Part of the occupations cluster in the employment knowledge graph — connected to occupations, documents, hiring guides, career guides, country guides and employment law.
What a nurse does
A nurse provides direct clinical care to patients: assessing needs, planning and delivering treatment, administering medication, monitoring observations and supporting recovery. Nurses work closely with doctors, therapists and other clinical staff as part of a wider team.
The role is registered and regulated in most countries, so nurses are expected to hold a recognised nursing qualification and current registration with the relevant nursing body. Specialisms range from acute and surgical care to community, mental health and paediatrics.
Core responsibilities
- Assessing patients and planning individual care.
- Administering medication and treatments as prescribed.
- Monitoring and recording vital signs and clinical observations.
- Supporting patients with personal care and recovery.
- Communicating with patients, families and the wider clinical team.
- Keeping accurate, confidential clinical records.
- Following infection-control and safety procedures.
Skills and qualities
- A recognised nursing qualification and current registration.
- Clinical knowledge and sound judgement under pressure.
- Compassion, patience and strong communication.
- Attention to detail in medication and record-keeping.
- Stamina and resilience across long shifts.
- Teamwork and the ability to prioritise competing demands.
- Commitment to confidentiality and patient dignity.
Typical employers and settings
- Hospitals and acute clinical units.
- Community health and district nursing services.
- Care homes and nursing homes.
- GP surgeries, clinics and outpatient services.
- Hospices and specialist treatment centres.
- Nursing and healthcare staffing agencies.
How the role is recruited
- Roles are filled directly by healthcare providers or through specialist nursing agencies.
- Registration status, qualifications and right to work are verified before hire.
- Pre-employment checks usually include identity, references and health clearance.
- Interviews assess clinical knowledge, judgement and values-based behaviour.
- Onboarding covers local procedures, systems and a supervised settling-in period.
Documents involved
- A job description setting out the specialism and clinical duties.
- Proof of nursing qualification and current registration.
- An employment contract or agency assignment terms.
- An offer letter confirming role, hours and start date.
- Background, reference and health-clearance checks as required.
- An onboarding and induction record.
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