This is Wiltshire has teamed up with Princess Margaret Hospital to launch a Come Back Nurses campaign. We want nurses who have left the NHS to consider returning to the wards. Report by Ben Fitzgerald.

THERE has never been a better time to take up nursing as a career.

Swindon and Marlborough NHS Trust is looking to make up a shortfall of 70 nurses at Princess Margaret Hospital.

And the Government has responded to a national shortage by injecting new life into the profession by establishing a new pay and career structure.

There are now more career opportunities in nursing than ever before, with a wide range of specialities, varied career paths and promotional opportunities.

Pay has also improved, with nurses recently being awarded their largest pay rise in the last 10 years. Newly qualified staff received a 12% increase on their salary and an new upper limit to the salary scale has been established to recognise the unique role and contribution of staff who stay in clinical practice.

Pay levels range from £14,400 per annum to nearly £40,000 with the new consultant grade.

Over the next three years nearly £18 billion is to be invested in the NHS, and nurses will be at the forefront of some of the changes, including working in Swindon's nurse-led Carfax Street health clinic and looking after people in their own homes.

The NHS still offers one of the best occupational pension schemes in the country. And annual leave is also good, with up to six weeks a year.

Career advancement opportunities in nursing are many and varied. These include the newly created post of Nurse Consultant who have responsibility for developing personal practice, being involved in research and evaluation and contributing to education, training and development.

Other opportunities include working for the National Blood Service or NHS Direct helpline which provides advice on health.

The normal minimum age of entry 17 and a half years old. Applicants should have a minimum of five GCSE passes or equivalent at grade C or above.

There is no upper age limit set by law and applications from mature candidates are always welcome.

Training is a three-year course which leads to the award of a higher education diploma and qualification as a registered nurse or a four-year degree course leading to Dip BSc in Nursing.

Nurses who qualified overseas should register with the UKCC at ENB careers PO Box 2EN. London WIA 2EN. For further information on a career in nursing contact NHS Careers on: 0845 6060655.

Anyone considering returning to nursing can contact Liz Jaffrey on Swindon 426505.