I know posting in 'relationships' is probably wrong. Hope you don't mind. Mentally exhausted student mental health nurse in need of some positive posts (if possible).

[Welshcakesareyum]

I'm about to go in to my 3rd year at uni studying mental health nursing. I can not explain how hard the last 4 years have been (studied a 2 year foundation degree before the degree). I am absolutely mentally and physically exhausted. I'm a single parent and have to work (weekend nights) aswell as train. To top it off....I do NOT enjoy it one little bit. Is this normal? Not one placement I have enjoyed.
Please someone come along and tell me they love being a mental health nurse.

I'm not a MH nurse but work in clinical education so see a lot of them; as far as I can see the job is very different depending on where you work and what kind of patients you're looking after.

I would say that the majority of MH/LD nurses and HCAs I come across find it hard but rewarding work.

Maybe thinking about why you started your training might help you back to enjoying it or finding it rewarding?

you've been on here a lot wavering
You've got lots of encouragement. You are still doing your course. Please finish it. You will be so pleased and satisfied with yourself!

My mum is a MH nurse, she is 67 so she works PT while looking after my Granny, and helping out a lot with the disabled GC. It's amazing what she does! She is always tired, stressed and annoyed at the nhs. She does like it though I asked her if she ever regretted training as a nurse and she said no. I think she finds it fulfilling and enjoys the camaraderie with other nurses.

Hi OP,

Mental health nurse here! I felt exactly the same as you 10 years ago in my final year. To the point that I was applying for jobs other than nursing roles as genuinely hadn’t enjoyed any of my placements. Fortunately I finished the course and worked in an area I hadn’t explored before (as wasn’t given the option as a student) and I loved it. My god MH nursing is hard work but the work itself and the areas you can find yourself are so diverse that there is likely something you will find that suits you.. whether it be community or early intervention, home treatment or eating disorders etc etc.

You’ve done SO well to stick this out. Feel free to message me if you want any advice etc about navigating next steps. It’s a bumpy ride but bloody rewarding when you find your feet. Good luck x

I would definitely finish the degree! You’ll have a university qualification and choice of where to work. It’ll open more doors.

Saying that - I did adult nursing. I hated all my placements except one. Most of the roles for new band 5s were working on wards which definitely wasn’t for me! I quit nursing and don’t regret it but I gave a BSc that I put on my CV and have something to show for three long years at uni.

Nurse here and now working in nurse recruitment. Stick it out, get your degree, put at least six months in post grad experience then spread your horizons. With a nurse degree you can do so much more than you might think.

Pharmaceuticals, travel nursing, medical sales, insurance, medical legal, health promotion, and many more.

It's tough, but you're so so close!

Thankyou everyone. It's just exhausting.
I'm am really unsure of the possibilities, that's why I posted. I was hoping for some recommendations. I'm finishing for the degree, at the moment anyway. Hopefully find a nice team/job along the way. It's tough out there.

I have nursed general / paediatric for 30 years, I love my job, stick with your training and then branch out into an area you enjoy. Training is hard emotionally and financially, good luck, you're doing well, keep going.