Lost my way in the profession

RE: Lost my way in the profession

vpog — Tue, 01 Nov 2016 15:06:49 GMT

Hi Kirsty, I'm so sorry to hear how bad things have got for you. Mental health issues effect a lot more people than we realise. I have been through a rough couple of years in the past, when everything seems to be against you. The only thing I can say is that it will get better eventually. If you can get yourself strong mentally, the gossip will not bother you. Mind are a great charity if you've not used them before. I also found the app 'headspace' a good way of helping me to relax and focus. You can get 4 weeks free which really helps. Once your head is sorted, you will be able to see a way forward. Try and keep up your CPD using free stuff available on line, but don't worry if you need to take a break from nursing, you can always come back to it now you're qualified.

Put yourself and your health first and get some professional advice. Good luck

Vicki

RE: Lost my way in the profession

Sparky — Mon, 31 Oct 2016 13:43:48 GMT

Kristy,

I'm so sorry that your feeling this way and its got to the extreme that it has, it breaks my heart to hear you feel like it and I echo much of what has been said already.

Please don’t suffer alone, seek help, the vetline or mind-a charity I’ve used in the past are really good-just to offload.

Maybe coming out of the profession isn’t such a bad thing, if you’ve other qualifications or experience in other fields of work could you look into going into these? Then maybe coming back to veterinary nursing after a break with a fresh take on things...even if its just 6-12 months.

Perhaps looking out of the area, I know that would potentially bring up it’s own problems with travelling and expenses but could it be worth it for your peace of mind and happiness?

Maybe moving back near those you love like close friends and family? Would being near that family circle help a bit more?

Please don’t suffer alone……we are all here for you and want you to be happy and have peace of mind. You are a human being before a veterinary nurse and it would never be a waste of qualification-we’ve had someone who had a break of 20 years before she come back-not saying you will need a break of that long….but its possible to come back.

RE: Lost my way in the profession

Arlo Guthrie — Mon, 31 Oct 2016 11:46:27 GMT

Kirsty, what a really rotten run of bad luck you've had. I do feel for you.

I think the first and most important thing you can do is give VetLife a call: 0303 040 2551. I've spoken with them in the past when I was writing about them for the sites, and was really impressed. However bad things might seem, you are NOT alone, and VetLife might be able to give you advice to help you get back on your feet.

For me, three things stand out about your post:

First, try not to let the buggers get you down! I know, it's horrid to think people might be saying gossipy things behind your back, but do try and ignore it, because in the grand scheme of things, it really doesn't matter. The only thing that matters are the relationships we have with people face-to-face.

That said, if you think that people are saying things which are preventing you from getting work (are you sure?), then perhaps you need to think creatively about how you can get that face-to-face contact which gives you the opportunity to show employers what a likeable, dedicated and good nurse you are, whatever someone might have said about you.

You also said you've debated whether or not to stay in the profession, but don't want to because it would represent 15 years work down the swanny.

Well, I spent 10 years and AN AWFUL LOT of money learning to be a commercial pilot, and look at me now! I do not, for a second, look back at the time I spent qualifying as wasted. Nor should you!

Sounds like you've gained a lot of qualifications, and they DO have a value in other areas, if only to show you are no fool!

Perhaps it's also worth thinking about whether there are any opportunities in the veterinary profession outside practice. Anecdotally, in some small animal practices, sniping is a problem. I suspect that's very much less likely working for a big company in industry.

Finally, you talk about your skills not being used at the practices you have worked at. I wonder, what with all your qualifications, whether that is a case of your expectations being set too high. You're selling a 'service', and the bottom line is that if the service you sell is not what the market wants, you may have to set your sights lower, at least in the shorter term.

If I were you, I think my priorities would be a) working with nice people, b) money. If you've got those, then whether or not your skills are used to their full extent becomes less important.

I'm in no way qualified to offer advice, those are just a few thoughts. Probably nothing new or helpful. Above all else, ring VetLife. Ring them today!

RE: Lost my way in the profession

Celine — Sun, 30 Oct 2016 21:13:53 GMT

Vetlife, that's one I was thinking of but I felt there was another one? We've got a sticker at work I was going to look at.

Kirsty, I think you sound like a really dedicated nurse. You obviously care very much about working in this field to have put so much energy into pursuing this career. I don't know how to advise you without knowing the ins and outs of the matter, and probably even then I'm not qualified in any way to give that advice!

Is there anyone who you could go and stay with for a bit? Family? Is it out of the question to move to an area near those people? maybe look into locum work in those areas so practices can get to know you and potentially have you in mind for positions that come up?

Sorry, I realise it's not so black and white or as easy as all that. As Sal said, message me if you want to talk. x

RE: Lost my way in the profession

Sal the 1st — Sun, 30 Oct 2016 11:22:46 GMT

If you think it would be helpful give me a shout

also http://www.vetlife.org.uk/

RE: Lost my way in the profession

Celine — Sat, 29 Oct 2016 18:36:44 GMT

Kirsty, big hugs, you are NOT alone, we are all here listening to you, and I know a few people on here have been in really bad dark places before so I'm sure they'll be along shortly to lend their support too. I don't have to hand all the details of the people and support organisations you can speak to about this but I am going to go now and find them. I'm so sorry you have felt this down and desperate and alone. If you are feeling like you need to speak to someone you can message me and I can phone you.

Will come back in a bit with hopefully something more useful to say x