AIBU to feel trapped after giving up my nursing registration? I need my independence back

Tokaboka · 2026-08-06T18:25:19+00:00

I was a qualified nurse. Stupidly gave up my registration about 3 years ago and have done thing since - all with the encouragement of DH who has supported us both since. nothing is wrong - money is fine … but all of a sudden I’m shitting myself. I’m trapped now aren’t I? wtf was I thinking? Can anyone talk me through getting my independence back?? I’m 45. Autistic and now suddenly very overwhelmed by the whole thing In the meantime - should I try and get a carers job?? I can’t think straight

MissyB1 · 06/08/2026 19:27

You could do a return to nursing course if you really want to go back to it.

Ponoka7 · 06/08/2026 19:30

Why did you give up Nursing? Is there any other jobs that you think would be a better fit?

Alittlefrustrated · 06/08/2026 19:36

Why did you want to leave? I'd had enough after 36 years, so no intention of returning. Were you relieved to leave at the time?
You have many options open to you at your age.

gayestgal · 06/08/2026 19:40

Why are you trapped?

Newmeagain · 06/08/2026 19:43

Is there a reason why you can’t work again?

NotanNHSnurseanymore · 06/08/2026 19:44

Why are you trapped OP?

And why do you want to work as a carer?

Mullaghanish · 06/08/2026 19:45

Well you can be an Nvq assessor? Or just do the back to nursing course and gp nurse or

ToKittyornottoKitty · 06/08/2026 19:46

Why can’t you go back to nursing? How old is your kid/kids?

outerspacepotato · 06/08/2026 19:48

You're shitting yourself because you've realized you gave up something that's going to cost you time and money to get back if your marriage fell apart or something happened health or his work wise and you needed to get well paying work right away. You don't have that automatic fall back any more. You've made yourself financially vulnerable in hard economic times.

Do the return course, get your license, and pick up part time work. We have prn here which is better paid but no benefits. Get certification in something you enjoy or something like aesthetics and work part time in a medspa.

NotanNHSnurseanymore · 06/08/2026 19:51

outerspacepotato · 06/08/2026 19:48

You're shitting yourself because you've realized you gave up something that's going to cost you time and money to get back if your marriage fell apart or something happened health or his work wise and you needed to get well paying work right away. You don't have that automatic fall back any more. You've made yourself financially vulnerable in hard economic times.

Do the return course, get your license, and pick up part time work. We have prn here which is better paid but no benefits. Get certification in something you enjoy or something like aesthetics and work part time in a medspa.

Are you uk based?

Original poster

Tokaboka · 06/08/2026 20:03

I’m shitting myself because

what he decides to leave?
what if I decide to leave?
whst if god forbid something happened to him?

I can work, I just chose not to so I could concentrate on my crafting (which I make a bit of money from but not a living). We didn’t need the money so it seemed viable but obviously I didn’t think it through.

I’ve looked on indeed but I have no qualifications or experience in anything else.

OP posts:

ToKittyornottoKitty · 06/08/2026 20:05

Tokaboka · 06/08/2026 20:03

I’m shitting myself because

what he decides to leave?
what if I decide to leave?
whst if god forbid something happened to him?

I can work, I just chose not to so I could concentrate on my crafting (which I make a bit of money from but not a living). We didn’t need the money so it seemed viable but obviously I didn’t think it through.

I’ve looked on indeed but I have no qualifications or experience in anything else.

So why not go back to nursing?

Freshstartyear25 · 06/08/2026 20:10

Tokaboka · 06/08/2026 20:03

I’m shitting myself because

what he decides to leave?
what if I decide to leave?
whst if god forbid something happened to him?

I can work, I just chose not to so I could concentrate on my crafting (which I make a bit of money from but not a living). We didn’t need the money so it seemed viable but obviously I didn’t think it through.

I’ve looked on indeed but I have no qualifications or experience in anything else.

Then do the return to nursing course and get a part time bank job so you’re not working to get burnt out but you’re still working in the field

TisEye · 06/08/2026 20:14

Why did you leave OP?

As others have said, there is a bank work - my friend did it in a hospice which I think was quite different than a regualr hospital.

I also have a second friend who is doing a nursing course solely to be able to administer aesthetic treatments.

Newyearawaits · 06/08/2026 20:27

Tokaboka · 06/08/2026 20:03

I’m shitting myself because

what he decides to leave?
what if I decide to leave?
whst if god forbid something happened to him?

I can work, I just chose not to so I could concentrate on my crafting (which I make a bit of money from but not a living). We didn’t need the money so it seemed viable but obviously I didn’t think it through.

I’ve looked on indeed but I have no qualifications or experience in anything else.

Please don't panic OP.
I am a semi retired registered nurse and you can contact your local University re returning to practice. I would contact the NMC before doing this and they will advise

Stompythedinosaur · 06/08/2026 20:31

Don't panic, it sounds like you're in a reasonable position to to a return to work course. I agree that there's a strong argument not to give up your means of supporting yourself if you need to.

Multiplepillows · 06/08/2026 20:33

ToKittyornottoKitty · 06/08/2026 20:05

So why not go back to nursing?

Show quote history

OP?

Multiplepillows · 06/08/2026 20:35

Did you voluntarily give it up? Or were you disqualified?
if the latter, be honest if you want genuine advice

HelenaWilson · 06/08/2026 20:35

whst if god forbid something happened to him?

You should both have life insurance, especially if you have young children.
Everyone with young children ought to have life insurance if at all possible.

gayestgal · 06/08/2026 20:37

Tokaboka · 06/08/2026 20:03

I’m shitting myself because

what he decides to leave?
what if I decide to leave?
whst if god forbid something happened to him?

I can work, I just chose not to so I could concentrate on my crafting (which I make a bit of money from but not a living). We didn’t need the money so it seemed viable but obviously I didn’t think it through.

I’ve looked on indeed but I have no qualifications or experience in anything else.

Spend less time on mn (where women detail their struggles) and enjoy your life

If things change then they change

You cant live in fear.