Patients come first
Nursing is wholly focussed on the needs and care of our patients, providing clinical expertise. In addition, nursing staff work collaboratively with other clinicians and professionals to advocate and work to the recovery of our patients.
Your career journey
There are multiple entry points and career routes for nursing staff.
Those entering the profession develop through our internal apprenticeship programmes and, once qualified, will benefit from the preceptorship programme.
Routes available to nursing staff may be in multiple clinical areas, develop as a practice educator or provide leadership and management to services.
View the career path for more information.
Routes for Scotland and Wales
Funding for apprenticeships is a devolved matter in Scotland and Wales. This means access to development opportunities may differ depending on you where you live. Where there are differences, we have mapped these within the career pathway.
Aspiring healthcare professionals can be supported to complete a level 3 (SCQF level 6) course for healthcare assistants, depending on the restrictions of the funding available at the time. Scottish funding is managed through local colleges and universities, and the student services team can support you with guidance with routes to nursing.
Start your journey
Hit the ground running with your 90-day induction and get to know your clinical area.
Keep patient safety at the forefront by completing your mandatory training. Healthcare assistants can use the Care Certificate to build their confidence and also undertake the healthcare support worker apprenticeship.
Develop yourself with professional conversations with your manager and participate in the check-in and appraisal process.
Healthcare Assistant and Senior Healthcare Assistant
Develop your understanding of your clinical area with a focus on the key skills and competencies vital for starting your career.
Begin to develop a deeper understanding of your clinical area and increase your specialist knowledge with the level 3 Healthcare Assistant apprenticeship.
Scottish healthcare assistants can access an SQCF level 6 Foundation Apprenticeship in Social Services and Healthcare.
Nursing Associate (England)
Reflect upon your improvement as a practitioner within nursing by developing evidence-based practice skills through the level 5 Nursing Associate apprenticeship.
There is a range of continued professional development opportunities for Nursing Associates.
Notes for Scotland and Wales:
- Scotland does not currently recognise or support this role with the nursing route.
- Wales do not currently train this level of role.
- People interested in nursing opportunities should explore local bursary opportunities or speak to student services for further guidance. Wales currently offer a bursary scheme and Scotland Awards Agency Scotland support routes to nursing in Scotland.
Registered Nurse
Further your knowledge of nursing by improving your core understanding of theories and critical thinking skills with the level 6 Registered Nurse apprenticeship.
There is a range of continued professional development opportunities for Registered Nurses.
Notes for Scotland and Wales:
- People interested in nursing opportunities should explore local bursary opportunities or speak to student services for further guidance. Wales currently offer a bursary scheme and Scotland Awards Agency Scotland support routes to nursing in Scotland.
Advanced Practitioner or Senior Registered Nurse
Put theories into practice and add to your extensive knowledge of healthcare management through critical analysis of research by working towards the level 7 Advanced Clinical Practitioner apprenticeship.
There is a range of continued professional development opportunities for Advanced Practitioners or Senior Registered Nurse.
Clinical Services Manager/ Director of Clinical Services
Use coaching opportunities and feedback tools to support your growth and development to effectively manage across multiple disciplines.
Build strategies that drive change within healthcare management and learn to effectively manage across multiple disciplines through the following courses:
- Level 5 Operational Leaders
- Level 6 Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship
- Level 7 MSc Global Leadership and Management
- Level 7 Towards Outstanding for senior leaders programme
- MBA route through a specialised programme for directors