Click on videos from nursing students in each of the four fields of nursing to help you decide which field and university you would be interested in applying to.
Adult Nursing Student
Jonathan, Ulster University
Adult Nursing Student
Maggie, Open University
Adult Nursing Student
David, Open University
Children Young People Nursing Student
Steve, Queen's University Belfast
Learning Disabilities Nursing Student
Hannah, Queen's University Belfast
Make a Difference with Nursing
Queen's University Belfast
Mental Health Nursing Student
Roy, Open University
Nursing Experiences
The nursing course is very well structured. We have great support from the course team both within the university and on clinical placements. In group settings we get to examine best practice in practical nursing care and holistic well-being skills.
Adult Nursing Student, David, Ulster University
It has just been an incredible journey for me. The course genuinely focuses on patient-centred care and well-being which is pivotal to shaping professional nursing careers. With the support of the course team I pursued excellence and won a Northern Trust Health & Social Care Award and co-authored an academic journal article.
Adult Nursing Student, Elizabeth, Ulster University
The three years flew in with a mix of real life scenario-based learning, clinical placements and wider learning opportunities such as attending, RCN events, multi-disciplinary disaster simulation and a Mayor’s Reception. I graduated with a first class honours degree and have a career as a professional nurse working on a new transformational community neighbourhood nursing project.
Adult Nursing Graduate, Cheryl, Ulster University
As a St John’s Ambulance volunteer, I was inspired to explore a career in mental health nursing. I strongly felt that I could really make a difference in this area. At the outset patient-centred care is instilled within this well-structured course. The course offers a mix of classroom, tutorial and scenario based learning alongside a variety of practical placements. I now have a professional career, making a difference, as a mental health nurse.
Mental Health Nursing Graduate, Bobby, Ulster University
Nursing Myths
Only females choose to do nursing.
It is true that less males than females enter the nursing workforce (6.2% in NI). This may be due to historical stereotypes, but the nursing profession can offer a rewarding career for both males and females.
All Nurses work in a hospital.
Untrue, nurses work in a variety of environments including communities, peoples’ homes, GP surgeries, nursing homes and other private health care and voluntary provider settings.
Nurses only work 12 hour shifts.
Untrue. There are a variety of shift patterns within nursing practice settings, not only 12-hour shifts.
Only young people enter the nursing profession.
Untrue, nursing is a highly rewarding career that welcomes those commencing their working lives together with mature students with life experience, many of whom may already be working within a healthcare setting.
Nurses are handmaidens to doctors.
Untrue. Nurses play a pivotal role in a persons care and are an integral part of the multidisciplinary team.
The nursing role lacks diversity.
Untrue, there is great diversity within nursing roles and health care settings e.g. Clinical, Education, Management and Research career pathways. Nursing can be as rewarding as it is challenging.
Adult nurses are the only real nurses.
Untrue, Adult, Children Young People, Learning Disabilities and Mental Health Nursing are equally important. All require a high level of knowledge, skill and experience.
Nurses must wear a uniform.
Untrue. Many nurses will wear a uniform which highlights their grade and role as well as helping to prevent the transfer of infections between settings. However, some nurses work in roles that do not require a uniform.
Becoming a nurse is easy, anyone can do it.
Untrue. Nursing is not easy, it is complex and challenging but also very rewarding. It requires a high level of knowledge, skill and aptitude as well ongoing professional development to remain competent and active on the national Nursing and Midwifery Council’s professional register.