Nursing for NHS Direct

Role of the NHS Direct nurse:

NHS Direct is a service offered by the NHS to provide the public with the opportunity to obtain advice on health matters from qualified nurses. Nurses working for the NHS Direct helpline answer calls from the public and give advice on a wide range of health related issues. They use a system of computer based decision support guidelines to offer the appropriate advice, which can range from self care to an emergency service referral.

NHS Direct sites also employ health information advisors, who give information about local health and social services, self help groups, charities and common health conditions. All nurses recruited to NHS Direct in England will need to have attained the appropriate competencies. The recruitment of disabled nurses or those who have retired due to ill health is encouraged.

Useful experience:

A period of post registration experience is usually needed to become an NHS Direct nurse advisor. Many NHS Direct advisors have experience or hold a qualification in A&E nursing, however a full range of nursing expertise is represented in the NHS Direct workforce. Experience of assessing patients with undiagnosed and undifferentiated problems is useful.

Basic computer skills and knowledge of Windows based products is useful but not essential as in house training is provided. The initial NHS Direct training programme ranges from five to twelve weeks and covers telephone communication, call centre technology, the use of clinical protocols, clinical assessment, ethical issues and accountability.

For more information

For general information about opportunities at NHS Direct, visit the NHS Direct website