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- Tasks: Become a Registered Nurse and enjoy a dynamic, rewarding career in the NHS.
- Company: Join the NHS, a leading healthcare provider dedicated to patient care and community health.
- Benefits: Earn while you learn with paid apprenticeship options and access to student nurse bursaries.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while enjoying ongoing training and team support.
- Qualifications: Maths and English at level 4 or equivalent; Level 3 qualification in health or social care required.
- Other info: Explore flexible learning options and potential for career advancement within the NHS.
The predicted salary is between 27055 - 37877 £ per year.
No two days are the same in nursing; it’s one of the most dynamic and rewarding roles within the NHS. With ongoing training and the support of your team, you’ll be able to make it exactly what you want it to be. If you’re interested in having a career in nursing but are unsure about the routes you can take to enter the profession, take a look at the information below.
Nursing Recruitment
How to become a Registered Nurse
There are two options to become a registered nurse:
- Nursing degree apprenticeship
- Direct undergraduate registered nursing degree
1. Apprenticeship route
Firstly, you’ll need to become a Band 4 Nursing Associate and complete the Trainee Nursing Associate (TNA) programme, which is a 2-year course. Once this is completed, there may be opportunities to apply for a 'top-up' programme and do a further 18-month to 2-year programme to become a Band 5 Registered Nurse. You will be paid as a Band 4 during this period.
The benefits of taking this route:
- You can earn while you learn on the apprenticeship routes, you’ll be paid on our Band 4 pay grade (£23,949 - £26,282).
- You’re likely to spend four days on work placement and one day at university.
- You’ll be able to count your training towards a registered nursing degree.
Required qualifications:
- Maths and English at level 4 or equivalent or Functional skills level 2.
- Level 3 qualification in health or social care.
If you do not have the above qualifications, you can email ruh-tr.apprenticeships@nhs.net for help in attaining these. If you have the qualifications and wish to apply for the nursing apprenticeship route or have questions, please email: ruh-tr.practiceeducation@nhs.net. The Trainee Nursing Apprenticeship course is advertised twice a year via our website.
2. Direct undergraduate registered nursing route
This is nurse training done at a university, where you can do a two to three-year course to become a Registered Nurse. There are many universities that offer nursing degree programmes; locally we have the University of the West of England (UWE), Oxford Brookes University, and the University of Gloucester (UoG). You can explore with universities if they will allow you to put any previous qualifications such as Nursing Associate, Assistant Practitioner, or a previous degree towards a shortened full-time nursing degree, for example, joining the second year of training. It is recommended to visit universities by attending their open days to find out more about what they can offer you. With the UoG, we run a 'blended learning' option which includes a mix of online virtual classrooms, independent study, and face-to-face learning on location.
As a university student, you will have to pay their fees. Once you start earning a certain amount of money, your student loans are repaid automatically through the tax system.
The benefits of taking this route:
- You may also be eligible for the student nurse bursary of at least £5,000 a year which you will not need to pay back, plus an additional £2,000 if you have parental responsibility.
- 94% of nursing students are employed within six months of graduating.
- As a newly qualified nurse, you’ll start your career in the NHS on pay Band 5, earning at least £27,055 per year.
Required qualifications: These can vary and are determined by the universities – please visit their own websites to find out more.
Helpful links
- Visit the Health Careers website to find out more about nursing associates and becoming a nurse.
- Visit the Nursing and Midwifery Council website to find out about training to become a nurse.
- Visit the NHS Learning Support Fund website for details about bursaries and other financial support available.
The General Medical Council and NHS England have developed a virtual reality App called Patient journey to GP practice which follows Mrs. Thomas and her son Jack in their encounters with a receptionist, doctor, nurse, and pharmacist.
Interested?
If you would like to register your interest in these opportunities, please fill in our short form by clicking here.
Become a Registered Nurse employer: Royal United Hospital
Contact Detail:
Royal United Hospital Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Become a Registered Nurse
✨Tip Number 1
Research the different routes to becoming a Registered Nurse. Understanding the apprenticeship and direct undergraduate options will help you choose the path that best suits your circumstances and career goals.
✨Tip Number 2
Attend open days at local universities offering nursing programmes. This is a great way to meet faculty, ask questions about the curriculum, and get a feel for the campus environment.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with current nursing students or professionals in the field. They can provide valuable insights into their experiences and may even offer tips on how to stand out during the application process.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on the application timelines for the Trainee Nursing Apprenticeship course. Being aware of when applications open will give you ample time to prepare and submit your interest through our website.
We think you need these skills to ace Become a Registered Nurse
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand what being a Registered Nurse entails. Research the different routes available, such as the nursing degree apprenticeship and direct undergraduate nursing degree, to determine which path suits you best.
Tailor Your CV: Craft your CV to highlight relevant qualifications and experiences. If you have any previous health or social care qualifications, be sure to include them. Emphasise skills that are essential for nursing, such as communication, teamwork, and empathy.
Write a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should express your passion for nursing and why you want to join the NHS. Mention any relevant experiences, such as volunteering or work placements, and how they have prepared you for a career in nursing.
Follow Up: After submitting your application, consider following up with a polite email to express your continued interest in the position. This shows initiative and enthusiasm, which can set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Royal United Hospital
✨Research the Role
Before your interview, make sure to thoroughly research what being a Registered Nurse entails. Understand the responsibilities, challenges, and rewards of the role within the NHS. This will help you answer questions confidently and show your genuine interest in the position.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving and critical thinking skills. Think about past experiences where you've had to handle difficult situations or make quick decisions, and be ready to discuss these examples during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Teamwork Skills
Nursing is all about teamwork. Be prepared to discuss how you work with others, whether in a clinical setting or during your training. Highlight any experiences where collaboration led to positive outcomes, as this will demonstrate your ability to fit into a team.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, take the opportunity to ask thoughtful questions about the team, the training process, or the specific challenges faced in the role. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the position aligns with your career goals.
