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Original poster

Return to nursing or not?

17 replies

mytoffeecat · 03/08/2023 14:39

Hi,

I was a registered nurse for 15 years and I took a career break to raise my children. Now they are in their mid teens, I would like to return to work, but not particularly nursing! I don't think I could cope with the shift work anymore. I've looked into the Return to Practice course however there isn't any near me at all :/

I've a specialist practice degree and I was a nurse prescriber.

Are there any ex nurses out there who have had a career change and have been able to utilise their qualifications in a different career? Has anyone used their degree to get onto a different degree course to study something different?

Any help or ideas would be great! X

OP posts:
MrsKwazi · 03/08/2023 14:50

Following - I finally had a reply from my local university saying the cancelled their rtp course. I was also in a specialist roll pre-kids. Been out 13 years and no idea what to do next.

Original poster
mytoffeecat · 03/08/2023 15:16

MrsKwazi · 03/08/2023 14:50

Following - I finally had a reply from my local university saying the cancelled their rtp course. I was also in a specialist roll pre-kids. Been out 13 years and no idea what to do next.

I see so many adverts for recruiting nurses, have you seen the course content on the return to practice course and what's required of you? It's crazy! It actually put me off! The nearest course would take 1.15 hour drive one way, plus a placement on shifts in that areas too - I just couldn't bring myself to enrol. They need to make it easier for skilled experienced practitioners like ourselves to return to practice, especially if they are needing more nurses as I've seen and read, we are far cheaper and quicker to get into practice than putting a newbie through uni. I know there is a level of safety and competency required, but that course is over exhaustive.

OP posts:
FishTrashGlove · 03/08/2023 15:39

I'm not a nurse but some of my AHP friends who RTP did it by contacting their local Trust and asking if they had any routes back. Some directed them to universities like you've already said, but some have regular RTP recruitment events where you'd start on a B4 or similar and do the RTP portfolio alongside. I fully appreciate I might be talking irrelevant rubbish as you guys are nurses and things are probably different, but it really could be worth contacting your local Trust for guidance. Good luck! Smile

Original poster
mytoffeecat · 03/08/2023 15:43

No no, thank you. I didn't realise you could contact your local trust. Thank you for your comment ☺️

OP posts:
DarkWingDuck · 03/08/2023 15:48

Speaking as a nurse who is in the process of getting out. I would not go back into the profession right now.

Original poster
mytoffeecat · 03/08/2023 15:48

DarkWingDuck · 03/08/2023 15:48

Speaking as a nurse who is in the process of getting out. I would not go back into the profession right now.

You're not the first person I've heard say that. What are your plans when you leave?

OP posts:
FishTrashGlove · 03/08/2023 15:49

You're welcome. If they have any sense at all, they'll bend over backwards to get you back in!

cfmtb · 03/08/2023 15:50

The pharmaceutical industry use nurses a lot for jobs in medical affairs/market access/training etc. Sales roles in your specialism may chop your hand off but it's not for everyone, although maybe worth a look.
Or medical devices if your speciality relates to something like that.
Still uses some of your nursing skills but usually far better pay and standard 9-5.

DuploTrain · 03/08/2023 15:50

What about working in a GP surgery?

Original poster
mytoffeecat · 03/08/2023 15:56

cfmtb · 03/08/2023 15:50

The pharmaceutical industry use nurses a lot for jobs in medical affairs/market access/training etc. Sales roles in your specialism may chop your hand off but it's not for everyone, although maybe worth a look.
Or medical devices if your speciality relates to something like that.
Still uses some of your nursing skills but usually far better pay and standard 9-5.

Good idea!

OP posts:
Original poster
mytoffeecat · 03/08/2023 15:58

DuploTrain · 03/08/2023 15:50

What about working in a GP surgery?

In what role? I couldn't deal being a receptionist, the grief they get no way lol 😆 I guess there's support worker roles, but I would need something that pays a bit more I think x

OP posts:
ToBeOrNotToBee · 03/08/2023 15:59

How about a job with the CQC or NMC?

Original poster
mytoffeecat · 03/08/2023 15:59

ToBeOrNotToBee · 03/08/2023 15:59

How about a job with the CQC or NMC?

Never even crossed my mind! I will have a google. Great idea 💡

OP posts:
Cozytoesandtoast00 · 03/08/2023 16:09

mytoffeecat · 03/08/2023 15:58

In what role? I couldn't deal being a receptionist, the grief they get no way lol 😆 I guess there's support worker roles, but I would need something that pays a bit more I think x

Show quote history

Nurse practitioner?

Original poster
mytoffeecat · 03/08/2023 16:10

Re Nurse Practitioner - in my area these roles require you to have an active pin. I was a specialist nurse practitioner in my previous job x

OP posts:
Crispynoodle · 03/08/2023 16:27

I became a further education college lecturer teaching health and social care slightly better pay and all the holidays off

Original poster
mytoffeecat · 03/08/2023 16:29

Crispynoodle · 03/08/2023 16:27

I became a further education college lecturer teaching health and social care slightly better pay and all the holidays off

Wow really! Did you have to do any further courses in education to do that? That sounds just what I'm looking for!

OP posts:
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