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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To ask Is nursing really horrific?

87 replies

scotchbonnetface · 17/06/2025 18:47

It’s a bit of a pipe dream, but I always felt I had a “calling” for nursing.

Im getting to the stage where if I don’t do it soon, I never will. But I’m scared.

Maybe I’ve read too many horror stories, but if there are any nurses or HCA that could give me your feelings on the job, I’d really appreciate it.

OP posts:
Kitkykiry · 17/06/2025 19:31

It’s the best job in the world. You should definitely go for it.

Original poster
scotchbonnetface · 17/06/2025 19:29

WafflingDreamer · 17/06/2025 19:12

I think it depends what type of nursing you want to do. I certainly wouldn't recommend it as a career these days

I’d like to be in paediatric, or emergency/theatre. Although this is based on no experience what so over!

OP posts:
Original poster
scotchbonnetface · 17/06/2025 19:27

countingthedays945 · 17/06/2025 19:15

I started nursing in 1987, qualified in 1991 and have had a long and successful nursing career. Not everyone is cut out for it but if you don’t try you will never know.

I kind of have the same mind set of if you don’t try, you won’t know. It’s a risky business though! And maybe an expensive mistake (if I’m terrible at it)

OP posts:
Frazzledandfried · 17/06/2025 19:18

I qualified as a nurse 9 years ago and I wouldn't change my choices. I think nursing is constantly evolving. There are places I would never work again (acute hospital wards). I work in primary care and I absolutely love it. It really does depend on the job itself, rather than the career. If you find somewhere focused on development with a supportive culture you couldn't wish for a better job!

Wowzel · 17/06/2025 19:16

I love being a nurse and working in Emergency Medicine.

countingthedays945 · 17/06/2025 19:15

I started nursing in 1987, qualified in 1991 and have had a long and successful nursing career. Not everyone is cut out for it but if you don’t try you will never know.

WafflingDreamer · 17/06/2025 19:12

I think it depends what type of nursing you want to do. I certainly wouldn't recommend it as a career these days

BraveStarr · 17/06/2025 19:06

I’ve been a nurse for 15 years. I worked on wards for 6 years (I did find that tough) but have now found a role I love in public health nursing.

lnks · 17/06/2025 19:03

scotchbonnetface · 17/06/2025 18:56

Oh really! What was it that made you leave?

Show quote history

I have never seen anyone more overwhelmed and stressed as the nurses on all of my placement's. It creates an awful atmosphere and it makes it very difficult to give patients the proper levels of care. Bullying is a problem and not enough is done to protect staff from physical assaults. About 25% of my cohort left during the first placement. One was sexually assaulted by a patient.

Ilovepastafortea · 17/06/2025 19:00

DD is a nurse & she loves it.

Perhaps you could do some work as a Health Care Assistant to give you an insight into what the work actually involves?

Original poster
scotchbonnetface · 17/06/2025 18:56

lnks · 17/06/2025 18:49

I went back to uni to study nursing as a mature student. I started in September 2023. It really is horrific and I quit half way through.

Oh really! What was it that made you leave?

OP posts:
lnks · 17/06/2025 18:49

I went back to uni to study nursing as a mature student. I started in September 2023. It really is horrific and I quit half way through.