Discover the vital role of Registered General Nurses in UK healthcare. Your World - your trusted partner in finding rewarding RGN roles.
A Registered General Nurse (RGN) is a qualified healthcare professional responsible for providing comprehensive medical care, support, and treatment to patients across various healthcare settings. They form the foundation of the UK healthcare system, offering expert care to patients of all ages and medical conditions.
Registered General Nurses are a key part of our healthcare system. Not only do they deliver high-quality patient care, but they go the extra mile to ensure patients are guided, supported, comfortable, and happy throughout their healthcare journey. RGNs are cut from a very special cloth, which is why they are such a valued part of the UK healthcare community. According to the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), there are over 300,000 registered nurses in the UK in various settings.
To become a Registered General Nurse, individuals must complete a rigorous NMC-approved nursing degree programme. They receive extensive training in medical procedures, patient care, and critical thinking to handle diverse healthcare challenges.
Registered General Nurses work across various specialisms, including adult, paediatric, and elderly care. Some of their day-to-day duties include:
RGNs need a broad spectrum of skills to work with healthcare patients. Nursing work requires a lot of interaction with others, such as patients of all ages, their families, and the wider healthcare team. Therefore, the ability to communicate well and adapt their approach depending on the individual is essential. Nurses need to have a firm but friendly attitude, showing patience, empathy, and compassion when needed, but also understanding how to deal with difficult situations.
RGNs must also be able to think on their feet, dealing with unexpected situations quickly and effectively. Their work is often highly pressured and can include long, unsociable shifts, so resilience, flexibility and endurance will go a long way in a nurse's career.
Registered General Nurses have diverse career opportunities in hospitals, clinics, community care, and nursing homes. After completing their general nursing degree, they can choose to pursue specialist careers in a wide range of areas, such as critical care, mental health, oncology, and paediatrics.
On average, RGNs in the UK earn between £25,000 to £40,000 per year. NHS nurses will be paid according to the Agenda for Change (AfC) banding system, which determines a healthcare worker's salary based on their experience and level of seniority. Newly qualified Registered General Nurses will typically start their NHS career at Band 5, with the ability to increase their band with additional training and experience.
RGNs working in the private sector will have their salary determined by the individual employer.
Working as a locum Registered General Nurse offers a dynamic and flexible career path dedicated to providing high-quality patient care. As a locum, you can work in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, and community health centres. Your role involves assessing patients, administering treatments, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to deliver comprehensive care. Working as a locum allows you to experience different specialties, gain valuable skills, and enjoy a more flexible work-life balance. Your World is committed to helping you find locum Registered General Nurse roles that actually work for you.
At Your World, we understand the importance of Registered General Nurses in the healthcare industry. We're dedicated to helping you grow professionally and finding fulfilling roles that will keep you happy in your career for years to come.
Want to be a part of our thriving community of healthcare professionals? Join us today and see why Your World is a trusted, leading agency throughout the whole of the UK.