The need for nurses is always great, but so is the competition to secure a place in a pre-registration programme at university. If you’re considering a career in nursing, Get into UK Nursing School For Dummies can provide you with the vital edge you need to succeed at getting into nursing school. This compact book provides you with expert advice at each step along the way, including:

• Career assessment — is nursing for you?
• Choosing a field to specialize in — adult, children's, mental health or learning disability nursing.
• Long term planning — A-levels, extracurricular activities, volunteer work, and work experience — that can make you a more attractive candidate
• Considerations for mature/non-traditional students.
• Personal statement — Plenty of insight and examples to help you create a winning and — truly personal — personal statement
• Research — Put together a plan that ensures you find a university that’s right for you.
• Test preparation — Brush up on your literacy and numeracy skills.
• The interview — Common questions and how to tackle them whether you’re in a one-on-one and group interview.

From "How do I get started?" to "When can I expect to be offered a place?" Get into Nursing School For Dummies answers the questions you have with the information you need.

Andrew Evered, RN, MSc (Econ), PGCE is a Lead Admissions Tutor and Senior Lecturer for Adult Nursing at the College of Human and Health Sciences, Swansea University, and he has extensive experience working with both undergraduate and postgraduate levels.

Introduction 1

Part I: Getting Started with a Career in Nursing 7

Chapter 1: Getting to Know Nursing 9

Chapter 2: Exploring Your Options: Nursing Fields 25

Part II: Focusing on Your Personal Development 43

Chapter 3: Weighing Academic Qualifications 45

Chapter 4: Professional Requirements: How Do You Rate? 65

Chapter 5: Proving Your People Skills 77

Chapter 6: Gaining Care Experience 89

Part III: Preparing to Apply 103

Chapter 7: Understanding the Nursing Programme 105

Chapter 8: Exploring Universities 119

Chapter 9: Making the Most of Open Days and Visits 135

Chapter 10: Money Matters 143

Part IV: Perfecting Your Application 159

Chapter 11: Following the UCAS Process 161

Chapter 12: Writing Your Personal Statement 169

Chapter 13: Finding Solid References 181

Part V: Attending Selection Days . . . And Beyond 189

Chapter 14: Attending the Selection Day 191

Chapter 15: Preparing for Assessments 203

Chapter 16: Excelling in the Interview 213

Chapter 17: Getting Your Results and Making Decisions 227

Part VI: The Part of Tens 239

Chapter 18: Ten Tips for a Successful Application 241

Chapter 19: Ten Common Pitfalls to Navigate 245

Index 251