Working as a nurse is a rewarding and diverse career, you'll have the opportunity to make a real difference to people's lives.
In this article, we'll cover:
- What is a nurse?
- What do nurses do?
- What can I do with a nursing degree?
- Why become a nurse?
- How to become a nurse in the UK
- Frequently asked questions about becoming a nurse
Key facts
- The average starting salary for a nurse in 2025 is £30,000 according to the National Careers Service
- If you study a degree to become a nurse, you get a training grant of up to £5,000 per year from the NHS Learning Support Fund (LSF). You do not have to pay this back.
- You may be expected to work some evenings, weekends and bank holidays.
- There are three main routes to becoming a nurse: university degree, apprenticeship and through the armed forces.
What is a nurse?
A nurse is a healthcare professional who helps patients receive medical assistance. Nurses care for babies, children and adults who are:
- Sick
- Injured
- Have learning disabilities
- Have physical disabilities
- Have mental health issues
What do nurses do?
As a nurse, you'll work in a team with other healthcare professionals who diagnose and treat patients in various settings. Nurses work with surgeons, physicians, specialists, assistants, technicians and many other healthcare providers.
Your daily duties as a nurse could include:
- Taking a patient's vital signs, measurements and medical history
- Drawing blood samples
- Physically examining a patient
- Completing patient assessments
- Requesting and conducting diagnostic tests
What can I do with a nursing degree?
A nursing degree offers a wide range of career opportunities beyond traditional hospital roles. With this qualification, you can specialise in areas such as children's nursing, mental health, learning disabilities, or critical care.
Many nurses go on to become nurse practitioners, educators, researchers, or healthcare managers. Being a nurse isn't limited to only working within a hospital setting. Nurses can also work in schools, public health organisations, research institutions, corporate environments, military services, and even remote telehealth positions.
Whether you're passionate about direct patient care, education, leadership, or innovation, a nursing degree provides a strong foundation for a diverse and rewarding career.
Why become a nurse?
Frequently asked questions about becoming a nurse
To summarise, becoming a nurse is an incredibly rewarding career and you'll have the opportunity to really help people.
If you have questions or want to find out more about becoming a nurse, chat to our team.
Where next?
- Subject
Nursing
I decided to become a qualified nurse at 49. It's never too late to chase your dreams or start something new.
