For the trained nurses out there (or currently training to be)

[WBWIFE]

This is going to be a long one I think.

Do you regret training or becoming a nurse?

Long story short I have been in the care sector for 8 years. Palliative community care the last year and a half doing bank shifts. I am currently on maternity leave and I'm contemplating going further with my career.

I'm 25, have a 2 year old and 9 week old. A husband and a mortgage. Before mat leave I worked 3 days as an admin for a company and bank shifts as a palliative care worker ( I love the job, money isn't great but the job makes me happy so I pick up shifts where I can to help them out)

I am worried about the financial side of learning and also juggling the kids and whether I'll regret being trained as the job won't allow me to see the kids as much, maybe?

I hav eto do the access course to higher education as I have GCSE but no A levels or NVQs in relation to health care. I've been told it will be 2 and a half days college and I'd need to work 2 days to keep us afloat at home. Is this doable for an access course those of you that have done the 1 year access course? Or would I be best doing the health professional foundation degree?

I'm not so worried when it'll come to going to uni as people seem to get more financial support then and they're reintroducing the bursary so I have read.

I'd appreciate any insight really to those in training or who are qualified nurses.

Were you able to cope financially?

Did the college or uni help with childcare? (I am pretty sure my family will be able to help out tbh)

Were you able to work and do an access course whilst having children?

Did you stop working to study at uni or were you able to work too?

When qualified do you still love your job? Do you still feel you see your family enough?

I could play it safe and stay in my admin role which isn't too badly paid if full time but it's not a job I love at all. I've always wanted to be a nurse. Am I being selfish for possibly trading a job that allows me to see my children 4 full days a week plus 3 evenings to one that will be a lot less.

By the time I'd qualify my youngest would be going into reception

Hi hun. Im a rmn. As i student i was alot better off i didnt have kids then though.I trained when there was still a bursery and i was able to work aswell.i love my job love my patients but it does come at a price i dont see my kids as much as i would like the constant shift changes can be a nightmare but we dont have anyone to help with childcare so have to work oppersite each other.
The job comes with alot of responcibility. That said what other job do you spend your days making a difference to peoples life i would say go for it xx

I was a mature nursing student. It was the best thing I ever did. There are so many opportunities in nursing, you will never be without a challenge or a job.