Mature student who is scared and unsure.....

Ershep1975

I am 50 this year and have the desire on wanting to become a learning difficulties nurse at the USW.
Though I have never thought on wanting to become a nurse, it was reading a post on facebook that put the idea into my head and now I cant shrug it off.
I am a special guardian to 2 boys both with learning difficulties. So understand the challenges and the rewards. I have worked in many health and social care sectors where learning difficutlies has always been my firm favourite. I have been out of work for 7 years, where I now feel ready to return however something is holding me back. I dont want to go backwards! I want more than what i had when I was in employment previously!
WHilst being out of work I achieved a degree in health and social care through open university. Though dont feel this has done much for me as I already held an nvq level 3 health and social care which i feel i could have done similar with.
Im scared, anxious and lack so much confidence, but all I know is I want to do something better for myself.
I suppose what Im asking is, how do I overcome all this anxiety, will i even overcome it. Am I even doing the right thing by applying for the learning difficulties nurse course. Though deep down I believe I am, Im more worried that Im taking a big step into the unknown.
Can i even go for a second degree (i wish I didnt go with Open University, but at the time I thought it was going to open a new pathway for me..... can this be the new pathway I am seeking?

Reply 1

random_matt

20

You will be fine and I was fortunate to find three others around my age group when I first went to university. You will adjust quickly and wonder what the worrying was all about. There will probably be mature student societies too and many other avenues to seek help and support. Lastly, I have zero idea how you funded the OU course and I do not know how SFE finance such courses; you will have to ask them.

Reply 2

Angela1001

11

Original post by Ershep1975

I am 50 this year and have the desire on wanting to become a learning difficulties nurse at the USW.
Though I have never thought on wanting to become a nurse, it was reading a post on facebook that put the idea into my head and now I cant shrug it off.
I am a special guardian to 2 boys both with learning difficulties. So understand the challenges and the rewards. I have worked in many health and social care sectors where learning difficutlies has always been my firm favourite. I have been out of work for 7 years, where I now feel ready to return however something is holding me back. I dont want to go backwards! I want more than what i had when I was in employment previously!
WHilst being out of work I achieved a degree in health and social care through open university. Though dont feel this has done much for me as I already held an nvq level 3 health and social care which i feel i could have done similar with.
Im scared, anxious and lack so much confidence, but all I know is I want to do something better for myself.
I suppose what Im asking is, how do I overcome all this anxiety, will i even overcome it. Am I even doing the right thing by applying for the learning difficulties nurse course. Though deep down I believe I am, Im more worried that Im taking a big step into the unknown.
Can i even go for a second degree (i wish I didnt go with Open University, but at the time I thought it was going to open a new pathway for me..... can this be the new pathway I am seeking?

Go for it - my neighbour has just finished her nursing degree and she is 46! Have a word with the nuesing school to put your mind at rest.

Reply 3

normaw

Volunteer Section Leader, Clearing and Applications Advisor

19

Original post by Ershep1975

.
Can i even go for a second degree (i wish I didnt go with Open University, but at the time I thought it was going to open a new pathway for me..... can this be the new pathway I am seeking?

Nursing is usually classified as an exemption course so previous study is disregarded. Contact SFW to check your course:

https://www.studentfinancewales.co.uk/undergraduate-finance/full-time/tuition-fee-and-living-cost-students/who-qualifies/

Reply 4

Leanne_USW

Official Rep

4

Hi Ershep1975👋

If becoming a Learning Disability Nurse is your dream, I would encourage you to attend our USW Nursing Open Day this Saturday, 22nd February, to meet our staff and students and to view our Clinical Simulation Centre. You can also learn more about your funding options. We have a Travel Bursary to help cover the cost of attending the event.

At the University, we have many mature nursing students we value as part of our USW family. So, please feel reassured that you'll be welcomed and supported.

Looking at your background, you have a wealth of knowledge and experience you could bring to the classroom, which will help you succeed in the course.

I appreciate the anxiety you're experiencing, as returning to education is a big decision that needs a lot of consideration. I'm sure you'll find comfort in being on campus and seeing how close-knit our community is. If you do require professional support as a student, we have a Wellbeing team we would encourage you to access.

I wish you the very best with making your decision.

-Leanne😊

Reply 5

significant-pick

6

Hi! You have a wealth of knowledge and experience that would be so valuable when studying to become an LD Nurse. I’d certainly give it a shot and apply! All branches of nursing have many mature students, so you will definitely be welcomed. Most importantly, do what makes you happy! Best wishes

Reply 6

threeportdrift

Careers Forum Helper

20

Original post by Ershep1975

I am 50 this year and have the desire on wanting to become a learning difficulties nurse at the USW.
Though I have never thought on wanting to become a nurse, it was reading a post on facebook that put the idea into my head and now I cant shrug it off.
I am a special guardian to 2 boys both with learning difficulties. So understand the challenges and the rewards. I have worked in many health and social care sectors where learning difficutlies has always been my firm favourite. I have been out of work for 7 years, where I now feel ready to return however something is holding me back. I dont want to go backwards! I want more than what i had when I was in employment previously!
WHilst being out of work I achieved a degree in health and social care through open university. Though dont feel this has done much for me as I already held an nvq level 3 health and social care which i feel i could have done similar with.
Im scared, anxious and lack so much confidence, but all I know is I want to do something better for myself.
I suppose what Im asking is, how do I overcome all this anxiety, will i even overcome it. Am I even doing the right thing by applying for the learning difficulties nurse course. Though deep down I believe I am, Im more worried that Im taking a big step into the unknown.
Can i even go for a second degree (i wish I didnt go with Open University, but at the time I thought it was going to open a new pathway for me..... can this be the new pathway I am seeking?

How many other applicants will have the practical and academic experience you've got? Almost certainly absolutely none of them! You've got nothing to be scared or nervous about, so long as you can afford the course and give it enough time to do well, ie not have to work and support family for too many hours that you damage the course.

I'd also encourage you to absolutely consider your employability from day 1 on the course. Use the careers service, say yes to opportunities, and build networks with tutors, visiting lecturers etc. Build job-hunting into the course, don't just leave it until after graduation.

Move heaven and earth to make the Open Day mentioned above and check out your fee options. But if they both work out, why not give it a go?

Reply 7

Ershep1975

OP

3

Thank you all for your lovely words. Reading each one of your comments has given me the aspiration to want this more. So thank you again!
I am going to attend a nursing open day at the USW, to help give me more insight as to what is expected of me etc and to go from there. I am finding the whole process daunting, with a lot of, what if's (I need to stop putting myself down and be more positive), but I suppose I won't know unless I try! The thought of tests/exams pretty much scares me, especially at my time of life! Like I said I am ready to return to work, but I don't want to go backwards and feel something is missing where I want to progress onto higher and better achievements career wise!

Mature student who is scared and unsure.....

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