Nurses are responsible for the care of patients in hospital or in the community. They get to know their patients' clinical history and plan care taking into account the needs of the patient.
Nurses need a sound knowledge of physiology, psychology and, since they administer medication, of pharmacology. An interest in science and how the body works is essential.
Currently nurses must take a diploma in nursing for which the minimum qualification is five GCSEs or the equivalent. Many courses prefer further qualifications such as A-levels, a BTEC or AVCE.
It is also possible to take a degree in nursing and two or three A-levels, usually including one science, is the norm.
