Becoming a SALT vs Children’s nurse?

[UntiedLacesAgain]

I’m contemplating going to University to study one or the other and I’d be interested to hear other’s experiences of either role and which they’d recommend?

TIA

Children nursing degrees are generally harder to get onto, only one person out of 28 was offered a place on the course from my class. Both very different occupations but SALT you'll work with patients of all ages. Children nursing has many different roles, but be prepared to have placements in ICU where patients can and do die. If you can’t cope with that I’d think about SALT. What about a child’s OT?

I’ve been an SLT for 25 years. Would totally recommend it as a career. So interesting and rewarding.

There's so many different areas you can specialise in. I worked for the NHS for 18 years but moved into working directly for a charity. I have a great work/life balance.

Any other questions welcomed

SLT here (23 years). There's a huge range and scope in this role and it really does go from neonatal to end of life care.
Plenty of pressures too though but this is the case in any NHS career. I work with children and the waiting list pressures are immense, my caseload numbers only ever move in one direction and the demand is never met by the capacity.

The need for SALT is increasing annually by orders of magnitude in my experience. So many children are on waiting lists, there just aren't enough people (or, more than likely, enough funds) to provide what is needed.

I was a SLT for nearly 20 years. What is it about the career that appeals to you OP? Have you spent any time shadowing SLTs in their work setting?

SALT means no shift work and there is a massive demand for private SALTs.

Paediatric nurse here. It’s the best job ever. Every day is different. Being a SALT would be incredibly boring inmho. Likewise being a dietician!

Thanks everyone. I really appreciate your responses and I’m grateful for all of your advice and opinions.