You might be able to do a district nurse degree apprenticeship.

You can train with the NHS or a private provider of healthcare services. 

Entry requirements

To do this apprenticeship, you'll need:

• to be a registered nurse

You can apply for training if you're a registered nurse with 1 or 2 years' experience in any branch of nursing.

You'll complete a course in Specialist Community Public Health Nursing - District Nursing, approved by the Nursing and Midwifery Council.

Your training will last 1 to 2 years and include practical community placements.

You could contact your local health trust or your employer about student training sponsorship opportunities.

You'll need:

• sensitivity and understanding
• excellent verbal communication skills
• counselling skills including active listening and a non-judgemental approach
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• the ability to work well with others
• knowledge of biology
• active listening skills
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

You'll need to:

• pass enhanced background checks

In this role you could:

• give drugs and injections and treat wounds
• check breathing and take temperatures and blood pressures
• help doctors with physical examinations and set up drips
• monitor the quality of care a patient receives
• give emotional support and advice to patients and their families
• teach basic caring skills where needed

You could work in the community or at a health centre.

Your working environment may be physically and emotionally demanding and you'll travel often.