Adult Nurse

Becoming a nurse is more than just a job; it’s a career that requires compassion, dedication and an eagerness to help others. As an adult nurse in the United Kingdom, you have the opportunity to work with patients from all walks of life.

Being a nurse is one of the most rewarding careers out there, but it also comes with plenty of challenges along the way. If you’re considering becoming an adult nurse in the UK, it’s vital that you understand the job responsibilities involved as well as the skills required for success. By having a good grasp of these areas beforehand, you will be better prepared for the journey ahead!

Adult nurses care for patients suffering from various health conditions, whether that be minor injuries and ailments to acute and long-term illnesses and diseases. They support recovery by using care plans, carrying out care procedures and assessments, and evaluating and focusing on the needs of the patient.

Nurses usually work within a multidisciplinary team but they are the main point of contact for patients, often providing the most consistent care. They also have contact with the patient’s family, particularly in cases of chronic illness where the patient may be returning regularly for treatment. Their aim is to improve their patient’s quality of life.

My Responsibilities

Adult nurses work with patients aged 18 and above in both hospital and community settings. Their responsibilities as an adult nurse may include:

Assessing, planning and providing care for adults with acute or chronic health issues
Monitoring their health conditions and progress over time
Keeping accurate records of treatments, medications and progress notes
Communicating effectively with other healthcare professionals such as doctors, social workers, therapists etc.
Educating patients on preventative health measures such as diet and exercise
Administering medication according to medical instructions.

Required Skills

Aspiring adult nurses must possess certain skills to succeed in this role. These include:

a compassionate nature that enables you to empathise with your patients
excellent communication skills so that you can explain complex medical information clearly
the ability to remain calm under pressure while dealing with challenging situations
good problem-solving skills which allow you to make decisions quickly when needed
the ability to multitask while remaining organised at all times
adaptability so that you can adjust quickly when faced with unexpected changes
an understanding of medical terminology and protocols
basic computer knowledge so that you can use digital systems for record-keeping purposes

Qualifications

In the UK, becoming an adult nurse involves meeting certain qualifications and gaining valuable experience.
The first step in your journey to become an adult nurse is to gain the necessary education qualifications. To become an adult nurse, you must complete a degree-level nursing qualification, ideally a Bachelor’s degree in nursing. The degree must be approved by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) and must include clinical placement experience, providing you with hands-on training. Additionally, you must pass the National Assessment and Evaluation of Overseas Nurses (NMC Test of Competence) if you’re an international student.

You can also take a two-year Postgraduate Diploma course if you already hold a degree.

Training

Gaining practical work experience is an essential aspect of becoming an adult nurse. As such, you must undertake a work placement in an appropriate healthcare setting during your degree or postgraduate diploma program. During these placements, you’ll work closely with experienced nurses, practice your skills, and gain invaluable experience in both providing patient care and working as part of a multidisciplinary team. This experience will enrich your understanding of the healthcare sector and provide practical knowledge that will help you excel in your training.

Work Experience

Employment

Typical employers of adult nurses include:

Hospitals
Residential homes
Health centres
Prisons
Hospices
The armed forces
NHS24 and other helplines
Private companies

Registration Process:
After completing your education and gaining practical work experience, you’ll need to register with the NMC. This registration process is critical and ensures that you have met the necessary requirements to work as a registered nurse. To register, you must complete an online application, including background checks, references, and a declaration of good health. Once registered, you may officially call yourself a registered adult nurse and start your career in healthcare.

Working Hours

As a student, you may have heard stories about nurses working 12-hour shifts or clocking in 60 hours per week. This may sound overwhelming, but it’s important to understand the reality of working hours for adult nurses in the UK.
The typical adult nursing shift in the UK is eight hours long, either during the day or at night. Most nurses work a combination of both day and night shifts, which allows them to gain experience with different patient populations and medical conditions. Some nurses may work 12-hour shifts instead of eight, which means they work fewer days per week but for longer hours each shift. This can be a desirable option for those who need a more flexible working schedule.

When it comes to breaks, most nurses are entitled to a 30-minute unpaid break every six hours of work. This is intended to provide the opportunity for rest and refreshment during the workday. However, the reality is that nurses may not always be able to take their full break or may have to eat quickly on the go, depending on the demands of the job.

Many nursing positions do offer overtime pay for additional work hours, although this varies by job and employer. Nurses may be asked to work overtime to cover staffing shortages or during particularly busy times, such as during flu season.

It’s also important to note that adult nurses in the UK are required to work weekends and holidays. This is because hospitals and medical facilities operate 24/7, and nurses are needed to provide care around the clock. However, many employers do offer additional compensation for weekend and holiday shifts.

The physical demands of nursing work can also impact working hours. Nurses may be required to lift heavy objects or patients, stand, walk, or be on their feet for long periods of time. This can be tiring and may lead to physical exhaustion after long shifts. It’s important for nurses to take care of themselves outside of work by getting enough rest, eating well, and staying active.

Salary

NHS nurses’ salaries are set by the government rather than individual hospitals. Newly qualified adult nurses will start at band 5 with a salary of around £25,500. Pay increases with experience. If you work in London, you’ll be entitled to a high-cost area supplement to cover the higher costs of working in the capital.

Professional Development

Continuing Professional Development:
As a registered nurse, you must continually develop your skills and knowledge. The healthcare sector is continually evolving and changing, and as such, it’s crucial to keep up with the latest developments and treatments. Continuing Professional Development (CPD) is an essential aspect of your career as an adult nurse. Continuing education, attending conferences, and other training programs will ensure you remain up to date with the latest industry knowledge, providing you with the tools you need to provide the best possible care to your patients.

Career Progression

Starting as a Newly Qualified Nurse (NQN)

As a newly qualified nurse (NQN), you will begin your career as a band 5 nurse in the healthcare sector. This will give you the opportunity to work in a variety of settings such as hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, and community services. It is essential to note that adult nursing offers a range of specialities, including ICU, A&E, surgery, and medical units.
Progression from band 5
After gaining experience and improving your skills as a band 5 nurse, you may consider progressing to band 6, which is the advanced nurse practitioner level. A band 6 nurse takes on increased responsibilities such as leading a team, ensuring service delivery, and training junior staff.

Progression to Management and Clinical Nurse Specialist Roles
As an experienced and highly skilled band 6 nurse, you can decide to venture into the management and clinical nurse specialist roles. Clinical nurse specialists provide professional and clinical leadership for a specific area of practice, such as diabetes, respiratory, or cardiac. On the other hand, management nurses oversee service delivery, patient care, and budgeting.

Progression to the Advanced Clinical Practice (ACP) Level
An advanced clinical practitioner (ACP) holds a specialist expert clinical role. To progress to this level, a band 7 nurse must have an MSc in advanced practice or equivalent, and undergo additional clinical training. A band 7 nurse has advanced clinical skills and knowledge, can prescribe, and provide clinical decision-making for complex cases independently.

Progression to Nurse Consultant and Teaching Roles
A nurse consultant is a specialist in a specific area of healthcare who provides strategic and professional direction. On the other hand, teaching roles in nursing involve sharing knowledge and skills with students and professionals. These roles require experience, exceptional clinical expertise, and higher qualifications such as a doctorate in nursing.