Nursing in social care

Nurses and Nursing Associates are a vital part of the social care workforce and have a varied and challenging role looking after some of the most vulnerable people. They have distinct expertise and clinical skills to help people, often with complex health needs, to live positively either in a nursing home or within the community.

Depending on the care setting and individual experience, the role of a Registered Nurse may also include some management and operational responsibilities. This could be the supervision of other members of the Nursing Team or leading on specialist areas of care.

Nursing in adult social care commonly focusses on three key areas of need:

• caring for adults and elderly people who are ill, injured or who have physical disabilities
• working with people who have learning disabilities to help them become as independent as possible
• helping people with mental health conditions such as personality disorders, neurosis, phobias, acute anxiety, alcohol dependency, depression and eating disorders

Roles delivering direct care, like Care and Support Workers, make up nearly 75% of the adult social care workforce in Cornwall. This type of role provides a good foundation for you to progress into various leadership or management positions, or undertake additional qualifications to move into regulated roles like nursing, occupational therapy or social work.