What can I do with a nursing degree?
A nursing degree can lead to a job in nursing which is an extremely rewarding role that has a direct impact on people’s lives. 94% of nursing graduates get a job within six months of finishing their course – they are extremely employable because they have many qualities and skills valued by employers. The degree also allows you to work anywhere in the world as it will be accepted across the globe.
You will also have developed valuable transferable skills that will apply to many other sectors and industries.
Career options
Career options
Natural career paths following a nursing degree:
- Anesthetist
- Nurse Midwife
- Nurse Educator
- Nurse Administrator/Manager
- Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)
- Nurse Researcher
- Public Health Nurse
- Home Health Nurse
Transferable skills career paths:
- Healthcare Management/Administration
- Pharmaceutical Sales Representative
- Medical Writing and Communication
- Clinical Research Coordinator
- Health Education and Promotion
- Case Management
- Medical Device Sales and Marketing
- Quality Improvement Specialist
- Telehealth and Remote Patient Monitoring
- Healthcare Consulting
Many employers will accept applications from students that have studied various degrees.
Work experience
Those wanting to find a career within nursing should investigate doing an industry placement – pre-entry work is valued highly. Your careers department at your university should be able to help you identify these. You can also see whether there are any voluntary or part-time roles in your local area by reaching out to retirement homes, local hospitals or GP surgery’s to enquire about any opportunities where you can gain first-hand experience in caring for others.
Previous work experience will enable your application to stand out amongst your competition. It will also provide you with the opportunity to network and build a list of contacts who may become useful in the future.
Typical employers
Typical employers of nursing graduates include:
- The National Health Service (NHS)
- Hospitals and Medical Centers
- Clinics and Outpatient Facilities
- Nursing Homes and Assisted Living Facilities
- Home Healthcare Agencies
- Public Health Departments
- Pharmaceutical Companies
- Government Agencies (e.g., Veterans Affairs, Public Health Service)
- Insurance Companies
- Non-profit Organisations (e.g., Red Cross, Medical Charities)
Skills for your CV
Through your degree, you will have learnt a range of professional and technical skills, such as how to work with and support families as well as working as a member of a multidisciplinary team. Alongside this, you will have developed additional skills which will be transferable. Make sure the following skills are highlighted on your CV:
- Clinical Skills (e.g., patient assessment, medication administration)
- Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving
- Communication and Interpersonal Skills
- Empathy and Compassion
- Attention to Detail and Organisation
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Time Management and Prioritization
- Adaptability and Flexibility
- Leadership and Management Abilities
- Continuous Learning and Professional Development
Further study
There are a variety of post-registration courses available for nursing graduates. One route would be to continue your studies and take a Masters degree in a specific field, such as advanced clinical practice and medical decision-making; however, you can also choose not to go on to further study and train to qualify as an advanced nurse practitioner.
Your employer may offer this additional training as part of your post-registration education and practice requirement. Throughout your career, you will be required to go on multiple training days as healthcare is constantly evolving, and you will need to be informed and educated on the newest technologies, issues and changing needs of the population.
What do nursing graduates do?
Upon graduation, many nursing students in the UK go on to employment as a nurse (67%). However, other professions such as caring personal services, health associate professionals, health and social services managers and therapy professionals are also popular career choices by nursing graduates.
Related Courses
The BSc Adult Nursing prepares graduates to begin the study of nursing as a discipline and, following completion to the threshold standard of an ordinary degree, to meet the requirements for registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC). An NMC-accredited BSc Honours pathway provides a competitive, optional additional year to progress to Honours degree qualification.
The UWS BA (Hons) Social Work has been designed to provide you with the knowledge and practical experience to qualify as a practising social worker and it is approved by the Scottish Social Services Council.
If you want to help improve the lives of others and kick-start your journey towards qualifying as a practising social worker, then the BA (Hons) Social Work is the place to start.
