What to do after nursing ?

RE: What to do after nursing ?

enigmaticat-uk — Fri, 05 Feb 2021 18:29:07 GMT

Difficult to say but in my application I tried to pick out aspects of veterinary nursing that are particularly relevant to the role eg following protocols/SOPs, principles of asepsis & infection control, stock control/ordering, handling/processing of biological specimens alongside desirable personal qualities. Beyond that, I made sure to read as much as I could about the department and about NHS core values and incorporate those into my answers. I maybe have a slight advantage as I have a Biological Sciences degree and have worked for the NHS in the past (a long time ago).

RE: What to do after nursing ?

VetNurse Anon a/c — Fri, 05 Feb 2021 13:28:04 GMT

[quote userid="4905" url="~/001/nonclinical/occupational/f/employment/32127/what-to-do-after-nursing/176798#176798"]I just made the switch to being a medical lab assistant in the NHS [/quote]

Hi enigmaticat-uk, sorry to derail but I’m really interested in making this move (using anon account in case my employer is on here!) and was just wondering if you had any tips for applying for a job like this? Every advert I see for a similar job in the NHS requires experience that I don’t have! I know I have transferable skills from nursing and think I’d be able to do the job (obviously with training) but I just don’t think I’d even get an interview without the required lab experience.

RE: What to do after nursing ?

Jacqueline Gallacher — Fri, 05 Feb 2021 09:59:02 GMT

Your experience is invaluable, I take my hat off to anyone still nursing in their 60’s it’s a very physical job and does not test our bodies kindly.

RE: What to do after nursing ?

Arlo Guthrie — Fri, 05 Feb 2021 09:34:27 GMT

[quote userid="22154" url="~/001/nonclinical/occupational/f/employment/32127/what-to-do-after-nursing/176790#176790"]Depends what you are interested in? I got job as trainee air traffic controller and chickened out as I was feart i'd nod off and crash the planes!!! [/quote]

Charley83 So true. If you find something you are interested in and enjoy, success will follow far more assuredly than if you make money the goal.

And as far as changing careers, I was a life assurance salesman, then a stockbroker, then a commercial pilot (glad you weren't on duty, asleep at your desk, when I was in the air!), then a public relations and marketing consultant, then a journalist/publisher and now, increasingly, a professional YouTuber (as well). Mostly I've used the skills and experience I gained in one job to advance to the next. The question is what you most enjoy and what skills have you developed as a nurse which you could use doing something else.

RE: What to do after nursing ?

molladog — Fri, 05 Feb 2021 08:24:20 GMT

Thank you, yes it is not a good time to be looking for work especially at my advanced age !!

RE: What to do after nursing ?

Hayley Moir — Thu, 04 Feb 2021 23:18:26 GMT

I was a nurse for only 6 years before I gave it up. Im a wholetime firefighter now and do some locum shifts now and then. I enjoy nursing so much more now because I dip in and out when I want. Why dont you look into a public service? Police, firefighter, ambulance technician?

RE: What to do after nursing ?

Jacqueline Gallacher — Thu, 04 Feb 2021 20:15:39 GMT

You deserve a medal. I have been nursing for 34 years may be time for a change.
Sorry to hear about redundancy.

RE: What to do after nursing ?

enigmaticat-uk — Thu, 04 Feb 2021 19:11:26 GMT

I just made the switch to being a medical lab assistant in the NHS - a bit daunting as there's a lot to learn and very strict on SOPs & paperwork etc but very transferable skills and they are great for taking the time to make sure you are confident in the training & processes 1st before letting you loose. Actually took a bit of a pay-cut but much better pension & benefits and if I put the work in there is much bigger scope to climb the ladder to higher grades/wages longer-term if I want to. (also time is provided for learning/training during working hours rather than trying to do it all at home in off-duty hours).

RE: What to do after nursing ?

Sal the 1st — Wed, 03 Feb 2021 22:48:16 GMT

that would be a dream job for me

RE: What to do after nursing ?

Charley83 — Wed, 03 Feb 2021 18:14:07 GMT

Depends what you are interested in? I got job as trainee air traffic controller and chickened out as I was feart i'd nod off and crash the planes!!!

RE: What to do after nursing ?

molladog — Thu, 28 Jan 2021 08:13:54 GMT

Blimey, what does that make me at almost 64 !!??? Plus about to be made redundant !!!

RE: What to do after nursing ?

Sal the 1st — Wed, 27 Jan 2021 20:48:42 GMT

[quote userid="2368" url="~/001/nonclinical/occupational/f/employment/32127/what-to-do-after-nursing/176772#176772"]my vet now refers to us as the oldies.. at nearly 44[/quote]

that makes me geriatric then at nearly 55! Must admit whatever I look at now is less wage than I'm on - but money isn't everything, so long as there is enough for the bills I'm happy

RE: What to do after nursing ?

sananbaz — Wed, 27 Jan 2021 10:05:07 GMT

It really does depend on what you enjoy and what your skills are. Whether you have a degree or not will also impact on your options e.g. graduate opportunities. Do you like people? Public speaking? Convincing people to buy things? Are you restricted in location? Or hours? Or minimum salary? There are many other careers out there, so to give specific suggestions we need a bit more information! Also consider if it's nursing you're tired of, or the type of nursing.... or the place you work?

RE: What to do after nursing ?

Selena Carnell — Wed, 27 Jan 2021 07:56:02 GMT

ive looked at other jobs but would be starting on an even lower wage! luckily im fairly happy where i am, I've just got to hope my knees, back, and sense of humour holds out!! my vet now refers to us as the oldies.. at nearly 44

RE: What to do after nursing ?

Sal the 1st — Tue, 26 Jan 2021 20:52:41 GMT

I have a few ex nurse friends - one of them has made a very profitable living out of making corsets and other exotic under clothing , another is a high class florist - can't think of two jobs further divorced from vet nursing. I suppose the only limitations are your imagination

RE: What to do after nursing ?

jenni99 — Tue, 26 Jan 2021 17:39:48 GMT

What do you enjoy?

The RVN qualification can open up all sorts of avenues (not for me !'m in it for the long haul !! - but I do feel a bit pigeon holed sometimes)

I've got friends who used to work in practice who - are reps, work for Vet software companies, work for drug companies, run volunteering charities, work in insurance, live in amazing far away places, teaching is an obvious one.

Also 2 friends who now make their living by selling paintings, 2 who restrained as school science teachers and another who runs a domestic cleaning company ! (and is very successful and financial comfortable now)

RE: What to do after nursing ?

Rachel Woodcock — Sat, 23 Jan 2021 22:34:26 GMT

I changed to reception and it's the best thing I've ever done!

RE: What to do after nursing ?

Sal the 1st — Sat, 23 Jan 2021 20:33:47 GMT

I think we all get to that point sometimes. I have been there a time or two but the longest break I have managed away is 8 months. I'm at that point again. Aldi looks inviting