Nurse managers are responsible for clinically managing and supervising pre- and post-registration nurses on the wards of hospitals.

To work as a nurse manager, it is necessary to first gain employment as a post-registration nurse. Entry into post-registration nurse jobs is with an approved nursing degree. Prospective nursing degree students require at least two A levels, including biology, and five GCSEs, including maths, English and science. Some universities may accept equivalent qualifications, such as BTEC awards in Health and Social Care, in lieu of A levels.

Once nurses have graduated from university, they must register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) before they can apply for post-registration nursing jobs. Following gaining experience in a nursing role, nurses will need to study for postgraduate courses covering leadership and management in healthcare settings before they can move into staff management roles. In addition to evidence of formal qualifications, prospective nurse managers must have strong communication skills, a sound knowledge of professional nursing development, experience of change management, outstanding leadership skills, an understanding of the importance of risk management, and knowledge of complex healthcare legislation.

Nurse managers are employed by public and private sector hospitals and clinics, with the NHS being the largest employer of nurse managers in the public sector. The majority of nurse managers work full-time, with many choosing to find employment through specialist nurse recruitment agencies.

Salaries for nursing managers may be between £30,000 and £45,000 a year, with pay rates being strongly influenced by experience and qualifications.