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What are the different types of nursing in the U.K?

  • Publish Date: Posted 11 months ago
  • Author:by Abi Dickson

Nursing is a crucial and fast-growing profession within the healthcare industry, which is diverse and encompasses various areas of expertise. Generally, nurses provide direct patient care, which can range from drawing blood, running diagnostic tests, implementing treatment plans, and more. Nurses can work in various settings, including

  • Hospitals

  • Public Health Departments

  • Businesses

  • Public Schools

  • Mental Health Centres

 

Adult Nursing

Adult nursing is one of the most common forms of nursing within the U.K, with a recording of 567,291 adult nurses as of March 2022. Adult Nurses work with patients aged 18 and above, who may suffer from one or multiple physical health conditions, for example, pneumonia, arthritis, or a form of cancer. The ethos of Adult Nursing is specifically patient centred therefore it’s imperative that they value all needs and values within their role. Typically, as an Adult Nurse, the day-to-day workload would involve, assessing patient’s conditions, administering medications, coordinating treatments, and offering emotional support. Adult nurses also play a vital role in assisting with surgical procedures and promoting overall wellness.

Mental Health Nursing

Mental health nurses work as part of a professional team in various settings, including social workers, doctors, therapists, etc. Mental Health Nursing focuses on caring for a range of different mental health disorders, including,

As of November 2022, over 38,900 mental health nurses, worked for NHS in England, working in both inpatient and community settings. Specific duties as a mental health nurse may include, assessing and talking to patients, ensuring correct medication is prescribed, helping patients manage their emotions, preparing and participating in therapy sessions, and providing individual therapy.

Learning Disability Nursing

Learning disability nursing is a specialised field that caters to individuals with learning difficulties. The role entails, providing support, and care and enhancing the lives of those with learning difficulties. Learning disability nurses may also help provide individuals with skills they may need to find work, which can help them find their own independence. According to recent statistics, approximately 1.5 million people in the U.K. have a learning disability in the U.K, representing 2% of the population. Becoming a learning disability nurse, you will be expected to work in a variety of different settings, such as, within their home, a specialist education provider, mental health services, and more. Within this role, you will work across the lifespan, from children to older adults. There are numerous ways to work as a learning disability nurse.

Children’s Nursing

Children’s nursing, also known as paediatric nursing, focuses primarily on providing healthcare services to infants, children, and adolescents. Children nurses can work in a range of environments,

  • Hospitals

  • Paediatric Clinics

  • Schools

  • Community Centres

As well as providing care to the young patient, paediatric nurses also support the child’s family, monitoring growth and development, educating parents and providing comfort during challenging times. Recent statistics show that there are approximately 13 million children under the age of 18 in the U.K., therefore highlighting the need for paediatric care. The responsibilities within the job role may include, assessing and monitoring children, medication administration, paediatric procedures, and health promotion and education.

A young child sat on her Mothers lap being seen by a nurse in the medical room

 

Midwifery

Midwifery is a unique branch of nursing that focuses primarily on caring for women, during pregnancy, childbirth, and the post-natal period. As a midwife, you’ll offer

  • Prenatal care

  • Regular Check-ups

  • Assist in labour and delivery

  • Provide post-natal support

Midwives work with women from a variety of different backgrounds, therefore being inclusive and understanding is vital within the role. Approximately 27 million men and women comprise the global nursing and midwifery workforce, accounting for nearly 50% of the global health workforce. During labour and delivery, midwives provide emotional support, and pain management techniques and assist with the safe delivery of babies. Postnatally, midwives continue to support individuals, providing essential guidance on breastfeeding support, monitoring maternal and infant well-being and any other essential guidance. Their dedication and expertise significantly impact maternal and infant outcomes in the U.K.

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