Any advice

[Wonkavision]

Hi all

wondering if you could share your experiences (if any).

currently band 7 nhs employee , finding it all too much , especially juggling family life (2 little ones). Considering applying for a band 5 in the hopes of improving the work / life balance.

anybody done this? Feel like a proper failure! 😞

Why do you think this?

you could ask to move to a 0.8 fte contract for some extra time. If you are struggling in your role is there extra training you need? Is this disability related? Ect

Thanks for the reply. No disability, just finding the job very demanding. Think since having my little two , I want a role less demanding to spend more time with them. If that makes sense.

i am considering asking to reduce my hours, but think the workload will stay the same and make it more stressful on less working hours.

Is there one particular part of your role which you find too much? Is there a sideways move that has less of the aspect maybe?

Maybe have a chat with your manager to see if there's anything they can suggest? A sideways move might be more manageable for you and you can request secondment to another team to temporarily see if it's for you. Also lots of NHS trusts offer work coaching to help you make sense of what you're struggling with, what you want in the future. Band 7 to 5 is quite a big jump and I think the lower bands are just as demanding in a different way. Roles vary within bands. I'm currently band 7 and all clinical which is a bit stressful as I see a lot of patients but definitely not as stressful as when I was a band 7 manager...

to be honest I’ve been considering lots of different avenues. I’ve been in the nhs a long time - it’s a different world to what I’m used to. I find at b7 it is constantly battling with demands. I often go home and worry about the day gone or what’s ahead of me. Never brought home work much before as I’ve a young family; but the last few months just seem I don’t switch off. Think I need a change to something less stressful. My goals have shifted a bit. Thanks for your reply.

Thank you. Yes I’ve seen even b4 roles be very stressful. I’m mix clinical / management. I don’t know, maybe I’ve been in the nhs too long now lol 😂

I’d maybe go to a band 6 community based x

Band 5 here 👋 absolutley no need for you to feel like a failure - nursing has changed massively over recent years and my honest opinion is and always has been family first always!

Could you reduce your hours and remain in the same role? Consider a move to a new environment or changing to role of a band 6?

While your kids are wee it might make sense to reduce hours or drop a band until they are slightly older then progress career wise again!