I really want to leave Nursing but can't afford a pay cut.

[Littleemma82]

Hi I am Nursing Sister, I have been in my role for a few years and until recently I felt I was part of a brilliant team and enjoyed my job.

A few months ago I requested an increase in my hours. I'm a single parent and financially I needed more money. At the time I was advised they needed to apply for funding to accommodate my request, but in the meantime would try to offer me extra shifts first.
This was brilliant and has kept my head above water.
However I have noted a shift in some of my colleagues attitudes towards me. Pettiness, some comments and when they go for the break time coffee, unless another colleague let's me know their going. I often don't find out until afterwards or get excluded altogether. Before I started picking up extra shifts I was always included.

Anyway, this role has kept me from leaving Nursing altogether. Which I was on the cusp of doing when I was offered the post. As I'd had enough of the stress previously. And I don't wish to end up feeling the same level of stress as I always have in the past.

Is there anything out there where I wouldn't have to take a cut in salary? Would my skills transfer? I've thought about lecturing, but initially I would have to take at least a 10k paycut.

A part of me thinks I should just shut up and put up with it.
I've applied for another part time job to top up my salary. So that I don't need to pick up extra shifts at work anymore. As this change in attitude from my colleagues has put me off going full time.

I'm really confused at the moment and pretty gutted. 😔

Why do you think they being like that with you? Sounds very unpleasant and unfair😥 Most places would be overjoyed at someone happy to work more hours.

I think a lot of us nurses feel the same, I would leave if I could get comparable pay elsewhere. I genuinely don’t think I could though and would resent a massive pay cut, I’d rather reduce my hours as a nurse! At the moment I’m full time band 7 so earn a decent amount.

I have considered bus driver, lorry driver and immigration but all require re-training and hoops to jump through and I can’t be bothered.

Would there be other options within nursing you could consider? Nurse Teaching must be easier if you’ve got the skills. I haven’t🤣

They sound awful, would you consider moving into research nursing, the pay is good, all expenses are paid, the training is free and you can work as many or as few hours as you want to

OP I’m sorry you feel that way. We have a lot of staff join as a senior lecturer which is band 7 equivalent (mid band although without the unsocial hours so is often a bit of a cut). However- the work life balance, job itself and impact on your life could be hugely worth it. I do 3 days lecturing and one day clinical now and love both jobs (bar the usual stresses and bad day!).
I was so done with nursing and looking at other options but it’s so hard. Although people claim we have lots of transferable skills (and we do!) you feel a ward nurse would be looked at strangely applying for an office job.
If you were considering lecturing what about a PEF role? Or clinical skills teaching (moving and handling trainer etc)?
Nursing is so hard, people often acknowledge but really don’t realise the extent of it. Sending lots of good wishes.

Have you looked at “office based” clinical jobs within nhs England or nhs digital (soon to be nhs England). Or even non clinical. Look on nhs jobs - don’t be put off by the titles. Eg carefully read the job descriptions for eg “business delivery manager” and you might find you can get a band 7 ~ 8 role if you have good written and oral communication skills, team leadership experience, organisational skills etc.

Anyway, this role has kept me from leaving Nursing altogether. Which I was on the cusp of doing when I was offered the post.

what were you going to do instead when you were going to leave before?

If it's purely your ward could you look for a side ways move to another department or trust?

Maybe they (wrongly) feel that because you're a sister you should be able to make ends meet without doing extra shifts and that you're taking overtime off a band 5?

Also if you're a sister aren't you the one who is meant to help facilitate breaks? On my department it's the band 6 who organises breaks so I wouldn't go with you!

Hi within the team no one is below a 6 because it's a specialist team. And previously we took it in turns to facilitate breaks.
I have deliberately waited for the extra shifts on offer to be turned down by the others first before going in for them. So, all I can think is that I've done something and instead of talking to me, they've decided to go this way.

Could you consider some expert witness work on the side? It pays well and they generally prefer people who are still in regular clinical practice.

When I had previously planned to leave nursing, I was on less money. Due to taking a step down, in relation to childcare issues and trying to accommodate my ex husband's lifestyle/job.
So, at that time leaving Nursing wasn't going to lead to as big a pay cut, if that makes sense.
But in the years since leaving my husband, I've brought a house (small house), paid him off and moved into a specialist team with more money. But due to all the increased living expenses I need more hours. (Which has felt like another kick in teeth, as I'm sure this cost of living crisis has for everyone)

To answer your question I was actually applying for teacher training. As I could work in the same town I live in and I would need less help with childcare. I am aware teaching is really hard too. At the time I was in a position to do this.

The nurses that I know who've changed roles and stayed within their trust now do research nursing, pef, and a trauma coordinator role. They all seem much happier in 8-4 jobs although the trauma coordinator role seems hard work.

I moved from nursing to working at a clinical research organisation. Best move I've ever made.
Also have friends who have moved to be nurses within charities

Have you thought about working in the private sector - salaries are increasingly much more competitive and generally a better working environment.

School nurse in a private school? My DC school has a nursing team of of 5! Not sure about pay though but lovely working conditions.