Can anyone who works in a band 5 post in the NHS give me some guidance please?
I've been out of work for years looking after dc's (one with an illness that meant I couldn't work while she was younger) I completed various courses and a degree while at home with the kids. My degree is science based. Now I'm late starting a career I'm looking to find a good role so I have a career rather than a job as quickly as I can. This is for personal satisfaction rather than money. I started a band 4 role a few months ago (actually appointed on band 3 until I get a qualification next year). While the team are lovely and the job is ok I'm finding it a little below the level I was expecting and it's not challenging me at all. I can see where the role goes and I'm confident it will always been like this. So I've been keeping my eye out for other roles.
I've seen a band 5 post come up and I meet the person spec but lack years of experience that I would think most people have at my age. Can anyone tell me how much experience is expected at band 5 posts? It's a research post in an area I'm very interested in and was covered a lot in my degree. Would it be pointless applying for band 5 posts this soon out of education with such little actual work experience under my belt? Am I better off staying in lower band posts and trying to find something I find interesting that way or even just carry on with this role for a few years just to get experience. Kind of feel a bit like life is too short to be bored each day and while I know I probably won't find a job I love I'm at least hoping for something challenging that I can mostly enjoy.
I'm so new to working and the NHS I would really appreciate any advice anyone can give me.