Care stretches far beyond the NHS. Independent health and social care settings offer a huge range of roles you might not have considered in your search for work. Learn more about the exciting opportunities available to you as a newly registered nurse and feel confident applying.

You may recognise some of these myths about working in independent health and social care. Let's bust them together. Choose a myth to reveal to truth. 

This is a myth. There are a wide range of opportunities in independent settings for newly registered nurses.

This is a myth. An increasing number of service providers are offering preceptorship programmes, making roles in the sector a viable, important and valuable option. While some organisations already offer preceptorship, Skills for Care, a strategic partner of the Department of Health and Social Care, are providing a programme of support to enable more independent employers to develop preceptorship programmes.

This is a myth. Independent health and social care consists of thousands of different organisations across all services. While pay, terms and conditions vary between organisations, they're often equal to, if not better than those offered by the NHS.

This is a myth. Independent employers offer a clear pathway for career development. The wide range of roles at different levels of each organisation offer the opportunity both for career progression and the development of specialist skills. Careers in independent settings are careers for life, just like in other areas of health care.

As with any new role for a newly registered nurse, it's essential you receive professional and personal support. And preceptorship is an integral part of that. It ensures your smooth transition from student to autonomous professional.

You should receive support from an experienced practitioner. They'll help you develop your skills, knowledge and the confidence required to provide effective person-centred care to the people in your care. This is the same for any newly registered nurse role  – it doesn't matter who the employer is or what the service covers.

What to expect

• Your employer should have a preceptorship policy in place
• Your preceptorship programme should be designed to welcome you into the organisation. This should be separate from your induction
• Your preceptorship period should last from 6 to 12 months
• You should be supernumerary for a minimum of two weeks from the start of your preceptorship
• Time for activities and meetings that are part of your preceptorship should be protected
• Your preceptor should have at least 8 to 12 hours of protected time to carry out preceptorship responsibilities, including preceptor training
• You and your preceptor should have regular meetings to discuss your progress and development
• You and your preceptor should be offered the opportunity to provide feedback to evaluate the preceptorship programme

Learn more about preceptorship

Searching for roles as a newly registered nurse can be stressful. It's important that you keep your options open. Read our top tips for landing your ideal role.

There are thousands of organisations to choose from. Be systematic in your search for roles.

Consider the area that you'd like to work in and carry out research to identify organisations in that area. Familiarise yourself with the type of service provision offered. Look for the mission statement and reflect on whether this is something that aligns with your own ethos and values.

Get practical guidance for writing job applications. 

Get guidance on developing an eye-catching CV.

We have a range of networks and forums that can connect you to other professionals. This can help to identify opportunities, develop professional relationships and keep on top of current issues. It's also a great opportunity to get more involved in our work here at the RCN.

Get more information about our Early Career Nurses Network

Find more information about all our forums and networks 

 

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