Psychology A-Level for nursing

I took psychology as a-level last year. This year, I’ve come to the decision that nursing is right for me. I’ve began writing my personal statement, and while I’ve talked about biology, I was wondering if my psychology a-level was worth mentioning? I’m not interested in becoming a mental health nurse, but an adult nurse. I keep seeing online that psychology is relevant to this too, but I’m struggling to write about it and relate it to the career - any help? D:

Reply 1

minaah_

5

Hi there, I’m also applying for Nursing 2025 entry (specifically Children’s). I study A-Level Biology, Psychology and History and in my personal statement I briefly discussed a topic from my A-Level subjects; e.g. Psychology I’ve talked about attachment and for Biology I talked about Microbiology & Pathogens. I also mentioned that these are the topics I’ve found most interesting in my course and linked it to skills that are relevant in the field of nursing. Although talking about your A-Level subjects isn’t necessary in your personal statement, it’s a good opportunity to showcase your knowledge and transferable skills. A big part of the feedback I received from teachers was don’t emphasise on your subjects too much as universities generally want to hear why you’re interested in the course rather than how you’re current subjects relate. Sorry if I waffled a bit too much. Good luck on your application and choices x

Reply 2

normaw

Volunteer Team, Clearing and Applications Advisor

19

Original post by strawberryjess

I took psychology as a-level last year. This year, I’ve come to the decision that nursing is right for me. I’ve began writing my personal statement, and while I’ve talked about biology, I was wondering if my psychology a-level was worth mentioning? I’m not interested in becoming a mental health nurse, but an adult nurse. I keep seeing online that psychology is relevant to this too, but I’m struggling to write about it and relate it to the career - any help? D:

You need to focus more on what you have learnt from your shadowing and work experience (relating them to the NHS values and 6 Cs) than how your A level subjects relate to nursing. The following is good advice for vocational subjects taken from this thread:

For a vocational subject (e.g. medicine, teaching, nursing etc. NOT law or psychology):

Introduction - You should briefly outline why you want to become whatever it is you are applying for (so a doctor/dentist/nurse etc.). You don't need to demonstrate skills or list experiences at this stage.
Section 1 - This should discuss your shadowing experience, to show that you have a realistic view of what you are applying for. The best way to do this is to discuss what you learned from your shadowing about the role - such as the skills and qualities that are required.
Section 2 - This section should discuss your work experience/volunteering, to show that you have a good potential to do the job, by showing that you have the correct skills and qualities.
Section 3 - You can briefly (if you have space) talk about academic interests, such as a talk/research article you have read in a related area that you found interesting. This section should take a low priority, however.
Section 4 - Include hobbies and extra-curricular activities in a paragraph that you haven't mentioned previously. For example, you may talk about hobbies you use to unwind.
Conclusion - The conclusion should be brief (1-2 sentences) but should summarise and reiterate your interest in the role and your aptitude and skill for it. You could (if relevant) add longer-term aspirations (e.g. what specialism you would like to go into), but it is not necessary.

Reply 3

liveloveleyla

11

Original post by strawberryjess

I took psychology as a-level last year. This year, I’ve come to the decision that nursing is right for me. I’ve began writing my personal statement, and while I’ve talked about biology, I was wondering if my psychology a-level was worth mentioning? I’m not interested in becoming a mental health nurse, but an adult nurse. I keep seeing online that psychology is relevant to this too, but I’m struggling to write about it and relate it to the career - any help? D:

I applied for children's nursing and i briefly mentioned behaviourism and attachment. Only wrote like 2 lines for it.

Reply 4

Tracey_W

17

Original post by strawberryjess

I took psychology as a-level last year. This year, I’ve come to the decision that nursing is right for me. I’ve began writing my personal statement, and while I’ve talked about biology, I was wondering if my psychology a-level was worth mentioning? I’m not interested in becoming a mental health nurse, but an adult nurse. I keep seeing online that psychology is relevant to this too, but I’m struggling to write about it and relate it to the career - any help? D:

Congratulations on thinking about becoming a adult nurse.

Psychology is actually a good thing to have for nursing as you don't know when it may be useful as part of your job as a nurse 🙂 🙂 🙂. It's ideal for when you have a particular patient who has a behavioural issue which you have to try and control whilst they are on the hospital ward.

I find it very useful as part of my own job as a registered midwife ( I did part-time psv degree course prior to doing midwifery) and it has been very useful for me in the job.

I agree with what normaw said in reply 2 to you on how to structure your personal statement.
Concentrate your personal statement solely on adult nursing if that is what you actually want to do to give you a better chance.

Studying the following would be very useful for you.....
1) the 6 C's of nursing
2) the NMC cos of practice
3) NHS core values
4) reason why you want to be a adult nurse and not a children, mental health or midwife nurse.
5) how would you cope with stress as a nurse 🙂
6) how will you be able to cope with a bereavement while on shift and especially if you have been treating this particular patient and stay professional as a nurse.

And make sure you have all the required entry requirements for nursing at your chosen university
A NHS registered midwife

(edited 1 month ago)

Psychology A-Level for nursing

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