District Nurse

You'll need:

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

You may:

• administer drugs
• check temperature, blood pressure and breathing
• help doctors with physical examinations
• give injections
• clean and dress wounds
• monitor or set up intravenous drips
• provide emotional support and practical 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.

Registration

• you'll need to register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council

Further information

You can get more advice about how to become a district nurse from Health Careers.

You'll need to:

• pass enhanced background checks