Seven reasons to become a nurse

With more nurses always in demand, we found out why nurses are so key to the wellbeing of the nation!

1. Your country needs you!

Nurses are at the forefront of healthcare and we desperately need more, both in hospital and community environments, despite the addition of those that have been encouraged back in to the profession in recent years. The advantage of this need though, means that employability opportunities are so much greater. It’s probably unsurprising that our Nursing and Midwifery courses have some of the best employability statistics across any University course; the latest statistic for our School is 99 per cent in work or further study within six months of graduation (DHLE survey, 2016/17).

2. You'll be an expert

A general misconception exists in the media that the profession of nursing revolves around sponge baths and bedpans. Generally, today’s public is more educated about the important role nurses play in the wider healthcare community. Yet, the truth of the matter is, unless you or a loved one has spent time in a hospital, you may not fully appreciate the breadth of clinical expertise and knowledge that nurses bring to the table.

3. You get to know your patients

Nurses are on the frontline of administering and evaluating treatment. As a registered nurse you’re a patient’s greatest advocate. You spend more time with patients than other healthcare professionals so you can comprehensively monitor patient progress. You know which symptoms might be a red flag and can assess the effectiveness of treatment. You also become key in communicating this to the wider multidisciplinary team. Keeping this open dialogue is just one of the countless things nurses do to ensure quality of care. This care is delivered in hospitals, GP practices, and the community, and can be crucial to the patients’ welfare.

4. You support families too

One of the main roles you’ll embrace in the nursing profession is the provision of emotional support. You understand the complexities and implications of an illness. You counsel patients and family through everything from understanding a chronic condition to coping with death and dying. Your knowledge of illness combined with exceptional people skills provides comfort and stability. For many patients, this relationship is an anchor at the most challenging periods of their life. The impact you’ve had on family members and patients often leave positive and lasting memories (it is one of the main motivations candidates cite at interviews for a place on the nursing course).

5. Nursing is a true calling

We realise deciding to pursue a career as a nurse is an investment; financially, emotionally and three years of your life! It’s a physically demanding position; many nurses cycle through 12-hour shifts on their feet. You work Public Holidays, nights and weekends to ensure 24-hour seamless care when your patients need it. This selflessness is a key component of what makes nursing a profession that you can be proud to be identified with, and also what makes it such a rewarding career.

6. We are all passionate nurses; and we'll train you to be one too

At BCU, we are all passionate nurses and midwives, and are absolutely committed to providing the very best environment and support to ensure you’re able to succeed in and enrich the profession we are immensely proud of. We are constantly looking to the future to ensure the facilities and placements we offer reflect the variety of settings our students will be working in when they qualify, and are fully prepared for what is a hugely varied career. This passion and commitment doesn’t stop there either – we have a range of post graduate training to help you specialise and further develop your skills to enhance your career.

7. You'll be essential for the wellbeing of our population

In a world with ever-growing challenges nurses are more important than ever. The Government has recognised this and those studying a nursing or selected health related degree will be able to receive at least £5000 a year to train, and in some cases this amount could be higher. It is also possible to have another student loan (if your second degree is in a healthcare) so there is certainly more financial help out there, especially if you are considering a change of career e.g - adult, child, learning disability and mental health, and our MSci dual awards.