Adult nursing

A graduate career in nursing involves care for the physical aspects of adults and, depending upon your skills and progression, the management of people plus resources. This involves monitoring people: their blood pressure, heart rate and bodily functions as well as helping patients to wash, dress and get about. Adult nurses need to be able to assess how sick patients are and respond to changes quickly. In the NHS there is a clear career structure supporting nurses in their development from staff nurse working on a ward, for example, to autonomous consultants managing a caseload of patients in the community. There is a wide range of opportunities available for adult nurses ranging from becoming specialists in promoting health, to caring for patients when they are at their most vulnerable whilst recovering from major illness or surgery. Settings are therefore diverse, ranging from an intensive care unit to a patient’s own home.

Starting out

Newly qualified nurses who work in a hospital environment on a ward will generally look after a group of about nine to twelve patients during a span of duty. They will work as part of a multidisciplinary team acting as the main point of contact for the patient and coordinating the contributions of other healthcare professionals. Many newly qualified nurses will seek employment in hospital trusts so that they can hone their skills in recognising and caring for sick adults. There are also opportunities to work in community settings. 

Skills required

Nurses need to be able to communicate with a range of people from patients and their families to staff and members of their team. The ability to spot sick patients is important and nurses should have a good depth of knowledge so that they know what to do in most situations.

With thanks to Elaine Strachan-Hall, director of nursing, midwifery and quality at East Kent Hospitals NHS Trust.