I want to leave nhs nursing...but what now?

[Plantmum2047]

I have decided to leave my job as a band 5 nurse in the NHS. But I don't know what to do instead. Can anyone share their experiences of working in the private sector?

Do you want to stay being a Nurse or do something else? Can you take a pay cut? I used to be a Nurse and am now a benefits advisor. When I was looking for a job earlier this year I liked the idea of being a social prescriber but didn't get the job but once my current contract ends I might pursue that again ! They work in the NHS in Gp surgeries and sort of prescribe interventions for people whose social situations are impacting their health so perhaps signposting them for benefits advice or a group that might help them or helping them overcome loneliness etc. Nursing gives you lots of transferable skills.

Sorry I'm probably completely missing the point of your thread and you actually want to stay Nursing but just in the private sector instead?

Only that whilst recently in a Bupa Hospital, i was treated by a nurse who had left the NHS a couple of years ago and she said she loves it, more money, no AE shifts, easier patients, more flexible working, has gained promotion.

A couple we know who both work NHS are leaving for Australia, just had enough of being treated like dirt by the public, govt and their trust.

So many options, what's important to you? Flexibility, pay, sociable hours, security?

I work in private Dementia nursing home, more money, no more night shifts, and I love it. I do 2 days a week, so 24 hours.

I work for a health insurance company and we're always recruiting nurses to help asses patients and help them through their treatment pathways.

Sorry, I wasn't clear in my original post.
I am trying to decide whether the private sector treats nurses better or whether to completely leave nursing.

Just do your homework re the remuneration package. Lots of private jobs "look" good with higher wages, but you don't get the same benefits, i.e. the length of paid sickness/maternity leave, pension entitlements, in-service life insurance, etc. A lot of the time it's swings and roundabouts.