Subject Spotlight: Nursing
What Exactly is Nursing?
Nursing is dedicated to caring for people when they are at their most vulnerable. Seen as both a science and an art, combining a comprehensive understanding of medical principles with a deeply human touch, it focuses on the care of individuals, families and communities to achieve optimal health and quality of life. If you have a compassionate nature, excellent communication skills and a desire to make a difference, nursing could be for you.
Why Study Nursing?
Here are three of the most common reasons people study nursing:
Impact
Nurses play a crucial role in delivering healthcare, changing lives by providing direct patient care and advocating for their needs.
Job Security
There is a high demand for nurses worldwide, offering excellent job prospects.
Diversity
The field of nursing offers a wide range of specialisations, from paediatric nursing to critical care nursing, allowing you to develop your ideal career.
What’s it Like To Study Nursing?
Studying nursing involves learning about anatomy, physiology, pharmacology and nursing theory. It also includes practical training, often through clinical placements, where students gain hands-on experience in various healthcare settings.
What Can You Do With a Nursing Degree?
A degree in Nursing opens the door to a variety of fulfilling careers where you can make a real difference. Here are a few potential roles:
- Registered Nurse (RN)
RNs provide and coordinate patient care, educate patients about various health conditions and offer emotional support to patients and their families. - Nurse Practitioner (NP)
NPs are advanced practice-registered nurses who provide primary, acute and specialty healthcare services similar to those traditionally performed by doctors. - Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)
CNSs are experts in a specialised field of nursing practice. They ensure high-quality nursing care, serve as clinical mentors and lead improvements in healthcare delivery. - Nurse Educator
Nurse Educators teach student nurses, practising RNs and other healthcare providers. They work in academic settings and healthcare facilities. - Nurse Administrator
Nurse Administrators manage nursing staff, oversee patient care and make administrative decisions. They work in healthcare facilities like hospitals, nursing homes and clinics. - Public Health Nurse
Public Health Nurses work within communities to improve overall health. They educate the public about health issues, advocate for improved health resources and policies and conduct research on community health.
Each of these roles requires a strong understanding of healthcare principles, excellent communication skills and a deep sense of compassion. As a nurse, you have the opportunity to specialise further in areas like paediatric nursing, oncology nursing or critical care nursing, and you can also move into leadership roles.
Professional Bodies For Nursing
Key professional bodies include the International Council of Nurses (ICN), American Nurses Association (ANA), and the Royal College of Nursing (RCN). These organisations provide resources, professional development opportunities and advocacy for nurses.
Skills Nursing Students Need
If you decide a nursing degree is the best university course for you, there are certain skills you’ll need to display or develop to be successful.
- Strong clinical skills
- Excellent communication skills
- A deep understanding of healthcare principles
- Empathy
- Resilience
- The ability to work well under pressure
Which Universities Offer Nursing Degrees and What Are The Entry Requirements?
Studying nursing could lead to a very rewarding career – and NCUK is an ideal pathway to get onto a top-tier nursing course overseas.
Our dedicated nursing webpage has more information and guidance on the options available, and you can find out more about the universities offering them and the entry requirements using our course finder.