Nursing
About Nursing
Nursing apprenticeship does not only apply to hospital nursing, you can apply to become a dental nurse or veterinary nurse. Nursing apprenticeship starts from level 3 and goes up. Nursing apprenticeships provide the perfect opportunity to get hands on experience to figure out the correct path as a nurse. There is always a shortage of nurses, therefore, there will always be work for someone who has acquired a nursing qualification.
Type of apprenticeships
Nursing apprenticeship will involve studying and working at the same time, similar to other apprenticeships. Nursing is very hands on and allows you the chance to put your newly developed skills and knowledge into practice. This means you will be more experienced and developed nurse after you qualify than you would if you attended university.
Entry Requirements
Level 3: You will need to be at least 16 years old, living in the country and have at least 5 GCSE at grades A*-C (9-4) including math and english.
Level 4/5: You will need to be at least 16 years old, living in the country and have a level 3 qualification in the sector you are applying too or equivalent (i.e. A-levels).
Level 6/7: You will need to be at least 16 years old, living in the country and have a level 4/5 qualification in the sector you are applying too or equivalent (i.e. A-levels, note the grade requirements will be higher than level 4/5 entry).
GCSEs that suit this Apprenticeship
Regardless of what GCSEs you do you can always go down various career paths, but certain GCSEs will give you an advantage and some will be required. Below is a list of GCSEs which will help you with nursing apprenticeship:
- English Language and Literature *(required)
- Mathematics *(required)
- Science (double or triple)
- IT
- Modern Foreign Languages
A-levels that suit this Apprenticeship
Higher level apprenticeships may need A-level qualifications to enter, however, regardless of what A-levels you do you can always go down various career paths, but certain A-levels will give you an advantage and some will be required. Below is a list of A-levels which will help you with nursing apprenticeship:
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Modern Foreign Languages
Duration of Degree
The duration of the apprenticeship course will vary depending on the level you are in, below is a list of various levels and their normal duration:
- Level 3: 1 - 2 years
- Level 4/5: 2 - 3 years
- Level 6/7: 3 - 4 years
Who This Apprenticeship Suits?
Every apprenticeship will be enjoyable and suit different personalities, below is a list of characteristics and personalities which will enjoy a nursing apprenticeship:
- Enjoy helping people
- Enjoy working in a medical environment
Module /Topics
Nursing apprenticeship has many topics that need to be covered, below is a list of the topics that will be in the curriculums of each level.
Level 3:
- Professional nursing responsibilities;
- Diagnostic principles;
- Principles of nursing care;
- Pharmacology and dispensary management;
- Practical nursing skill;
- Anesthesia and theatre;
- Nursing skills;
- Life stage nursing and support;
- Surgical nursing and patient care.
Level 4/5:
- Introduction to nursing practice;
- Integrative nursing practice;
- Foundation in applied nursing practice;
- Evidence in nursing practice;
- Biopsychosocial approaches to nursing practice;
- Applied nursing practice in complex care;
- Innovating and improving healthcare;
- Leadership in nursing;
- Leading and managing applied nursing practice.
Level 6/7:
- Anatomy;
- Physiology and pharmacology;
- individual health & well-being;
- Foundation of nursing practice;
- Pathophysiology;
- Recognising and managing individual needs;
- Developing adult nursing practice;
- Medicine management;
- Understanding research in evidence based practice;
- Preparation of professional practice;
- Exploring evidence for professional practice;
- Professional and academic development;
- Leadership in nursing.
Industry Sectors
Nursing apprenticeship allows you too apply to different industries, below is a list of them:
- Public hospital
- Private clinics/hospital
- GP surgery
- Veterinary practice
- Nursing home
- Dental practice
Types of Jobs
Nursing apprenticeship allows you to apply to a wide variety of roles, below is a list of them:
Level 3:
- Junior nurse;
- Veterinary nurse.
Level 4/5:
- Veterinary nurse;
- Dental nurse;
- Adult nurse;
- Childrens nurse.
Level 6/7:
- Adult nursing;
- Childrens nurse;
- Learning disabilities nurse;
- Mental health nurse;
- Medwife;
- Veterinary nurse;
- Dental nurse;
- Nurse.
Work hours and Salary
As a nursing student or graduate you will usually work 37.5 - 40 hours per week, but due to medical personnel shortages you will often work overtime. The salary you can expect can be seen below, note as a private media manager/professional you can earn more depending on how successful you are:
- Level 3: Initially you will be paid minimum wage. Minimum wage is £4.30 from ages 16-18 years, £6.56 from ages 18-20 years and £8.36 for ages 21 and over. There is also a national living wage at £8.91 for ages 23 and over. Once you qualify you can expect to earn between £15,000 - £25,000.
- Level 4/5: You can expect to earn roughly between £15,000 - £25,000 at the start and roughly between £20,000 - £30,000 once qualified.
- Level 6/7: You can expect to earn £25,000 - £35,000 and roughly between £30,000 - £40,000 once qualified. The salary of a NHS works will rise as they go up the NHS medical bands, where the it can go as high as £60,000 - £90,000.
