Registered Nurse career guide
Registered nurses provide medical care, monitor patients, administer treatments and support people throughout illness and recovery.
Career guide reviewed by Certyz · October 2026
Entry routes vary by employer and role. Compare the options below before deciding what to research next.
What does a Registered Nurse do?
Registered nurses provide medical care, monitor patients, administer treatments and support people throughout illness and recovery.
- Hospitals
- GP surgeries
- Community settings
- Patients’ homes
- NHS
- Private hospitals
- Community healthcare providers
- Care organisations
- Military healthcare
How to become a Registered Nurse
Nursing requires an approved degree or degree apprenticeship followed by professional registration.
Degree or Registered Nurse Degree Apprenticeship in Adult, Child, Mental Health or Learning Disability Nursing
Registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) is required.
- University
- Degree apprenticeship
Skills and progression for Registered Nurse
- Compassion
- Communication
- Teamwork
- Clinical skills
- Resilience
- Senior Staff Nurse
- Specialist Nurse
- Advanced Clinical Practitioner
- Ward Manager
- Director of Nursing
Check current entry requirements before deciding
This Certyz guide is a starting point. Qualifications, registration rules and apprenticeship availability can change. Confirm the latest requirements with employers, course providers, relevant professional bodies and official careers guidance.
What could the outlook mean for you?
Career opportunities can look different depending on where you live, your preferred route and the subjects and activities you enjoy. Your report brings those factors together rather than giving you a generic answer.
- Regional vacancy and salary intelligence
- Your personal career-match reasoning
- Opportunity strength and market direction
- Alternative careers worth considering