Top 5 High-Demand Nursing Specialties UK 2025
/Top 5 High-Demand & Best Pay Nursing Specialties in the UK 2025
Quick Summary: Top 5 In-Demand Nursing Specialties
A&E Nurses
ICU Nurses
Mental Health Nurses
Community Nurses
Paediatric & Theatre Nurses
The demand for nurses in Britain continues to grow as the UK healthcare system faces increasing pressure from rising admissions, staffing shortages, and an ageing population. For those seeking flexible work with excellent nurse earnings in the UK, becoming a locum nurse is an exciting and rewarding option.
At Ambition 24hours, the highest paying nursing agencies in the UK and one of the top nursing agencies in London, Birmingham, Nottingham, and throughout England to match talented nursing professionals with well-paying opportunities. If you're considering a shift in your career, these are the top 5 specialties required right now.
1. A&E (Accident & Emergency) Nurses
With emergency departments experiencing a high volume of admissions, A&E nurses remain in great demand. These roles are fast-paced and ideal for those who can think on their feet. Whether you're a nurse in London or exploring travel nursing in England, locum shifts in A&E provide a chance to develop critical skills while working flexible hours.
Why it's in demand:
Increased emergency cases
Shortage of experienced A&E staff
Attractive locum nurse jobs with competitive pay
2. ICU/ITU (Intensive Care Unit) Nurses
ICU nurses are essential in managing the most critically ill patients. With a shortage of specialist ICU staff, many nursing agencies in the UK are urgently hiring trained professionals. The demand is consistent across both NHS and private hospitals.
Why it's in demand:
Complex cases requiring advanced skills
Ongoing backlog of critical care patients
High nursing bands in the UK, offering strong earning potential
3. Mental Health Nurses (RMNs)
Mental health nursing in the UK is more crucial than ever, with rising cases in both adults and children. Locum nurses specialising in mental health are highly sought after in inpatient and community settings across the country, particularly in large cities like Manchester, Leeds and Glasgow.
Why it's in demand:
Increased demand post-pandemic
Gaps in permanent mental health staff
High-paying opportunities at best paying nursing agencies in the UK
4. Community Nurses
As nursing in England shifts towards community care, district and home-visit nurses are in growing demand. These roles often involve managing long-term conditions, wound care, and post-discharge support. Locum community nursing roles are available through Ambition 24hours in London and across the UK.
Why it's in demand:
Push for care closer to home
Fewer hospital beds and resources
Flexible hours with excellent nurse earnings in the UK
5. Theatre & Paediatric Nurses
With the NHS focused on reducing surgery backlogs, theatre nurses are needed for both elective and emergency procedures. Similarly, paediatric nurses in the UK are vital for children’s wards, outpatient clinics, and surgical settings. If you're a private nurse in London or looking for locum opportunities in cities like Bristol or Newcastle, Ambition 24hours offers rewarding and varied roles in these high-demand specialties.
Why it's in demand:
Backlog of elective procedures
Increased demand for child-focused care
Broad coverage across multiple nursing bands in the UK
Explore Locum Nursing with Ambition 24hours
Whether you're looking for short-term contracts, travel flexibility, or the support of one of the best nursing agencies in the UK, Ambition 24hours is here to support you. We work with nurses across all nursing specialties in the UK and are known for being one of the highest paying nursing agencies around.
Weekly payments to your bank account
Flexible hours
National coverage
If you're exploring roles for nurses with high earnings in the UK, join our network today and unlock new possibilities.
