- guardian.co.uk, Thursday 1 May 2008 01.09 BST
Photograph: the Guardian.
What will I learn?
All nursing courses, both diplomas and degrees, teach a core number of topics in the first year, before allowing students to specialise in one of four areas - adult, learning disabilities, mental health or children's nursing.
Courses will comprise 50% theory and 50% practice in hospitals, and whether you decide to study a three-year diploma or a three or four-year degree in nursing, you will graduate with both an academic and professional qualification allowing you to practice.
Before deciding whether to study a diploma in nursing or a degree consider where you want your career to go in the future. If you want to apply for senior level positions or work in education or management at some point you will need to have completed the degree programme. The Guardian university tables only relate to nursing degrees.
During your studies you will learn what is needed to assist doctors and help patients and families with their healthcare needs.
If after working as a nurse you decide to become a midwife you can take a specialised course that will build on your existing skills. Alternatively, you can study for a diploma or degree in midwifery with no prior nursing qualification.
During your training as a midwife, you will learn how babies develop, how to help deliver babies and how to support women and their families during and after pregnancy.
What skills will I get?
Yes, you will have to empty a few bedpans, but you will probably be the first point of contact with patients so will have the important job of putting them - and their families - at ease. You will have developed diligence and patience and the ability to stay calm in a crisis.
You will have learned how to assist on procedures, look after patients as they undergo treatment, and advise them on managing their health.
You will know the ethical and moral implications of the job, knowing when to make your own decisions and when to call on a superior.
You should have developed good communication skills, particularly if a doctor forgets his or her bedside manners in the rush to see other patients.
You will be able to manage your time, know how to prioritise and be able to work in a team.
As a midwife you will also have learned how to assess the needs of women and to exercise judgment over what is best for the mother and baby.
What job can I get?
Nursing graduates will be qualified to work in hospitals, community health centres, GP practices, or mental health units.
Midwives will also be qualified to work in women's homes, clinics or in other settings within a health or social care team.
What will look good on the CV?
· The ability to apply creative solutions to healthcare situations
· To engage in and disengage from therapeutic relationships
· To anticipate potentially stressful situations.
· For the full range of skills you can develop through a degree in nursing, click here (pdf). For midwifery, click here (pdf) and for health studies click here (pdf).
