In the UK, general, integrated and specialist nursing services are provided across all healthcare settings, including primary care, secondary care, hospital, clinical and community settings. Nurses often provide frontline, patient-focused care, working directly with patients. They work autonomously, in nurse-led teams, and in multidisciplinary teams, working collaboratively with medical, allied health, health science and support staff.

Nursing continues to be a challenging and rewarding profession, offering ample opportunities for career development and specialisation in areas of interest. In the UK, nursing roles are divided into several bands or levels, providing many professional pathways and supported career progression opportunities.

Modern Matrons/Consultants (Band 8) are responsible for managing health units within hospitals and other health settings, including community health clinics and nursing homes. They help maintain and improve the administrative processes which support the delivery of quality clinical care - leading to the smooth and efficient running of the health unit, and patient and staff satisfaction. They oversee patient care, supervise nursing staff, manage budgets and financial resources, recruit new staff, organise rostering and employment entitlements, provide feedback, manage performance reviews, and facilitate professional development/career progression opportunities. They promote working relationships between stakeholders and develop and implement policies which support quality healthcare provision and a safe working environment. Clinical Nurse Consultants provide clinical expertise, leadership and oversight. They have advanced knowledge in a clinical area of nursing and have extensive practical experience in performing a range of procedures. They are involved in assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation of specialised programmes of patient care.