10 June 2025
As the healthcare landscape in the UK increasingly shifts towards community-based care, attracting newly qualified nurses to these roles is essential for sustaining and enhancing services. This article explores strategies to engage student nurses in community careers at the point of registration, drawing on the experiences of two recently qualified nurses who have chosen to begin their careers in community nursing. Their insights, combined with available evidence, highlight key factors influencing career decisions, including mentorship, exposure during training, and awareness of the benefits associated with community nursing. The article offers practical recommendations for nurses and educators to inspire and support the next generation, emphasising the importance of pre-registration placements, role modelling, and structured postgraduate support. Additionally, it examines ways to ensure that newly qualified community nurses feel equipped in their roles, fostering retention and long-term commitment to this important area of healthcare.
