What is a Registered General Nurse? 

A Registered General Nurse (RGN) is a healthcare professional who provides medical care, support, and treatment to patients in various healthcare settings. They are the cornerstone of the UK healthcare system, providing expert care to patients of all ages and medical conditions.

The role of Registered General Nurses in UK healthcare 

Registered General Nurses (RGNs) are key to our healthcare system. They deliver high-quality patient care and 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 a valued part of the UK healthcare community. 

The NMC states that over 300,000 registered nurses work in different settings in the UK. These nurses are spread out across various locations. They provide care and support to patients in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities. The NMC oversees the registration and regulation of these nurses. 

Qualifications and training 

To become a qualified 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. Maintaining your CPD throughout your career is important, which can be done by following resources on the RCN website.

Roles and responsibilities 

Registered General Nurses work across various specialisms, including adult, paediatric, and elderly care. Some of their day-to-day job description duties include:

• Assessing patients' health conditions and needs
• Developing and implementing tailored patient care plans
• Administering medications, including injectables and intravenous drugs
• Performing wound care by changing dressings, identifying infections, and recording updates
• Monitoring and recording vital signs
• Operating and maintaining medical equipment
• Assisting with diagnostic tests and procedures
• Educating patients and their families about their medical conditions, treatments, and self-care strategies
• Maintaining accurate and thorough medical records
• Collaborating with other healthcare professionals, including doctors, therapists, and social workers, to provide comprehensive care
• Participating in interdisciplinary care planning and meetings
• Adhering to infection control protocols to prevent the spread of diseases
• Keeping up-to-date with advancements in medical knowledge, technology, and nursing practices through continuous education and professional development
• Providing emotional support to patients and their families during challenging times

Skills and attributes 

RGNs need a broad spectrum of skills to work with healthcare patients. Nursing work requires great communication skills with 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 must have a firm but friendly attitude, show patience, empathy, and compassion when needed, and understand how to deal with difficult situations. 

RGNs must have excellent problem-solving skills and deal 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 Nurse jobs

Registered General Nurses have diverse career opportunities in hospitals, clinics, community care, and nursing homes. After completing their general nursing degree, they can pursue specialist careers in a wide range of areas, such as critical care, mental health, oncology, and paediatrics.

Typical Salary for Registered General Nurses in the UK 

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

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. As a locum, you are able to choose whether you work full-time, part-time, day or night, with a range of pay rates for each option.

Your role involves assessing patients, administering treatments, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to deliver comprehensive care. Being a locum allows you to try out different specialties, improve your skills, and have a better work-life balance. You can explore various areas of medicine and gain valuable experience. This flexibility can help you find a better balance between your work and personal life. Your World is committed to helping you find locum Registered General Nurse roles that actually work for you.

Your World - your partner in Registered General Nurse roles 

At Your World, we understand the importance of Registered General Nurses in the healthcare industry, as we've been in general nurse recruitment since 2005. 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 or apply online and see why Your World is a trusted, leading agency throughout the whole of the UK.