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Has anyone had a career change after nursing and if so what?

80 replies

poptot · 30/10/2006 09:57

I'm stuck in a rut work full time in a senior post not in my area of choice and really want to get out of the NHS full stop. I do have a degree and lots of management and clinical courses but it's all I've ever done and don't know what else to do now. Any ideas?

OP posts:
NurseandMum80 · 18/01/2020 12:10

Hello,
You definitely aren’t alone. I’m glad I recently found this post too.
It appears that the nhs and other services are stretched so badly it is completely draining the current workers.
I work in the community and have been off since before Christmas with stress and anxiety. (I go back to work next week)
We aren’t being supported at work at all no matter what department you work in. Patients aren’t patients anymore they are just a number and they want us working as quick as possible.
I just can’t do it anymore that’s not what I came into nursing for.
It’s really sad as I’ve seen others go off sick with similar issues or other illnesses.

I don’t know what to say other than I hope things improve for you and everybody else, but until more nurses are recruited or those working above make changes I’m Not holding my breath! X

Jejusa · 21/01/2020 12:58

This reply has been deleted

Message deleted by MNHQ. Here's a link to our Talk Guidelines.

fridgeraiders · 20/02/2020 17:26

Hello all

I know this thread was started forever ago but looks like not much has changed! I've been in nursing 15 years, I retrained as it was my dream job. I'm now mid 40s and its a complete nightmare for all the reasons given. I feel sick about going in tomorrow. Work in a less stressful area than I used to and I'm part time but I just can't do it anymore. Anyone want to discuss career changes? I have a humanities degree as well.

WonkyDonk87 · 20/02/2020 21:31

Ugh. What a depressing read. Found this thread via a google search. Lots of us feeling demoralised and burnt out... not a lot of success stories.
I've just returned from mat leave and the familiar anxiety and dread is back. Constantly in fear of ending up in Coroner's Court, being held responsible for things we cannot control (mh nurse of ten years). I can't do anything else, my husband has dropped his income and we can't afford for me to do so too.

fridgeraiders · 20/02/2020 21:37

Wonky I think many people feel quite trapped. I'm at a bit of a loss really and feel my age is against me. I think as well if you change jobs, obviously people interviewing you are really positive about their workplace and then you start and find its mostly the same Sad

WonkyDonk87 · 20/02/2020 22:22

I love my workplace, my colleagues, the patients. I love the work that we do, and the positive change we can help bring to people's lives. But we cannot meet the public's expectations so will always appear to be failing.

Lushhome · 25/03/2020 11:37

Hi all. Hoping you get a notification of this. Hoping to speak to nurses in this situation as i am feeling the same as u all too

Clairemarierbnz · 16/04/2020 02:46

I have been nursing 8 years and I'm over it.
We just moved for my husbands new job. I left behind a team that was so stressed and toxic. I feel drained. I started my new job here and within a few days could see the cracks, the office politics, the pressure on staff to reduce costs and provide mediocre care. I can't do it anymore.
I've enrolled in an Art & Design course. I believe I'm smart and creative which is why I always struggle to follow the 'rules' that management create without having to suffer the reality themselves. And I cant stand letting people down especially patients. I believe I can create my own business, brand, and I cant wait to collaborate with other strong like minded women.
We will be taking a hit financially but my husband and I decided we would rather live simpler but be happier in the long run.Star

Lushhome · 17/04/2020 14:42

Have u already left your job? Its nice to be able to speak to someone who feels the same. I have been nursing 10 years. I have wanted to leave many times but never known what to do with myself. Its so hard as feel torn but this time I am defiantly more swayed to leave then stay. Its hard not to think about the benefits such as pension contribution/annual leave etc bug health and wellbeing is much more important

milliemays · 08/05/2020 11:53

@jens67 hi, i stumbled upon this thread and happened to see your post as a struggling NQN looking to leave nursing and further career options. I'm in a very similar position as a NQN, just wondering how did you get on? Any advice x

rocky1705 · 08/05/2020 16:16

Very sorry to hear that so many nurses want to leave their jobs. Myself never work in healthcare sector but I always feel that in this country nurses and people work in healthcare sectors are very undervalued for their fantastic contributions.
I used to work in offices and I hated the politics. I now work as a complementary / spa therapist. The money is not good but slightly better pay if work for agencies. I have met a number of colleagues used to work in nursing and teaching etc. They seem happy with the spa works but the pays are only minimum wage. I feel that in general female dominated professions just are very much undervalued.

Sloth66 · 10/05/2020 18:50

Several friends working in the NHS have taken early retirement, two were only 50. They felt stressed, overworked and exhausted.
Apparently few nurses who have the choice, now stay till retirement age. It’s a big loss of skills and experience and adds to Nurse shortages.

Atla · 11/05/2020 00:06

I'm fed up too and feel like I want out. I'd like to get into research, or perhaps health related writing but I feel so stuck with a young family and limited time and funds.

I've got a environmental science degree and a masters as well as my nursing degree. I just feel so ground down by it all, like I've lost my confidence.

Atla · 11/05/2020 00:08

I'm 41 and qualified as a nurse 7 years ago, so there's the embarrassment of already changing careers once.

Sb14 · 18/05/2020 20:19

I qualified as a nurse 3 years ago, straight after my graduation I did not pursue my nursing career I have been travelling and working casual jobs in cafes/bars since. I've returned home now and looking at finding a job, but I am lacking confidence applying for a nursing job with no post grad experience. I would like something other than nursing, but dont know what my options are with a bsc in nursing but no ward experience? I would love some help or any ideas, thanks :)

Babyroobs · 06/06/2020 14:36

I left Nursing a couple of years ago, now doing benefits advice work funded by a large cancer charity. However it isn't all a bed of roses, current manager is difficult, in fact the last two managers have been subtle bullies. I'm just saying the grass isn't always greener on the other side. Also I have left Nursing but taken a big pay drop to do what I do, overall it has been worth it for my sanity though. Not sure what I'll do longer term, I'm creeping towards my mid fifties and feel the options are limited.

Navybabyblue · 13/02/2021 11:01

Hi everyone,

I am tired of nursing ( long hours, childcare issues) so trying other avenues other than hospital.
Has anyone in here have any experience as pip nurse assessors/ disability assessors? Would you recommend it? Is it a good alternative career choice?

Thanks Smile

dipsydoo22 · 20/02/2021 00:59

Hi all

To answer your question Navy I once applied for the disability assessor job . It was quite intense as there was a lot of questions and scenarios to be answered before you even got the interview. I also felt like there would be a lot of pressure on yourself when assessing people for their disability benefit and obviously you would have yo be careful if you work in the area that you also lived in incase you ran into these people. I decided it wasn't for me. I also heard feedback from people online that there is a lot of paperwork and you don't always finish at 5pm because of this.

WinoLino · 23/02/2021 17:07

Another nurse here wanting to leave.

I've thought about disability assessing but there is something that stops me actually applying...

Sorry to see so many others struggling Sad

WinoLino · 08/03/2021 17:05

How are others doing?

The disability assessing roles are so tempting. Good money and I think I would take not being able to leave on time for £37,000 a year

Ginganinja1 · 28/03/2021 03:31

Hey everyone,

Really glad I came across this post! Something very reassuring about knowing you’re not the only one in the sinking boat.

So I’m a mental health nurse working in Ireland, I’m qualified about 7 years and have been working in the same area for about 5 years or so, I have no real interest in moving up the ladder into management. I’ve completed a MSc and other various courses to pass the time but I ultimately feel that nursing isn’t for me. I’ve met some lovely people where I work but I can’t be dealing with the ever growing responsibility and drama from senior management and consultants. I don’t feel nurses have a voice a lot of the time and we’re merely there to carry out the traditional duties once associated with a nurse, I don’t feel valued as a team member. This has sort of had an effect on my sense of self worth, although I enjoy working with people and helping them I find work politics makes this nearly impossible.

In saying this, I have been threatening to up root nursing and work agency nursing whilst I go back and study acupuncture. I have a lovely little house in the country so I hope to soon open my own clinic there (fingers crossed). I suppose I feel like I might be considered a failure, stepping away from a permanent job etc but I just know that my heart isn’t in it anymore. If anyone has any words of wisdom or similar experiences I’d love to know?

Thanks all :).

Babyroobs · 03/04/2021 15:14

@WinoLino

How are others doing?

The disability assessing roles are so tempting. Good money and I think I would take not being able to leave on time for £37,000 a year

My friend ( previously a paramedic) did this job and was burnt out very quickly, she said there was a huge amount of pressure. I have sat in on these assessments in people's homes and it does seem fairly straightforward, they have to type quickly and I've found them quite rude when they've asked the client to do something ( an exercise) that is going to cause them pain. When I've tried to intervene I have been "shusshed".
Nads8 · 05/04/2021 13:04

Hi miss Jones,

Just wanted to catch as I noticed you were in may leave and contemplating your return? What did you end up doing?

WinoLino · 09/04/2021 08:36

Thanks @Babyroobs I suspected as much Sad

Kabuk1 · 16/04/2021 14:41

I made a career change after having my son. It was nursing, but teaching. I was lucky in the sense that I was able to go day-to-day supply so didn't have to bring work home.

No matter where you're coming from, it's important to think about what it is you want. What are the pros and cons in your current field? Do you want to be in a cognate discipline or leave all together? What interests you? What are your strengths and weaknesses?

Once you have an idea of some careers you're interested in moving into, do a skills audit against a job spec of your ideal job. Many of your skills are transferable and you just need to word things in away that makes them relevant for the new job.

For me, I love tech. I was lucky enough to take a break from work for a few months and dove head first into learning how to code. After 4 months I took a job working in a hybrid helpdesk/junior WordPress developer role. It was a foot in the door. It was a welcomed change. I loved it and there was no stress. Unfortunately, I've reached my ceiling there and didn't really gain enough skills to move into full-time dev only role, but I'm now applying to apprenticeships (I qualify because I have a non-STEM degree) and considering a bootcamp. So far all of my applications are progressing.

I didn't mean to hijack, but wanted to share that there is always a way to make a career pivot, not matter how major. I'm proof of that. But it is so important not to jump into another career path to just get out of your current one, otherwise you risk finding yourself in a similar position again. Take the time to really get a feel for what it is that you want and then go for it!