An introduction to nursing

All of us at some point in our lives are likely to encounter nurses, whether it is for a short-term accident or illness or later in life when we may need nursing care for long-term or chronic conditions.

Nurses can work in a broad range of roles and in a wide variety of settings. In order to be a nurse, individuals must be registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Council and have a degree in one of the four main branches of nursing:

• Adult Nurses
• Children’s Nurse
• Learning Disabilities Nurse
• Mental Health Nurse

Nurses can work in various settings including GP surgeries, hospitals, care homes, people’s own homes as well as specialist settings such as forensic units, prisons and hospice settings. Most nurses work as part of a multidisciplinary team, working alongside other professionals who are experts in their own field of study.

The role of a nurse usually involves working directly with patients to help them with a variety of physical, mental and social care needs. Each role is different and nurses look after people at every stage of life from looking after tiny premature babies to people in their last days of life.

The 6 C’s of Care

All nurses work within the 6 C’s of care which are principles that they must follow to ensure they are working to uphold the best standards of care.

Care – the role of a nurse is to ensure care is provided exempt from bias or discrimination. We may need to care for someone whose values and beliefs are very different to our own so we must ensure we out them aside whilst at work.

Compassion – compassion is how care is given through relationships based on empathy, respect and dignity. We all deserve kindness and compassion in our lives but particularly when we are feeling unwell or worried

Competence – means those in caring roles must have the skills to understand an individual’s health and social needs. It is also about having the expertise, clinical and technical knowledge to deliver the highest standards of care and treatment based on solid research and evidence.

Communication – is an important part of successful caring relationships and fosters effective team working. Listening is as important as what we say. It is essential for ‘No decision about me, without me’.

Courage – enables us to do the right thing for the people we care for, to speak up when we have concerns about their health and wellbeing. It also means we have the personal strength and vision to innovate and to embrace new ways of working.

Commitment – those who care for others must commit to doing their best for those receiving care and ensuring they are working to the best of their ability.

Different branches of nursing

Adult nurses – work with anyone over the age of 18 and can work in a wide range of settings. Daily activities may include administering medication, writing care plans, taking observations, assessing patients in a range of settings with a wide variety of care needs.

Children’s nurse – Children have very specific health needs and you need to understand how a healthy child develops towards adulthood to minimise the impact of illness. This involves working closely with the parents or family members as well.

Communication is a consideration when nursing children. Adults can usually express their feelings and can tell you if they are in pain. A child may not be able to tell you this and the nurse needs to interpret and understand a child’s behavior and reactions. Children’s nurses need to be able to identify when a child’s health is deteriorating and act quickly.

A child’s care takes place in a range of settings including hospitals, day care centers, clinics and in the community such as child’s home.

Top 10 nursing jobs in the UK

As of 2023 there are approximately 750,000
registered Nurses in the UK.

The Top 10 Nursing Jobs in the UK include the following:

1. Registered Nurse (RN)
Key Role: Providing patient care in hospitals, clinics, or care homes.

2. Advanced Nurse Practitioner (ANP)
Key Role: Conducting clinical assessments, diagnosing, and managing patient care independently.

3. Nurse Manager
Key Role: Overseeing nursing staff, managing budgets, and ensuring high-quality care delivery.

4. Nurse Educator/Lecturer
Key Role: Teaching and training nursing students at universities or hospitals.

5. Mental Health Nurse
Key Role: Supporting individuals with mental health issues, including inpatient and community care.

6. Nurse Consultant
Key Role: Specialising in areas like diabetes, oncology, or cardiology, offering advanced clinical expertise.

7. Paediatric Nurse
Key Role: Providing care to children and young people in hospitals, clinics, or the community.