Name changed as may be recognised, been talking about this to friends.
Three years ago I qualified as children’s nurse. I hated it after qualifying, not so much the work but shift patterns and ward politics. I never really got involved in it but the two wards I worked on bullying was rife and I found it a hugely difficult environment to work in.
I then had a baby and was lucky enough to get a job in the community. However the hours are just not enough and the work is okay but I’m still not hugely enjoying it.
There’s also no likelihood of increased hours in the near future. I could do bank work but I just don’t want to, I’d rather be with my child and the idea of setting foot on a ward again gives me the absolute fear.
I used to work in childcare. I’m considering getting a full time position in a council nursery (maybe condensed hours with a term time role, I’ve seen a few advertised). This would bulk up my salary and solve some financial issues we have been having, and then working my way up the ladder after a few years.
I left because I had this idea that I wanted to do more and had an idealistic view of what nursing children would be (I knew the work would be hard and stressful and that’s fine, but the politics/bullying even though not directed at me is just not for me). I’m just not sure I’m enjoying my current position enough to stay. I also only worked for private companies before but did supply in local council nurseries in my degree and enjoyed it more than private settings.
However I worked so hard for my degree but I’m beginning to wonder if I studied for the wrong thing and it seems a waste of a few years of my life when I wanted to build a career.
Curious to see if anyone has any opinions or advice or had a similar dilemma? Thanks 🙂