A Level 7 nurse, often referred to as a Band 7 in the UK's NHS, is a senior, experienced registered nurse in an advanced or leadership role, demonstrating significant autonomy, specialized clinical expertise, and operational management, potentially requiring postgraduate education like a Master's degree for roles such as Clinical Nurse Specialist or Ward Manager. In Australia, "Level 7" can refer to the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) level for a Registered Nurse degree, but in practice, "Nurse Grade 7" signifies a senior clinician with advanced skills in areas like education, research, and complex decision-making within public health systems like Queensland Health.
Updated 26 November 2025. Band 7 nurses are senior-level healthcare providers who manage teams and patient care. They perform a variety of duties and have an extensive and diverse skill set, along with specialised training that allows them to work in diverse healthcare environments.
Doctorate in Nursing (PhD or DNP): A doctorate is the highest level of nursing education. A PhD focuses on research and advancing nursing knowledge, while a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is practice-focused, preparing nurses for the highest clinical positions or leadership roles.
6 roles in different nursing levels
Band 7 nursing roles include ward manager, clinical nurse specialist (CNS) and other managerial and specialist roles. At this level, nurses are expected to be managers, leaders, clinical experts – and bring years of experience to the role.
The Bachelor of Nursing (Level 7) is the three-year degree qualification for those intending to become a registered nurse. After completing this degree, students sit the Nursing Council of New Zealand exam to complete their registration.
The Band 6 Nurse Role
A Band 6 Nurse is typically a senior clinical nurse or specialist nurse within the NHS pay structure. They usually progress from Band 5 after demonstrating experience, leadership potential, and advanced skills in patient care.
While RNs typically focus on implementing a plan of care, APRNs focus on directing a plan of care. Becoming an APRN often requires further education, such as a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN). Types of APRNs include nurse practitioners, nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives and clinical nurse specialists.
Nursing levels start with certified nursing assistants and progress to licensed practical nurses, registered nurses, advanced practice nurses, and non-clinical specialties. Each rank has its own education standards.
The highest-paid nurses in Australia are typically Nurse Practitioners (NPs), due to their advanced training and authority to diagnose and treat patients, with salaries potentially exceeding $150,000 annually, followed by senior roles like Nurse Unit Managers, Clinical Nurse Consultants, and Nurse Educators, with higher earnings often found in public sector or remote roles like Remote Area Nurses (RANs).
Acute Care Nurse
Trauma nursing is one of the most demanding and stressful roles a nurse can assume. RNs and APRNs on trauma units work under overwhelming pressure with patients in critical conditions.
Research with patients and patient outcomes has shown that nurses with a BSN have better patient outcomes on average. So, in a competitive healthcare market that must maximize patient outcomes, BSN has become the preferred degree for most hiring efforts.
The "5 levels of nurses" can refer to career progression from assistant to advanced practice, or to professional skill development stages, but commonly involves: Assistant in Nursing (AIN) (basic care under supervision), Enrolled Nurse (EN) (diploma level, supervised), Registered Nurse (RN) (degree level, independent practice), Clinical Nurse/Specialist (experienced RN, leadership), and Nurse Practitioner (NP) (advanced degree, diagnosing/prescribing).
The highest level of all apprenticeships, Level 7 apprenticeships are equivalent to a master's degree! These courses are tailored for individuals aspiring to achieve top-tier professional and academic qualifications while working and earning a salary. Entry requirements: At least a Level 4 qualification.
1. Provides leadership and management for nursing specialist and associated staff 2. Assesses patients/clients, plans, implements care, provides specialist advice; maintains associated records 3. May liaise with other agencies in planning programmes of care and/or health and education programmes 4.
In terms of academic level, yes, the Level 7 is equivalent to a postgraduate qualification. While it's not a traditional university degree, it holds strong professional value, especially for those seeking strategic leadership roles. It's a respected, practical path to advanced career progression.
The different ranks of nurses, in order:
LPNs and RNs play distinct roles in healthcare, with LPNs focusing on task-oriented duties under supervision, while RNs take on broader responsibilities, including critical thinking and strategic healthcare management.
As of 2024, the top five highest-paid types of nurses in the U.S. are:
It's necessary to visit a primary care doctor for persistent illnesses or for close monitoring of a pre-existing condition. While a nurse practitioner can handle these issues, your primary care doctor may be more adept at analyzing your entire medical history to troubleshoot issues and create a treatment plan.
For high school graduates, an LPN or ADN program may be the simplest entry point. Current registered nurses often find the RN-to-BSN bridge most accessible, while adults with a non-nursing bachelor's degree may choose an accelerated BSN for the fastest turnaround.
Doctor of Nursing Practice
The DNP is the highest degree for nursing practice. In addition to APRN concentrations, DNP programs may prepare graduates for careers in organizational and executive leadership, health policy, or nursing informatics.
As you are more likely to be employed in a GP surgery, your salary will vary depending on your employer. If employed by the NHS directly, your standard working week will be around 37.5 hours if you are employed by the NHS and paid on the Agenda for Change (AFC) pay system, typically starting at band 6.
Band 7 Nurses also should be able to do management competencies like being able to deal with the patient movements in the hospital in a Bed Manager post. This is a significant jump from Band 6 Nurse, as the responsibilities are much larger.