Do you think you've got what it takes to be a nurse? Or have you just seen too many episodes of Grey's Anatomy?
Have you been inspired by the nurses who have worked long and hard over the past year in a bid to beat the coronavirus? Studies show that more and more young people are considering careers in science as a result of the pandemic, and it might be the right job for you too.
Did you know nursing is the UK’s most employable degree, with 94% of students getting a job within six months of finishing their course? And, if you're eligible, you could receive at least £5,000 in financial support every year of your degree that doesn’t need to be repaid.
So, do you have the personality and skills it takes to become a nurse?
Empathy
Empathy is the ability to put yourself in another person’s shoes and to understand their pain and thoughts. The ability to empathise with patients will help you to establish a close relationship with them, and show compassion for those suffering from various ailments, both serious and trivial. But, be warned, nursing is a highly emotional job, so if you shed a tear at most Disney movies, you might want to reconsider if this is the right career for you.
Humility
Do not confuse humility for confidence; nurses need to be confident, but also willing to learn constantly on the job. A lack of modesty could put patients’ lives in danger, so make sure you’re ready for anything and able to take constructive criticism and learn from it.
Energy
If you find it hard to stay awake while trying to study at midnight, you’re going to need more than just energy drinks to keep you on your feet for 12-hour shifts. It’s a taxing job, but also very rewarding.
Critical thinking and commitment
Nurses are the first contact responder during health emergencies, so you need to be confident with first aid care. Commitment is also one of the qualities of a good nurse. As a nurse, you have to provide care and be committed to looking after your patients and putting their needs before your own.
How do you become a nurse?
So, now you know what it takes to be a nurse, how can you get into nursing as a career?
Most people qualify by studying for a degree in Nursing - you usually need at least three A-levels or equivalent, plus good GCSEs including English, Maths and a science subject (such as Biology). Other routes include doing a Nursing Apprenticeship or becoming a Nursing Associate and learning on the job. See the NHS careers website for more information.
Another way to become a certified nurse is by enrolling in the NCLEX-RN examination program. This examination tests your knowledge of how to deliver standard healthcare services as a nurse. It also defines the experience you have concerning the minor and significant aspects of nursing. You must pass this examination if you want to have a career in the nursing profession. To succeed, you'll want to check the NCLEX test plan which will prepare you with test questions.
Remember, nursing is a vocation. So before diving straight in, consider whether it’s definitely the right job for you. Why not ask your friends and family how they would describe you, whether they think nursing would suit you, and whether your qualities match up to those of a nurse? You can also see what life in the medical field might look like with StudyTuber Sen Kath’s day in the life videos as a student doctor.
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