Nurse (RGN)

Nurses work with patients who are ill or injured or who have problems due to age or disability. As well as providing care for patients and supporting their treatment and recovery, nurses give support and advice to patients’ families and carers. They also promote good health.

Nurses work in a variety of different settings and their duties vary enormously. For example:

• on a hospital ward, a nurse may check a patient’s medical history and devise a care plan, check blood pressure and temperature, observe and record changes in the patient’s condition, give medication and change dressings
• in an accident and emergency unit, a nurse may decide on the order in which patients should be treated (known as triage) and treat a wide range of conditions, from wounds to heart attacks
• in an operating theatre, nurses assist surgeons and other healthcare professionals by preparing and passing instruments, and care for patients in the recovery room
• in a GP surgery or health centre, a nurse may run clinics for people with conditions like asthma or diabetes, carry out health screening and give injections
• in the community, nurses offer care and support to patients in their homes and other community settings.

Nurses work closely with other members of the healthcare team including doctors, radiographers, physiotherapists, pharmacists and healthcare assistants. They may also liaise with social workers and teachers.

Nurses initially train to work in one of four branches:

• adult nursing
• children’s nursing
• psychiatric nursing
• intellectual disability nursing.

Hours and environment

Full-time nurses work 37.5 hours a week. In some settings this includes a shift or rota system to cover early mornings, evenings, nights, weekends and bank holidays. Overtime may be available. There are opportunities for flexible or part-time work.

Nurses work in a range of settings from hospital wards and GP surgeries to patients’ homes, care homes and factories.

Most nurses wear uniform as well as protective clothing such as gloves and masks when required.