Nurse
Care for patients in hospitals, GP surgeries, or community settings.
This UK nurse career guide covers what the role involves day to day, typical salary at each stage, the usual entry route, the skills employers expect, and related careers worth comparing.
Quick facts
- Starting salary
- £28,000 - £32,000 (NHS Band 5)
- Mid-career salary
- £35,000 - £45,000
- Senior salary
- £50,000 - £70,000
- Work environment
- Hospital, community, or clinic; shifts
- Time to entry
- 3 years
- Degree required
- Yes (or apprenticeship route)
- Category
- Healthcare and Care
What a Nurse does
Care for patients in hospitals, GP surgeries, or community settings.
- A&E Nurse - Work in emergency departments handling acute cases.
- Mental Health Nurse - Support people with mental health conditions.
- Paediatric Nurse - Care for babies, children, and young people.
- District Nurse - Provide nursing care in patients' homes.
How to become a Nurse
- Look up Nurse roles on LinkedIn or Indeed and read 5 real job ads
- Talk to someone already working as a Nurse - even a 15-minute call helps
- Find one beginner course or qualification used by people in this role
- Build one small piece of evidence you've explored this (project, shadowing, short course)
- Apply to one entry-level role or related opportunity within the next month
Key skills
- Compassion
- Resilience
- Clinical judgement
- Teamwork