A Registered Nurse is a registered clinical professional who leads clinical care and manages complex medical conditions for residents. In a hospital you have doctors nearby. In a care home you are often the only clinically trained person in the building. You make the decisions. You lead the team of care assistants and manage complex medical conditions for up to 30 residents at once. Many nurses start as Nursing Associates - see our career progression guide.
The salary for a Registered Nurse is between £38,000 and £48,000 per year.
| Employer Type | Hourly Rate | Yearly Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Private Care Home | £19.50 to £25.00 | £38,000 to £48,000 |
| NHS Band 5 | £15.92 to £19.38 | £31,049 to £37,796 |
| Agency Nurse | £25.00 to £45.00 | Variable |
The cash salary in private care is significantly higher. However you must consider the 'Total Package'. The NHS offers 6 months full sick pay and a pension contribution of over 20 percent. Private homes usually offer statutory sick pay (just £116 per week) and a minimal 3 percent pension.
The main duties of a Registered Nurse are clinical leadership, complex care management, medication responsibility, and emergency decision-making.
You cannot do this job without a professional licence. There are no shortcuts.
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Offered me Senior Lead! Finally off minimum wage after 3 years.
Got the job. £1.20/hr rise AND it's a 10 min walk.
Got the Senior role. £2/hr rise. Crying actual tears rn.
Finally starting my NVQ next month!!
First Saturday off in 8 months. Actually took my kids to the park.
Was scared to leave after 6 years. Should've done it sooner.
Offered me Senior Lead! Finally off minimum wage after 3 years.
Got the job. £1.20/hr rise AND it's a 10 min walk.
Got the Senior role. £2/hr rise. Crying actual tears rn.
Finally starting my NVQ next month!!
First Saturday off in 8 months. Actually took my kids to the park.
Was scared to leave after 6 years. Should've done it sooner.
Didn't skip a break once this week. First time in years.
My back already feels better. No more 12-hour shifts without a sit down.
Manager literally told me to go take my break. Nearly fell over.
Called in sick and didn't get guilt tripped. Wild.
Got the exact shifts I asked for. Didn't think that was possible.
My new manager actually listens. Still in shock tbh.
Didn't skip a break once this week. First time in years.
My back already feels better. No more 12-hour shifts without a sit down.
Manager literally told me to go take my break. Nearly fell over.
Called in sick and didn't get guilt tripped. Wild.
Got the exact shifts I asked for. Didn't think that was possible.
My new manager actually listens. Still in shock tbh.
Offered me Senior Lead! Finally off minimum wage after 3 years.
Got the job. £1.20/hr rise AND it's a 10 min walk.
Got the Senior role. £2/hr rise. Crying actual tears rn.
Finally starting my NVQ next month!!
First Saturday off in 8 months. Actually took my kids to the park.
Was scared to leave after 6 years. Should've done it sooner.
Didn't skip a break once this week. First time in years.
My back already feels better. No more 12-hour shifts without a sit down.
Manager literally told me to go take my break. Nearly fell over.
Called in sick and didn't get guilt tripped. Wild.
Got the exact shifts I asked for. Didn't think that was possible.
My new manager actually listens. Still in shock tbh.
Written by
PlainSight Team
Care Home Career Specialists