Nurse - Adult

Animal care workers look after a wide range of animals – from lively dogs and curious cats to talkative parrots and beyond!

You'll care for adults who're sick or injured. They may be vulnerable, have short or long-term conditions or have specific needs such as a disability.

You'll provide care for their physical and emotional needs and promote their well-being. Helping patients' families and caregivers during difficult times is also important.

You'll work with doctors to give patients practical medical or surgical care. Nurses respond sensitively to each person's needs so they feel safe and looked after. It's your job to help any person without judgement and respect patient confidentiality.

There are also opportunities for you to specialise in an area you're particularly interested in! Medical, surgical, community and intensive care are just some of the areas you could work in.

Your tasks might include:

• connecting with patients in a caring and understanding way

• checking vital signs to keep an eye on changes in the patient’s condition

• helping to interpret clinical results

• assisting during examinations

• administering medications to support recovery

• dressing and cleaning wounds – you'll watch for any signs of infection that need attention

Nurses aren't just found in hospitals. Many nurses work in the community at a GP's surgery, health centre or clinic. Most jobs are in the National Health Service (NHS) but you could also work at private hospitals, nursing homes, schools, colleges, the prison service or in the Armed Forces.

• NHS Scotland – learn about nursing careers

• Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) – get details of the standards for nursing training

• Royal College of Nursing – advice on beginning your nursing career