Becoming a nurse

[overduemamma]

I am 28, currently a receptionist. Have been offered a role as a HCA which I am chuffed about. I am hoping this will lead me into a nurse career. The question i have is, is it worth doing a level 3 nurse course (have no knowledge whatsoever) as it is so cheap at the minute, it is a CPD recognising course. I'm just wondering whether I'll be wasting my time. You don't need to have any qualifications to do this. Thanks

[SlowlyShrinking]

What course is it? Access to nursing, or Nvq level 3, or what? If you want to do a nursing degree eventually, check the entry requirements of local universities

[overduemamma]

It is an accredited level 3 introduction to nursing. I can't go straight to uni as I have to re-do my GCSE's x

[SlowlyShrinking]

Is it an access course then? I think to get into uni you’d need your GCSEs in science(s) maths and English, and also A levels or a relevant access course, but you’d need to check with the uni

[SlowlyShrinking]

I’ve just had a quick look online and the entry requirements vary from university to university, so you’d probably be best looking at a few that you fancy going to and see what they ask for. I think it’s 5 unis that you can apply to. Good luck!

[overduemamma]

No it's not an access course. I definitely need to do my maths, English and science before I even look at uni. I just wondered if it would be worth doing that along side them or if I would be wasting time and money x

[SlowlyShrinking]

Yy I understand that you need to do your GCSEs to get into uni, but what I’m saying is that you should look at the uni entry requirements and see if this other course fits them. If it does, great, if it doesn’t, then you can decide whether you want to do it for your own benefit. Also check with your new employer and see what training they will offer.

[overduemamma]

Ah I see. Thank you. I shall have a look. Im still
Waiting for my employer to get back to me about a possible role :( all taking time x

[Littlechocola]

Do maths and English first.
Ask your trust if they offer sponsorship for nursing once you’ve been there for a while.
Call universities and ask for the entry requirements if your trust don’t offer it.

[bgblues]

Hiya! I’m a paeds nurse and tbh wouldn’t recommend it, it’s not really needed. If I were you I’d focus on English and Maths GCSE’s (or equivalent) as those are necessary and then go on and do an access to nursing course before being able to apply to uni. I was at a massive disadvantage as loads of people had been HCA’s and had practical experience unlike me so that’s definitely a good thing to have. Good luck OP!

[overduemamma]

So I've signed up to do an English course, will do maths the year after, I've also been offered a HCA role at the hospital x