Adult nurse

What is adult nursing?

An adult nurse cares for people who are unwell, disabled and dying as well as undertaking health promotion in the general population. Their aim is to improve the quality of life of the individuals they care for. 

Is adult nursing the right career for me?

As an adult nurse you will need to be:

• Caring
• Good with people
• Able to work of part of the multidisciplinary (MDT) team as well as having the ability to use your own initiative
• Interested in anatomy and physiology
• Able to deal with potentially distressing situations

What do adult nurses do?

Adult nurses care for adult patients of all ages who suffer from one or more long or short-term physical health condition. These conditions/situations could include:

• Patients who have had elective or emergency surgery
• Cardiac problems
• Respiratory problems
• Chronic illnesses such as diabetes or arthritis
• Neurological problems

The nurse will assess the patient the plan and deliver the care they need working as part of the multi disciplinary team (MDT).

Where do adult nurses work?

Adult nurses have the opportunity to work in a number of settings, including:

• Hospitals

• Work places (occupational health nurse)

• GP practices (practice nurse)

• Community (community or district nurse)

• Prisons

How much do adult nurses earn?

In the NHS, an entry level qualified adult nurse would start at Band 5; please see our Pay and Benefits section for more information.

What career progression opportunities are available for adult nurses?

Once you have qualified and gained some clinical experience there are a number of employment options available including:

• Consultant nurse in a speciality
• Lecturer in a university
• Research nurse
• Advanced nurse practitioner
• Senior nurse manager

How do I become an adult nurse?

Useful links:

• Bangor University
• Cardiff University
• Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC)
• Royal College of Nursing (RCN)
• Swansea University
• University of South Wales