Welcome to the Student Nursing Hub

Supporting your journey from student to registered nurse

This hub is designed to support you from the point of thinking of becoming a nurse through to entering the workforce as a newly registered nurse. Whether you are considering nursing as a career, currently studying, or preparing for your first role, this hub is here to help.

This student hub has been developed with students, partners in the NHS, higher education and other health and care sectors. It will be regularly updated.

What do nurses do?

Nurses provide compassionate care to people from birth to end of life, working across diverse healthcare settings including NHS organisations, social care, community organisations, independent healthcare, charities, military services, educational institutions, public health, prison service and research facilities.

Modern nursing combines advanced clinical science with cutting-edge technology and deeply personal care. Nurses work as part of multidisciplinary teams, delivering hands-on treatment, coordinating complex care plans, educating patients and families, and advocating for those in their care. From life-saving interventions to bringing comfort and dignity in difficult times, nursing encompasses many different specialisms united under one profession.

Whether working within hospital environments, community settings, or patient's homes, nurses use both clinical expertise and emotional intelligence to make a real difference to people's lives.

Why do student nurses matter?

Students are vital as they represent the future nursing workforce. They contribute to safe, effective patient care whilst learning and developing your professional skills. The fresh perspective and dedication from all student nurses help shape the future of healthcare delivery across England.

Four fields of nursing practice

There are four main fields of practice within nursing. However, some nursing programmes offer dual qualifications, or you can complete additional education and training to gain qualifications across the different fields.

Adult nursing

Caring for people aged 18 and over across hospitals, care homes, community services, GP practices, and specialist clinics.

Children's and young people's nursing

Supporting infants, children, and young people up to age 18 in hospitals, community settings, schools and specialist children's services.

Mental health nursing

Working with people experiencing mental health illness through prevention and intervention across inpatient units, community teams, crisis, social care and voluntary sector.

Learning disability nursing

Supporting people with a learning disability along with their families and support networks, across inpatient,  community and residential settings.

Professional development and standards

The Nursing and Midwifery Council standards set out what is required for practising as a nurse, including ongoing professional development and revalidation requirements.

Find out more on our dedicated nursing student webpages

Applying as a student nurse – information about nursing courses across the four fields, entry requirements, and how to strengthen your application. 

Studying and placement support as a healthcare student – resources to help you succeed during your nursing education and make the most of your clinical placements. 

Searching for your first nursing job – guidance on where to find nursing vacancies and networking strategies to discover opportunities in your preferred field and healthcare settings. 

Applying for your first nursing job – how to write effective applications, CVs and personal statements for nursing roles across different specialisms. 

Interviewing for your first nursing job – preparation tips, common questions, and what to expect in nursing interviews for different fields of practice. 

Preparing for your first nursing job – getting ready to start your career as a registered nurse, including preceptorship and professional development opportunities. 

News and resources for healthcare students – latest updates, useful links, and additional support for students and newly qualified healthcare professionals. 

Your journey to becoming a nurse is important to us. Use this hub to find the support and guidance you need at every stage of your career development across whichever field of nursing inspires you.