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don't know what to do about new job...ambulance vs nursing

3 replies

Sirius77 · 25/11/2025 22:46

Hi,

Just need to vent, and looking for some advice which I think would be best coming from those who have worked in the sector.
I have just started a new job in the local ambulance service which is extremely competitive to get into after 6 weeks of intense training. This is for a care attendant role. Prior to this I worked on a ward as a nursing assistant on the same rate of pay which I enjoyed. I am inspired by nurses and have been told I would make a great nurse and so assumed I would go on from here to do my nursing. However after a few failed attempts at getting into the ambulance service they finally offered me a job which I took.
Same pay, maybe a little less as I don't get as many unsocial hours, over 1 hour from my home, driving is not something I am 100% confident with either. I finished my first day and am just confused and don't know what to do. I know it's early to make judgement but I just didn't enjoy my first day. Felt like I didn't deal with many patients but instead drove all over the country feeling overwhelmed at getting lost at various hospitals. I know no one really enjoys their first day and it takes a while to settle but I feel like going back to work at the hospital (which I know inside out) and going down the nursing route but don't want to look like I have wasted a lot of time and made a rash decision!?
I am mid thirties, have young kids, and just don't want to waste any more time.

TIA for any advice!

OP posts:
FurForksSake · 25/11/2025 22:48

Give it three months, remember why you wanted to go to the ambulance service. You can’t make a decision based on one day or even one month. Give it a chance!

lolawasashitgirl · 25/11/2025 22:48

Ah give yourself time OP. I have been in the NHS for over 25 years and have spent many breaks crying and googling new jobs.

give yourself at least a month. Give it everything you have and then make an informed decision. Good luck

Sunshineandrainbow · 25/11/2025 22:52

Your not wasting time. You could easily have another 30 years left to work depending on your circumstances.

Give it a chance and take one day at a time.

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