A Five Minute Guide to Becoming a Nurse

Learning how to become a nurse can be a tough topic to research, especially with the number of important questions before you. What type of nurse do you want to become? Where do you want to study? Will you be able to jump straight into a career?

In this five minute guide we’ll be covering all the basics as well as providing some useful tips on where to go next. We’ll also be discussing the benefits of nurse mentoring and how working with a mentor could help you find the role you’re looking for.

(Please note that we’ll mostly be covering how to be a registered nurse in the UK but that many of the steps mentioned here are transferable.)

How to Become a Nurse

There are several types of nurse and before you can leap into your career you’ll need to decide which type you want to train as. Your options include:

• General Practise Nurse
• District Nurse
• Prison Nurse
• Theatre Nurse
• Mental Health Nurse
• Learning Disability Nurse
• Adult Nurse
• Children’s Nurse
• Neonatal Nurse
• Nursing Associate

Each of these careers come with their own advantages and disadvantages as well as a great deal of crossover but broadly speaking they’re defined by who you’re working with.

When making your decision it’s important to remember that, although nursing can be a very rewarding career, it can also be a very stressful one. Different types of stress affect people in different ways so you should be careful to consider which career will be a better fit for you.

For example, if you like working with children, then you might make an incredible children’s nurse. That being said, you’ll have to balance that with a level of professional detachment which can be difficult for some people. The most important thing to remember is that there’s nothing wrong with choosing the path that’s right for you.

Before making your choice, make sure to read up on the duties you’ll be expected to perform as well as the day to day experience as this can vary a lot from role to role.

Qualifications

If you want to become a registered nurse, then you’ll first need a nursing degree. Some degrees will allow you to study for multiple fields but most will require you to specialise.

In order to complete your degree you will also need some basic qualifications. As a rule you’ll be expected to have five GCSEs at grade 4/C or above and a minimum of two A-levels or equivalent qualifications. You may specifically be required to have English language or literature, or a science subject.

If you lack any of the above qualifications, then you’ll need to gain them before applying for your nursing course.

Completing your nursing degree will be a combination of study and practical, hands-on work. As you study, you may also gain funding towards your studies. The exact amount can vary but for adult nurses, funding starts at £5000 a year. Note that this is not a loan so you won’t have to pay it back.

Nurse Mentoring

If you’re worried that becoming a registered nurse may be a long and difficult path, then don’t worry. There is a way to make things easier, helping you to take it one step at a time. The answer to your problems is nurse mentoring.

A nurse mentor can help you to navigate your options and make decisions that are right for you. They can help you to ensure that you’re qualified and get you set on the path for success. While you’re training they can also give you practical advice, helping you to learn more effectively and better manage your day to day life.

Not sure what type of nurse you want to become? Why not talk with a nurse mentor from that field who’ll be able to tell you all about what it’s like?

Keep in mind that you can work with the same mentor for long periods of time or you can sign up for one off sessions. Sometimes all you need is an hour of someone’s time to get some answers to your questions from the person who knows best.

Even better, once you’ve become a nurse, you’ll be in the perfect position to provide nurse mentoring yourself. You can be a mentor both as a part time side job or as your full time career.

Thinking of taking a break from full time nursing? Become a mentor. Want to earn some extra money in your spare time? Become a mentor!

Mentors set their own hours and work entirely remotely, making it the perfect side job to fit in around any type of career. Sign up with Career Navig8r today to find out more.