Considering retraining as a nurse. Looking for the good, the bad and the ugly experiences.

[tinkersfig]

I’ve been toying with idea for years and I’m finally taking the steps to take it seriously.

Those of you who have been nurses/HCP for a while, would you mind giving me some insight on what your days to day is like and how your career has progressed?

I know there are horror stories of working for the NHS but I’d like to hear from the horse’s mouth about how it really is.

What do you love about the job, what sort of career have you had, am I mad for considering etc 😂

OP - you asking what might have caused a nurse anxiety says to me you haven’t got much clue about nursing !!
there is SO much to be anxious about !!

the brutal reality of shift work
assignments as a student
exams
lifelong need to keep up to date with latest evidence base
risky situations
violence and aggression
patient and carer frustration about wait lists
staff shortages
poor IT systems
increased complaints
low pay
paying for union fees, professional registration, car parking
bullying
toxic relationships between professions
with the best will in the world, things do go wrong

go into nursing with your EYES OPEN !!

I loved everything about being a nurse. I worked in a few different areas but I especially loved surgical and the community. I went on to do my degree and a post grad in teaching. The opportunities are endless.

Could I ask which route you are going to take? The return to practice course, or test and OSCE. Would love to know more about the test and OSCE route if anyone has experience of it. I've been doing a lot of research work at a University and getting my registration back would help my work.

I trained aged 30 and have been qualified for 20 years now.
firstly in ITU and anaesthetics
now further trained to be in community (much hated profession on MN)

I find clients / patients mostly lovely
some trusts are toxic (just got out of one)
it opens a lot of options

good luck, it’s not the worst job in the world