What can you do with a nursing degree?

Through evidence-informed theoretical study and a variety of clinical practice opportunities, you will gain the skills, knowledge and experiences needed to succeed in the nursing profession:

• person- centred communication skills to promote engagement with patients from a range of backgrounds in a sensitive and empathetic way
• assessment, planning and evaluation skills in a range of clinical contexts
• ability to apply research-based evidence to professional practice
• the ability to co-ordinate care for people with complex health needs
• management, leadership and team working skills within multi-professional teams
• the ability to reflect on your practice and learn from your experiences.

The University offers registered nurses the opportunity to further develop their knowledge and skills through a range of specialist postgraduate programmes:

• MSc Advanced Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
• MSc Advanced Professional Practice (Nursing and Midwifery Professions)
• PgDip Advanced Critical Care Practice
• PgDip Surgical Care Practitioner (Cardiothoracic Surgery)
• PgDip Surgical Care Practitioner (Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgery)

You should consider the financial implications of further study as well as selecting a programme that suits your interests, learning style and future career direction.

The following websites are a good starting point for exploring postgraduate options, but you may also benefit from talking to a Careers Consultant about your particular situation.

Some useful websites to help you find a suitable post-graduate programme;

• Find a Masters
• Find a PhD
• Prospects

Accessing support from the Careers Service couldn’t be easier, come along to the Careers Service Helpdesk in the Student Hub or access 24/7 online resources.

There is a wide range of support available from skills workshops to events, placements and internships advice, 1-2-1 appointments and help getting started with LinkedIn.

Our bite-sized Skills Workshops can give your career the boost it needs. Choose from a range of topics:

• effective career planning
• job hunting techniques
• finding part-time work
• CVs and interviews
• mastering LinkedIn
• and more.

Workshops are delivered by the Careers Service; however, they are also an opportunity to learn from your peers, share experiences and ask questions. Visit myCareer to see the full range of activities and to book your place.

Build your network and job sector knowledge using LinkedIn alumni’s tool. This will allow you to see the career journeys of graduates from your programme, the qualifications they completed, the skills they developed and employers they worked for. You can then ‘connect’ with people of interest.

• search LinkedIn for ‘University of Plymouth’
• click on ‘Alumni’
• filter the results by subject, sector, company or location.

For more information about the alumni tool click on LinkedIn alumni tool guide. If you are looking for help to set up or learn how to make the most of your LinkedIn profile, click on the LinkedIn guide for students or come to one of our workshops.

Work experience

It is recommended that applicants to our nursing programmes gain some relevant experience within a care setting before applying. If this is not possible, then employment or voluntary experience in a different setting will provide you with transferable skills that will enhance your application.

All nursing programmes at Plymouth offer clinical placements alongside skills development activities in our clinical skills simulation ward. Some students choose to supplement their clinical skills with part-time work in the healthcare sector or elsewhere.

The University of Plymouth Students’ Union also offers a wide range of volunteering opportunities.

In addition to enhancing your nursing skillset, a varied set of work experiences can open up new opportunities and bring you into contact with people who may be able to assist you at the beginning of your career.

Clubs and societies

Engaging in a sport or society shows employers you are engaged and seek out opportunities, it also helps you improve your teamwork, communication and negotiation skills. Committee members can develop leadership, diplomacy and organisational skills and will gain experience of meetings, handling funds, and society promotion. 

You may choose to join a society that is specifically linked to your studies or take the opportunity to explore the huge range of clubs, societies and sports, all of which can help you to broaden your horizons and explore new interests.  

Tutor and academic support

Your tutor and other academic staff are an excellent source of support for your career development. They will have experience and contacts across industry and academia, so do approach them for advice and insights into careers you are considering. Your tutor will ultimately be writing references for your employment or further study applications, therefore establishing a positive relationship with this person is invaluable.