What is the difference between a Band 5 and Band 6 NHS nurse ?

Many nurses start their careers in the NHS on Agenda for Change Band 5, earning from £28,407 and slowly progressing to higher pay within the band with experience. Naturally, career progression is an important consideration for these nurses, with a natural next step being a Band 6 role.

The key differences between Agenda for Change Band 5 and Band 6 nurses in terms of responsibilities, skills, and experience are as follows:

Responsibilities:
- Band 5 Nurses: At this level, nurses are typically responsible for providing direct patient care under the guidance of senior staff. They deliver basic nursing care, monitor patients’ conditions, administer medications, assist with procedures, and maintain accurate records.
- Band 6 Nurses: Nurses at this level have increased responsibilities and often function as team leaders or specialist practitioners. They take on more complex and challenging cases, provide advanced nursing care, coordinate care plans, supervise junior staff, and may be involved in service development or quality improvement initiatives.
Skills:
- Band 5 Nurses: Nurses at Band 5 are expected to have a strong foundation of clinical skills and knowledge. They should be competent in basic nursing procedures, have good communication and interpersonal skills, and be able to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
- Band 6 Nurses: Band 6 Nurses require a higher level of clinical expertise and skills. They should possess advanced assessment and decision-making abilities, be skilled in managing complex patient situations, have leadership qualities, and be able to mentor and support junior staff. Additionally, they may need specialised skills depending on their area of practice.
Experience:
- Band 5 Nurses: Nurses at Band 5 are typically newly qualified or have limited post-registration experience. They may have completed a pre-registration nursing program and have gained some clinical experience through placements or internships.
- Band 6 Nurses: Band 6 Nurses usually have a few years of post-registration experience and may have developed specialised skills or expertise in a specific clinical area. They may have pursued further education or training to enhance their knowledge and competencies.

It’s important to note that the specific responsibilities, skills, and experience required for nurses at each band can vary depending on the specialty or area of practice.

These differences are meant to provide a general overview and may be subject to variation based on individual circumstances, local policies, and organizational needs within the NHS. There is much more detailed information about nursing careers available on the Royal College of Nursing’s website.