Requirements

Nurse - requirements

Nurses care for people of all ages who are ill, injured, have physical disabilities or need extra support. There are several different branches of nursing, like midwifery, paediatrics and learning disabilities. Discover what it’s like to be a nurse and how you can get a job.

Know what you'll need to land a job below.

What qualifications do you need to be a nurse?

Nursing degrees on offer are usually in the following branches:

To become a nurse, you’ll need a nursing degree that’s approved by the Nursing & Midwifery Council. Other options include degree apprenticeships or training as a nurse in the armed forces.

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Do you need a postgraduate qualification to be a nurse?

You won’t need a postgraduate degree for most nursing jobs, but having one will help if you’re applying for senior or specialist roles.

Examples of courses at postgraduate level include:

Advanced nursing
Cardiovascular health and disease
Nursing research
Palliative care

What skills do you need to be a nurse?

As well as specific healthcare knowledge, you must be able to provide a caring and compassionate patient experience.

Hard skills usually include:

Clinical knowledge
Patient care
Competency using medical equipment
Ability to communicate with patients and their families effectively

Soft skills include:

Sensitivity, empathy and compassion
Teamwork and interpersonal skills
Attention to detail
Patience and ability to work well under pressure
Computer literacy
Organisation and time management

Do you need work experience to be a nurse?

During your degree in nursing, you’ll gain lots of practical experience in clinical environments. This experience is essential before you can register as a nurse. Other ways of gaining experience could be by volunteering with a local health or care organisation, such as a care home.