Any mental health nurses here?

[YeOldeTurnip]

It's something I'd really like to do and I am finally in a place where studying may now be an option for me.

Can I ask how you found the degree and now job if you went on to do it?

I finished my degree 16 years ago so couldn't really comment on what it's like now but I would unfortunately not do this if I had my time again. I'm so sorry to write this as I wanted to be a nurse from 10 years old but the job is incredibly stressful and there is absolutely no doubt that you will be physically assaulted at work on the wards. I work in an inner city, and I there isn't a day that goes by where my colleagues aren't punched, threatened, kicked, spat at etc you work nights, weekends, Christmas for that privilege. I have children and have had 5 of the last 16 Christmas days off with them. The odd patient restores your faith and reminds you why you do this but the overwhelming truth is that those you do help don't want it and those you then can't help need it.

I'm tired and I wish I could train to do something nicer with my life.