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Original poster

Band 7 NHS and hating it!

30 replies

Wishyouwerehere26 · 14/02/2021 13:16

Hi All, first time I've posted on here but regularly search other threads re advice, so hoping I get good advice/opinions from this!
I've been working for a year in a band 7 role within NHS. Have been in my department for 5 years plus as a band 6 so thought I knew what I was getting into. Not the best year for anyone in the NHS admittedly but am absolutely hating the new post. So stressful and also have a new manager throwing so much at me to deal with.
Has anyone else been in this position?
Want to ask to step down to band 6 role, I know of very few people who've done this.
Unbelievably I was financially better off as a band 6, doing weekends/nights etc.
My colleagues are really great and supportive but at the end of the day I'm miserable and it's having a very negative effect on my home/personal life as I'm so tired/anxious/stressed
Is a year not enough time to throw in the towel or is life just too short to stick at something that makes you miserable??

OP posts:

ScrapThatThen · 14/02/2021 13:22

Change jobs if its making you miserable but I would do it by applying for a band 6, as requesting redeployment would be usually after going through quite a lot of processes. Also, bear in mind that the band 7 increments will gradually see you earning more than band 6. Are you having to do management? If so I don't blame you because the NHS treats band 7 and 8 mana appallingly and they all go off with stress. If it's workload or support or training needs I would speak to your manager first and then if no luck to someone more senior or the freedom to speak up guardian.

Shimmyshimmycocobop · 14/02/2021 13:27

My friend changed down to a band 6 job after several years and hasn't regretted it. I am considering applying for a band 7 but probably won't as I am happy in my role and the renumeration isn't really worth the extra stress.
I wouldn't worry what other people will think life is too short to be unhappy at work given we spend such a lot of time there.

Original poster

Wishyouwerehere26 · 14/02/2021 13:45

The clinical side of the job is the same as it's always been (the part I really enjoy), the management side is just too much for one person to deal with.
My band 8 is not unreasonable but they get so much pressure from above, inevitably that pressure spills down onto the band 7's.
It's always been like this of course but Covid has made things even worse!!
My gut feeling is the band 6 role is a better fit for me but there is a feeling of failure/shame. I've been trying to tell myself it doesn't matter what anyone else thinks as it's not them not sleeping at night and being irritable at home all the time!!!!

OP posts:

Original poster

Wishyouwerehere26 · 14/02/2021 14:04

Thankyou for your objective and sensible replies

OP posts:

Badgersocks · 14/02/2021 14:05

I was in the exact same position as you are now, I did the band 7 role for a year. It was so stressful, I felt like I was failing at work and at home as couldn't give 100% to both areas of my life.
I went back to a band 6, doing long days and nights and it was the best thing I ever did for my family and I am financially better off as well.
However I know other band 7s who seem to be much more successful at juggling the work life balance, unless they're just better at hiding the stress!
So my advice based on my experience would be to do what makes life easier for you. You can always apply for band 7 again when you feel ready.

Badgersocks · 14/02/2021 14:08

I should add that when I went back to band 6 it was in a different department. They knew I'd been a band 7 before but it was good to get a fresh start. My colleagues from my previous ward were also very understanding, I think most people can see how stressful it can be and understand.

dicdicnurse · 14/02/2021 14:16

I'm in the same boat, have been in a Band 7 time for a year this week and often dream of going back to a Band 6. I miss the me time that comes with shifts and as you've pointed out, financially I'm worse off. That said, I am enjoying the challenge that comes with the management aspect. And this year has certainly been challenging!
I miss clinical shifts but I also enjoy having weekends off and being home in the evenings for the kids.
I've recently applied for a part time secondment to a band 8a so I guess I must be a glutton for punishment!
I always know that if I ever stop loving it, I'll go back to a band 6 so if that's what you think is best for you, I wouldn't think twice.

QueenCremant · 14/02/2021 14:22

Band 7 is a lonely place. You’re alone stuck between an 8 and 5/6s and can never please everyone. I hated it. I was so glad to get pregnant and on mat leave I realised I never wanted to go back. Now I’m a 6 again and loving it. Some managerial responsibilities but not the whole load.

Do what’s best for you/your family and feel no shame in stepping back down.
Maybe in a few years when you’re in a different life place you can consider it again but right now it’s not worth the stress.

Original poster

Wishyouwerehere26 · 14/02/2021 14:24

@Badgersocks

This is very helpful and gives me hope!! Good for you to make the change and glad it has worked out. my colleagues would be very supportive if I dropped down to a 6 again as they regularly ask if I'm okay and offer ways to help! Which makes me want to cry as they can obv see the strain I'm under. Yeah I think some band 7's cope well but eventually I think you build a thick skin and don't let things get to you (I massively fail in these categories).

OP posts:

DogsSausages · 14/02/2021 14:28

If it's making you unhappy then reapply for b6 jobs, make sure they dont take advantage of you as you gave b7 experience. My friend dropped from a 7 to a 5 as she just couldn't deal with the stress and lack of support, I know others who didnt renew their registration and dropped to br or b4. There is nothing to be ashamed of, it shows a great strength of character to put yourself and ultimately your patients needs first.

catatecheese · 14/02/2021 14:29

I actually know quite a few people who have done band 7 and 8. Got stressed, been off sick the. reappeared at band 6 and been happy and thrived.
You will not be the first of last to drop back down slightly. Better to sort it out rather than burn out. X

Original poster

Wishyouwerehere26 · 14/02/2021 14:29

A lot of love around for the band 6 role!
I also miss the teamwork in being one of the 6's. We all still work together but it's different being the 'boss'.
So glad I posted on here!
My mind is made up.

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Shehasadiamondinthesky · 14/02/2021 14:33

Yes I was a band 7 nurse when i was younger and absolutely hated it, realised I was simply not cut out for management at all and just prefer to be on the shop floor.
I work as an allied professional now in the NHS as a band 6 and it's much better, ok less money but sometimes the money isn't worth it.

whatsnewpussycat777 · 14/02/2021 14:35

I left Band 7 after 18 months.

Felt like a failure.

Back at band 6 and happier than a pig in muck!

Leave - whilst you're still in a semi-decent condition my friend x

whatsnewpussycat777 · 14/02/2021 14:36

Ps. Let us know how you get on x

Original poster

Wishyouwerehere26 · 14/02/2021 14:47

This has all been so helpful, Thankyou all for your insights!
Feeling very positive/brave sitting on my sofa on a Sunday afternoon, let's hope I feel the same in my band 8's office breaking the news in the next few weeks
Will definitely post an update!

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whatsnewpussycat777 · 15/02/2021 15:00

Please do x

TriSeaSwim2021 · 15/02/2021 15:20

My sil stuck it out for 5yrs it honestly broke her the back to back 12-14hr days and more paperwork at the weekend. She eventually quit and got offered a band 6 the next day on a different ward& loves it. She has a life again home by 6pm can plan to do things outside work. Honestly we all wish she’d done it a couple of years ago. Do what makes you happy. She too has done a night and a Sunday said she’s taking home nearly as much!

Curlybrunette · 26/04/2021 15:47

What did you decide OP?

I've just searched 'Band 7 NHS' on mumsnet and this post came up.

I'm in the opposite boat, I've been a band 6 for a million years and am now applying for my first band 7. I'm terrified I'll regret and for the same reasons as you, that I'll feel shame and embarrassment if I hate it and want to go back - not that we should feel like that.

Also for me, I'm contracted 20 hours though often do an extra day, and it just works, we manage financially, I can arrange my shifts around what I'm doing out of work. Obviously the B7 will mean full time. My husband thinks I'm bonkers for wanting to do this. I may agree!!!

Original poster

Wishyouwerehere26 · 26/04/2021 17:16

Curlybrunette I wish I had asked for objective advice before I had applied!!
Just after I wrote the original post I reached breaking point with the stress of it and told a few people I work with, they all advised me to speak with my band 8. We had a very supportive conversation and have put some steps in place to take the pressure off.
I'm still not particularly happy but slightly less miserable than before. On everyone's advice I'm going to give it a bit more time but can't see this as a long term position for me. As time goes on dropping down to a band 6 in the same dept doesn't seem very realistic but maybe also not impossible?? I will be keeping my eye out for other suitable (band 6!!!) positions that may come up.
I was also 3 days a week before and would pick up extra weekends etc for a bit extra.
Honestly there isn't a day goes by I don't regret taking this post. I had a great work/life balance before and worked at a very responsible senior band 6 level where I was happy (most of the time!!). My gut feeling at the time was not to apply as I knew I wouldn't enjoy being 'the boss' and I wish I'd listened to that but felt obliged to ,as everyone thought I would be great at it! (Including my husband who has now also had a year of misery!!!!)
If you feel the job would enhance your working life and not impinge on your family/personal life then go for it otherwise don't even think about it. Don't underestimate the impact stress can cause (again some cope better than others), if you worry about things already it gets much worse.
If you're happy as you are just stay put!! It really really isn't worth it.

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Curlybrunette · 27/04/2021 05:54

Hmmm you've given me lots to think about. I think that's my main worry, that I am really happy now, I just have this feeling that I want more now, though don't really know where it's come from.

Are there any happy B7s out there...anywhere!?!?!

I'm glad things are slightly better for you OP, even if it is only a tiny bit, I hope you find the B6 you want and return to being properly happy at work :-)

imaginethemdragons · 27/04/2021 06:08

I’m a very very happy b7!
That said, I was a very very unhappy b7 in a different dept due to bullying.
I applied elsewhere and got the job.
It’s a joy to go to work now.
I do not have ward based managerial responsibilities.
I also have the best of both worlds, I’m full time but manage my own time and also bench clinically once a week for extra cash and to keep my clinical competence current.
I’ve known people move through the ranks when unhappy, it’s not that unusual.
Do what you know you can do with some kind of joy in your step.
This last year has well and truly taught us that life...is indeed bloody short.

terraclutter · 27/04/2021 10:49

I'm currently Band 7 and have an interview for a Band 5 post. I just want to go to work and not have all the stress that comes with a Band 7.
I may regret this come payday or once I see my pension projection but for now it feels right.

Hope you can find a solution that works for you.

Rupertpenrysmistress · 27/04/2021 21:34

I am a band 6 and my matron/husband and colleagues tried to persuade me to go for a 7. I very nearly applied but am so glad I did not. My lovely band 7 is so stressed and I can see clearly how much she has to do, it never ends. I support her as much as possible but it is still all on her.

I dread the day she retires and they ask me to apply again. I really do not want it. I think ward based B7 is so much harder than say a service based 7. I love my b6 role it's the best of both worlds.

Original poster

Wishyouwerehere26 · 06/01/2022 22:10

Almost a year on from my original post and am very happily in a new band 6 job. Work-life balance has massively improved, really enjoying the clinical work and being back in the team again, sleeping better and feeling much much happier. Thanks for all your advice!

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