Hi, I'm 27, a resident of Scotland, independent, fully employed, and thinking about going back to my old dream of becoming a nurse. I would appreciate any kind of a guidance from current students and those who graduated recently(-ish). While studying, I could rely only on myself when it comes to financing, so I really want to find out if I should even think about it.
I would like to know:
1) what is the practical difference between BN, BSc, Bsc(Hons) when it comes to nursing? I'm not familiar with the BN degree at all. My understanding is that Bsc(Hons) would be the "best" from all of these, but in reality, when it comes to the employment, does it change anything? I understand that you can become a Registered Nurse no matter if you're BN, BSc or Bsc(Hons).
2) How come in one of the Scottish Unis you study for 3 years, and in other - 4 years, to obtain exactly the same degree? Does it say anything about the quality of education there? Does it matter at all for future employers?
3) This one is quite important... Is it possible at all to work part-time while studying? I mean, are you able to find the time for that? And can you find a job even remotely connected with your field (any sort of caring, nurse-assisting), or do you just end up with typical customer service/retail jobs?
4) I got so used to being able to take planned leave at work, I completely forgot how can it be organised when you study. I have heard that during the work placement you are allowed to take few weeks of leave (correct me if I'm wrong please). But what about any other time, are there any consequences if I would have to miss lectures? Yes I know that summer time is our time off, but I want to know if I could be kicked out when I miss 1 week of lectures, or can I make up for it somehow, or just catch up in my own time?
Forgive me if I sound like a moron, but I really have to plan way ahead.