Five more careers for an adult nursing graduate

A degree in adult nursing can take you down career paths you may never have expected. You could work in the skies or serve on the frontlines; there are plenty of exciting career opportunities.

Here are five more careers that show how diverse and rewarding a nursing career can be. You may need to pursue further education for some of these roles:

Advanced clinical nurse practitioner

Provide advanced care and shape the future of modern healthcare

Advanced nurse practitioners are leaders in patient care. You’ll complete additional post registration training to deliver extended, complex nursing tasks.

Your responsibilities could include:

• diagnosing and treating patients
• managing patient care
• prescribing medications
• using your knowledge to shape the future of healthcare delivery

Postgraduate study, or specialised certification in fields such as public health or palliative care, may help you find higher-paid positions.

Aesthetics nurse

Blend beauty with healthcare in a unique way

Aesthetics nurses use their clinical expertise to perform non-surgical cosmetic treatments that enhance their clients' confidence and wellbeing. You'll combine knowledge with artistry, and could work in clinics, medical spas, or alongside dermatologists and plastic surgeons.

Your responsibilities could include:

• administering treatments such as Botox, dermal fillers, and skin rejuvenation procedures
• assessing clients' needs and recommending appropriate treatments
• ensuring patient safety and delivering high-quality aftercare device

This role is perfect if you have a passion for skincare and beauty, with attention to detail, and a steady hand.

To progress in this field, you'll need to be a registered nurse and complete specialist training in aesthetic procedures. Many nurses choose to take additional certifications in injectables and skin treatments to expand their expertise.

Inflight nurse

Bring your skills to the skies

Inflight nurses are calm in hectic situations. You’ll be working on aircraft such as helicopters and propeller planes, delivering critical care at 30,000 feet.

Your responsibilities could include:

• providing emergency care mid-flight
• supporting medical evacuations
• working with aircraft pilots to adjust flying methods
• travelling the world

With work experience in critical care and specialist training you could move into senior inflight nursing roles.

Community nurse

Be part of peoples' lives by supporting them in their own space

Community nurses are always on the move. They make healthcare more personal by meeting people in their homes.

The range of care you’d provide might include:

• helping patients recover or manage long-term conditions in familiar surroundings
• teaching patients how to take control of their health and live more confidently
• providing support to those caring for loved ones
• building strong relationships with the local community to help deliver care interventions

Community nurses can work anywhere in their local community, from care homes to schools. Gaining experience and specialist training will help you progress into more senior roles.

If you enjoy building connections and empowering people in their communities, this could be the role for you.

Occupational health nurse

Promote wellbeing and create healthy, safe workspaces

As an occupational health nurse, you’ll be the go-to person for keeping people safe and well at work. Your responsibilities could include:

• carrying out health assessments to make sure people are fit and ready for their work-related role
• identifying workplace hazards to prevent illness and injury before they happen
• promoting healthier lifestyles, offering guidance to staff to boost their wellbeing
• developing plans and policies that put health and safety first

People who thrive in this role have problem-solving skills and a passion for improving workplace wellbeing.

Gaining experience and specialised training in occupational health may help you find higher-paid positions.

Thinking about careers in nursing?

Find out more about our BSc (Hons) in Nursing (Adult) and apply.