Get into UK Nursing School For Dummies

Learn to:

Choose a course that′s right for you Get the qualifications and experience you need Write a winning personal statement Pass assessment tests Interview well

Get the competitive edge you need!

The need for nurses is always great, but so is the competition for getting accepted onto a nursing programme. Whether you′re just leaving school or a mature or returning student, if you′re considering a career in nursing, this book can provide a head start. From researching schools, attending open days and filling out your UCAS application to sitting for interviews and other selection day assessments, this book provides the answers to all your questions, along with expert advice and guidance at each step of the way.

Explore a career in nursing – learn about the fields you can specialise in (adult, child, learning disabilities, and mental health nursing) and decide if nursing is the best career path for you Find out what you need to succeed – discover the academic qualifications and types of experience admissions tutors look for (and how to improve yours) Research your options – put together a plan for finding the right university and nursing programme for you, including making the most of open days Put together a winning application – tick the right boxes with UCAS, get expert advice on creating a winning personal statement, and identify solid references Stand out on selection day – get the lowdown on how to prepare for the interview (including the kinds of questions you′ll be asked and how to answer them) and other assessments, like numeracy and literacy tests

Open the book and find:

How to research programmes and find the best fit for you Ways to improve your qualifications and gain care experience Expert advice on your application Insider tips on how to present yourself as an ideal candidate A plan for preparing for your interview Considerations for mature and non–traditional candidates Common pitfalls to avoid

Introduction 1

Part I: Getting Started with a Career in Nursing 7

Chapter 1: Getting to Know Nursing 9

Chapter 2: Exploring Your Options: Nursing Fields 25

Part II: Focusing on Your Personal Development 43

Chapter 3: Weighing Academic Qualifications 45

Chapter 4: Professional Requirements: How Do You Rate? 65

Chapter 5: Proving Your People Skills 77

Chapter 6: Gaining Care Experience 89

Part III: Preparing to Apply 103

Chapter 7: Understanding the Nursing Programme 105

Chapter 8: Exploring Universities 119

Chapter 9: Making the Most of Open Days and Visits 135

Chapter 10: Money Matters 143

Part IV: Perfecting Your Application 159

Chapter 11: Following the UCAS Process 161

Chapter 12: Writing Your Personal Statement 169

Chapter 13: Finding Solid References 181

Part V: Attending Selection Days . . . And Beyond 189

Chapter 14: Attending the Selection Day 191

Chapter 15: Preparing for Assessments 203

Chapter 16: Excelling in the Interview 213

Chapter 17: Getting Your Results and Making Decisions 227

Part VI: The Part of Tens 239

Chapter 18: Ten Tips for a Successful Application 241

Chapter 19: Ten Common Pitfalls to Navigate 245

Index 251

Andrew Evered, RN, MSc (Econ), PGCE is a Lead Admissions Tutor and Senior Lecturer for Adult Nursing at the College of Human and Health Sciences, Swansea University, and he has extensive experience working with both undergraduate and postgraduate levels.