and very difficult.
Being able to provide support for families and friends is an essential skill for all nurses, as well as providing emotional support for your colleagues who will also go through tough times. Some advice is to take deep breaths, as well as counting to ten. Trying to focus on your breathing and counting can help take your mind off things.
Organisational Skills
There are different ways of being organised as a nurse. Even in one shift, nurses can see themselves dealing with multiple situations all at once. Being organised can help you to keep on top of tasks, rather than them all crashing down on you and creating a disaster. Some tips for being organised are:
| Prioritising tasks | Prioritising tasks will make sure the right care is given to your patients. This skill will come after your studies and through experiences on the job, knowing when to delegate tasks and when to prioritise certain treatments. |
| Neatness | Simply being neat can make your life so much easier as a nurse. Looking for information can throw you off your rhythm, messing up your organisation. |
| Time management | Time sensitivity is huge in a nursing environment. This can be giving medication at certain times, feeding and washing patients and every other task. Being time efficient and managing your time well can be one of the most important skills you master. |
Physical Stamina
Nursing can be extremely taxing on your body. For long periods you will be on your feet, sometimes running around to meet deadlines. Being able to twist, turn and lift can be key as they’ll be done regularly.
Especially during busy hours of the day, stamina will be needed to respond to emergencies in fast-paced settings. A comfortable pair of shoes is recommended, but also keeping on top of your stamina, diet and drinking plenty of water to keep you sharp.
Attention To Detail
When it comes to working with administrations and drug doses, the small details are pivotal. Mistakes can be easily made, especially during long hours where it has been hectic and you are exhausted. However, it is super important to pay close attention to the details.
Registered nurses are legally required to check batch numbers, serial numbers as well as expiry dates. Therefore, you’ll need to stay sharp and be able to see if something isn’t right with a certain treatment. Also, being able to spot symptoms and behavioural patterns inpatient is critical.
Confidence
There will be times as a nurse that you need to ask for help from a senior. Here, you need to be confident and not feel embarrassed to ask questions. This is how you will learn, as mistakes in this sector can be devastating.
Also, you need to be confident in your abilities and knowledge. When it comes to talking to patients, you want to be assured of yourself so they feel comfortable that you will look after them. Being calm, even when you are not can put patients at ease.