What next?

RE: What next?

therainyj — Wed, 03 Jun 2015 19:58:04 GMT

Hey Debbie,

In my colourful career I've discovered that if you move out of nursing you seem to mostly have the option of repping (sales, travelling long distances, meeting targets) or some kind of customer support (call centre work/sales/targets). As for customer support, no amount of money will get me sitting on my posterior on the phone for 9 hours a day ever again (this is maybe why I never complain about nursing pay!). Customers ranged on the broad spectrum of angry, miserable, complaining and downright rude despite pulling out all the stops to help them; it wasn't my cuppa. And in turn it made me a miserable person. That's just my experience.

BUT it's all a matter of personal preference. Some people thrive in these sorts of jobs, and if you think you're one of them then give it a go.

Night work or locuming are great as you often work part time for the same amount of money as a full time permanent job. Helps your joints and your sanity! I also do well with pet sitting as a sideline.

Perhaps also have a look back through last month's job postings to get an idea of what kind of jobs are out there. Maybe you'll see something else that you fancy trying and can keep a look out for again in future.

Good luck!

-therainyj

RE: What next?

Charlie Copleston — Wed, 03 Jun 2015 13:10:25 GMT

Hi Debbie

This is a question that we get asked regularly and the good news for you is that there are some great options out there for you. If you're keen to retain that connection with the veterinary sector, your career choices might include working for one of the leading nutrition companies either in a support role or even sales role. Similar opportunities exist with the animal health companies who are often very interested in candidates with a background in veterinary nursing. Then there are the opportunities with the pet insurance companies, whether as a claims assessor or again within sales. Whilst not an exhaustive list, hopefully this gives you some idea as to the options open to you. Please give me a call if you'd like to find out more though. My number is 01392 357539. Best wishes, Martin at Aptus Life Science.

RE: What next?

kaiarlo — Thu, 23 Apr 2015 22:52:01 GMT

Hi Debbie, I tried to break into something else after taking a long time of to bring up children, but found it really difficult because my cv is veterinary based for the last 15 years! I did end up taking a job in a health centre near my kids school but hated working in an office environment and sitting down all day! In the end I went back into nursing..locuming at first but now have taken a part time ooh positon, which is really interesting and allows me to have time with the kids. I think in the end i missed the nursing and the animals! Although my knees are absolutely buggered and at 42 i wander how long i will be able to keep it up :/ good luck with whatever you do..you just have to think about the transferable skills you have :)

RE: What next?

Lisa Whitehouse — Wed, 22 Apr 2015 20:26:33 GMT

After 16 years nursing I left and worked as an insurance advisor processing pet insurance claims, 9-5 Monday to Friday great no bank holidays etc, office politics sucked stuck at it for 3 years and here I am back doing what I love in practice coming up 7 years, the back, knees joints generally not good but the job satisfaction wins. Good luck with your decision.

RE: What next?

Sal the 1st — Mon, 20 Apr 2015 22:32:53 GMT

[quote user="kerryfeehan"] I do not see myself carrying on into old age lugging 40kg dogs about![/quote]

I have thought this a few times - but guess I am a 'lifer' now unless my back gives out first. I think everybody I know in this job has felt at some time they wanted a change, I know I have and I have done other stuff for short periods and then come back when the opportunity presented. For some all that is needed is a change of practice and for some it needs a complete change of career

RE: What next?

kerryfeehan — Mon, 20 Apr 2015 21:59:40 GMT

Interested to see the replies to this as I have only been in nursing for 4 years but I do not see myself carrying on into old age lugging 40kg dogs about!

RE: What next?

Debs6 — Mon, 20 Apr 2015 09:57:08 GMT

Hi, I am in the same position as you. I have been nursing for 11years and am thinking of moving to a different area but not sure what or how! My friend went from nursing to go to Idexx but she missed the animals and soon went back to locum work. Some others have left to go for higher paid jobs not relating to animals at all and have not regretted it as they can still enjoy other animal related hobbies or volunteer at places. This is what I am thinking but again as this is my whole experience I'm not sure what else to do! Have you looked into anything else as yet?