Stay or train NA

[nj32]

Have worked for 10 years in the NHS in Band 2 roles. Became a Health Care support worker in January a big change with great hours. Have had mixed feelings on the job so continued to look and have been offered a trainee nursing associate position. When qualified would be a band 4. I am an anxious person and not confident and am looking at the negatives, shifts, stress, traveling to a city, little care experience, too old etc.
Has anyone made a similar change? Any regrets with either decision.

What are the positives?

I've found that I am more confident when I am working at a higher level. Weirdly, people tend to treat you like a child when are on the bottom rung and that's how you behave/feel.

It's a great opportunity. Why not go for it? There will always be B2 HCA jobs if it doesn't work for you.

Thank you, I can see what you mean with regards to being treated like a child. I've gone from a small team of band 2/3s to a team where I'm the only 2 and I guess that has knocked my confidence also.
Positives; learning new skills, feeling useful, inspiring my teenage children, pushing myself, and hopefully loving a job and helping people.

What were you doing as a Band 2 before? Was it healthcare or something else?

It's pretty normal to feel out of your comfort zone when you start something new. Some of us are just better at hiding it!

Honestly, I would go for it. It will open so many more doors for you. You might find that you want to top up that training and become a nurse at the end of it which will open even more doors for you.

I worked with someone who was offered a similar opportunity to you and turned it down as the timing wasn't right/thought she might do it later. She did end up wanting to do it later and it was no longer being offered to staff so she stayed as she was and ended up doing the same job for years. She said that she really regretted that decision.

Thank you, I was in catering so very different. I am unlikely to get the opportunity again and as I'm in my 40s it's now or never.

Hi OP,

I think that's a great point above, re people treating you in a certain way, depending on what level/band you are.

The best way to build your self confidence is to challenge yourself!

I am in my 40s and going back to uni in September to re-train as an OT. It is daunting, but like you, it's now or never. I have worries around the financial side, as mine isn't an apprenticeship. I just keep pushing through those worries now.

The hardest part is making the jump into the unknown, you'll be fine once you get started, go for it!!

Let me know how you get on. Good luck xx

Thanks for the reply, and good luck!