TO mark International Nurses Day, NHS Borders is celebrating its nursing staff.

The health board is using International Nurses Day (Friday, May 12) to say "thank you" to all the healthcare support workers, student nurses, and registered staff who do a great job of looking after people across NHS Borders.

As well as sharing their thanks, NHS Borders also wants to highlight the pathways into nursing, and encourage the next generation of NHS Borders nurses.

Elaine Dickson, associate director of nursing (acute) at NHS Borders, said: “Our nurses and student nurses do an amazing job and provide incredible care every day. Nursing at NHS Borders is a fulfilling role with many learning and development opportunities.

“If you are looking for a career with a great team and opportunities for progression in a beautiful location, this could be the perfect place for you.

"There are several different types of nurses, including children’s, mental health, learning disability and adult nurses, with the opportunity to develop into many different roles within each of these disciplines once qualified.

"So, if you are looking for a career within a caring profession, take a look at your options in nursing and hopefully you can find a good fit.”

There are a number of routes for aspiring nurses to join the field.

There is a three to four year pre-registration degree programme or a two-year post graduate Masters level pre-registration programme (for those with a previous degree).

And for those interested in working as a healthcare support worker with NHS Borders, applicants can complete a Higher National Certificate on a part-time basis with Borders College and enter year two of their nursing programme.

This can also be achieved by working part-time and completing a degree over a four-year period with the Open University.

Anyone interested in a career in nursing can contact Gayle Burton for an informal discussion at: BOR.ClinicalEducationTeam@borders.scot.nhs.uk.

And for more information on the different nursing roles with NHS Borders, visit: careers.nhs.scot/explore-careers/nursing/