Community nursing careers

Advanced Clinical Practitioners (ACPs) are highly trained healthcare professionals who provide expert clinical care, leadership, education and research activity and often take on roles traditionally held by doctors.

They assess, diagnose, and manage patient care, working autonomously across various settings. Their work includes complex decision-making, prescribing medications, and leading clinical practice.

Advanced Practitioners in Minor Injury Units (MIU), provide high-level care for patients with minor injuries and urgent health needs in community settings.

They perform assessments, provide treatment, prescribe medications and arrange referrals, ensuring timely and effective care while reducing hospital admissions and prevent the need for patients to visit A&E Departments. 

Associate Practitioners are healthcare workers with specific training who support registered nurses and therapists.

They perform a range of clinical tasks and assist with patient care, often in community hospital or home-based settings. 

Care Home Support Matron oversees the delivery of nursing care in care and residential homes, ensuring high standards of care and supporting staff with training and development.

They provide clinical leadership, support care planning, and engage with families and residents to ensure individualised care and work closely with care home managers to improve patient outcomes and care quality.

The Chief Nurse is the senior nursing leader within an organisation, responsible for strategic leadership, nursing practice standards, and workforce development.

They ensure high-quality patient care and advocate for nursing staff across the organisation. 

Clinical Assessors evaluate patients' health needs and determine appropriate care plans.

They perform comprehensive assessments, often for community health services or long-term care planning, ensuring patients receive suitable support and interventions. 

Community Nurses in District Nursing (DN) teams deliver care to patients in their homes or community settings.

They manage chronic conditions, perform wound care, and support patients with complex health needs.

Community Nurses in Integrated Care Teams (ICT), Integrated Discharge Teams (IDT), and Urgent Community Response (UCR) provide rapid assessment and intervention for patients with urgent or complex needs, aiming to prevent hospital admissions. 

Community Nurses in Virtual Wards monitor and manage patients with acute conditions in their homes, using technology to provide remote care and reduce the need for hospital stays. 

The Community Nursing Discharge Team Manager/Lead co-ordinates the discharge of patients from hospital to home, ensuring a smooth transition and continuity of care.

They manage discharge planning and liaise with community services. 

Community Sisters oversee nursing care in community settings, providing leadership and support to nursing teams.

They ensure high standards of care and manage complex cases. 

Continence Nurse Specialists provide expert care and support for patients with bladder and bowel control issues.

They develop care plans, offer treatments, and provide education to patients and caregivers. 

Diabetes Nurse Specialists offer specialised care for patients with diabetes, providing education, managing treatment plans, and supporting lifestyle changes to control the disease. 

District Nursing Students undertake a year-long degree programme (Specialist Practice Qualification) to enable them to develop the necessary knowledge and skills to practice autonomously as a District Nurse.

Emergency Nurse Practitioners in Minor Injury Units (MIU) assess, diagnose, and treat patients with minor injuries and illnesses.

They work autonomously and can perform procedures and prescribe medications.

End of Life Care Nurse Specialists provide compassionate care to patients nearing the end of life.

They manage symptoms, offer emotional support, and co-ordinate with families and healthcare teams to ensure dignified care. 

The Frailty Hub Clinical Lead oversees care for frail, elderly patients, co-ordinating multidisciplinary teams to manage complex health needs and improve patient outcomes. 

This role focuses on enhancing healthcare quality and patient safety.

They analyse performance data, implement improvement projects, and collaborate with staff to promote best practices and implement learning and innovations in care.

The Head of Service or Associate Director leads healthcare services, ensuring strategic direction, operational efficiency, and high-quality patient care.

They manage budgets, staff, and service delivery. 

Healthcare Assistants in bed-based care support patients with daily activities, personal care, and basic clinical tasks under the supervision of registered nurses in hospital or care home settings.

Heart Failure Nurse Specialists provide specialised care for patients with heart failure, managing symptoms, optimising treatment plans, and educating patients on lifestyle modifications to improve heart health. 

International Nursing involves nurses working in or coming from different countries, adapting to various healthcare systems, practices, and cultural contexts to provide care. 

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Nurse Specialists provide expert care and support to patients with MS.

They offer education about the disease, symptom management, treatment options, and emotional support. They co-ordinate care among various healthcare providers and help patients navigate the healthcare system. 

Nurse Advisors for Care Homes support the care home staff in delivering high-quality care to residents.

They provide training, guidance on best practices, and help implement care plans. Their role often includes advising on regulatory compliance and improving care standards.

Nurse Advisors for Dementia specialise in supporting patients with dementia and their families.

They provide education on managing symptoms, offer guidance on care plans, and ensure that care practices are person-centred, and evidence based. They also train care home staff in dementia care best practices.

Nurse Advisors for Mental Health focus on advising healthcare providers on mental health issues.

They offer expertise in developing care plans, managing mental health conditions, and providing therapeutic interventions. They also support training and education for other healthcare professionals. 

Nursing Associates bridge the gap between healthcare assistants and registered nurses.

They provide direct patient care, undertake clinical tasks, and support registered nurses. Their role includes monitoring patients, administering medications, and providing personal care. 

These specialists support patients with Parkinson's disease and other rare neurological conditions.

They offer expertise in managing symptoms, co-ordinating care, and providing education and support to patients and families. 

Patient Safety Lead Nurses focus on improving patient safety within healthcare settings.

They identify risks, develop safety protocols, conduct audits, and educate staff on safety practices. Their goal is to reduce medical errors and enhance overall patient care quality.

The Infection Prevention and Control element of the role, looks at overseeing the development and implementation of infection control policies, and monitors compliance to prevent and manage infections in healthcare settings. 

Practice Development Nurses focus on improving clinical practice and professional development within healthcare settings.

They implement training programs, support evidence-based practices, and promote continuous learning among nursing staff. 

Professional Leads are senior nurses responsible for setting strategic directions in nursing practice.

They provide leadership, ensure professional standards are met, and advocate for nursing within the healthcare organisation. 

Respiratory Nurse Specialists provide care for patients with respiratory conditions such as asthma, COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease), and lung diseases.

They offer education, support, and management plans to help patients manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life.

Safeguarding Leads ensure that policies and procedures are in place to protect vulnerable patients from abuse and neglect.

They provide training, support staff in recognising and reporting concerns, and work with other agencies to ensure patient safety. 

Service Managers or Clinical Service Leads oversee the delivery of clinical services within a healthcare setting.

They manage staff, budgets, and resources, ensuring that services are efficient, effective, and patient-centred. 

Staff Nurses in bed-based care provide direct nursing care to patients in hospital wards or other inpatient settings.

Their duties include administering medications, monitoring patient conditions, and collaborating with other healthcare professionals. 

These specialists support patients with stroke or motor neurone disease.

They provide expert care, education, and support to manage symptoms, improve quality of life, and co-ordinate care across healthcare services.

Tissue Viability Nurse Specialists focus on the prevention and management of wounds, such as pressure ulcers and diabetic foot ulcers.

They provide expert advice, develop care plans, and educate staff on best practices in wound care. 

These practitioners provide rapid assessment and intervention for patients in the community experiencing a health crisis.

They aim to prevent hospital admissions by delivering advanced clinical care and support in the patient's home. 

Virtual Ward Matrons oversee the management of virtual wards, where patients receive remote monitoring and care at home.

They co-ordinate care, ensure the use of telehealth technologies, and manage a team of healthcare professionals to provide continuous patient support.

Ward Managers or Nurses in Charge of bed-based care oversee the operations of hospital wards.

They manage nursing staff, ensure high standards of patient care, handle administrative tasks, and act as the primary point of contact for patient and family concerns.