Leaving acute setting for health visiting

[CherryPieHorse]

Hi.
I’ve been working in an acute paeds, tier 3 hospital setting for 11years in the same field, currently band6.
I’ve got young children and am finding the shift work really gruelling (especially nights) so have got a job in a health visiting team as a band 5. I currently work part time so am increasing my hours, but still working part time.
Im wondering if anyone else has left a clinical setting to work in a community based role and if it’s worth it for family life/childcare/work life balance.
I’ve accepted this new job but am worried I’m making the wrong decision and need advice off people who’ve made the move!
Thanks in advance.

I worked in acute paeds for 17 years left to do the same, best thing I ever did
mon-Fri is amazing it just made such a difference. I do 3 days mon Thur and Fri
and love it, you can always go back to acute if you don’t like it but sounds like a fab opportunity so go for it. I love the no nights, the no weekends, getting ph off no working Christmas no swapping shifts it’s bliss I did it long enough. I feel I’ve done my bit shift work and wards takes it out of you mentally, physically and emotionally so def wouldn’t go back. You could do bank/agency if you are inclined but it’s not for me.

Community is great for flexibility and being family friendly. We generally manage our own workload so easier to make plan around any random family needs like nativity etc
Congratulations on the new job, You won't regret it

Best thing I ever did. But remember some people thing of HVs as the enemy who know little! But most people are lovely and as long as you maintain boundaries which can be difficult at first as you are in their home , you will really enjoy it.
Absolutely love having weekends and nights at home!!

I went from a band 5 in a clinical role to a band 6 as a HV. The trust paid for my degree. I then did further study, all paid for, to be a band 7 Practice Teacher. All 9-5 Monday to Friday. The hatred for HVs on Mumsnet is absolutely nothing like real life.

Hello,

I have an interview for a Band 5 Nurse within the HV team. Im wondering if you have any interview tips for me? Congratulations on your new job!

Hi. Congrats on the interview!
I can’t remember loads of what they asked me but there was a safeguarding scenario, a few safeguarding questions, what do I think is the role of a band 5 in the HV team, who I am and what’s led me to apply for this role. Mention things like the baby friendly initiative to show you’re done some research. Ask questions like if they’ll fund you to do your health visiting course in the future as they’re dying for health visitors.
Sorry, that’s all I really remember!
Could be worth researching the trust values as some places love to ask what their values are, and if not it’s always worth throwing them into one of your answers as it looks good to show you’re researched the trust.
Best of luck!!