Unable to Choose between Children's Nursing or Primary Teaching
Hello, I need a bit of advice from anyone who is, or, are training to be a primary teacher, as well as, those who are/or training to be a children's nurse.
A little bit of context is, I wanted to originally study BSc Children's Nursing, however I couldn't get accepted due to my maths grade of course. It upset me a lot as I really wanted to become a children's nurse. Instead, I was accepted into BA Early Childhood Studies, which was my backup plan for that time. I was interested in getting into teaching the past 2 years, specifically primary, because I have a passion working with children. BUT- that spark I once had for teaching feels like it's going away bit by bit, it may be from stress, as well as not enjoying the placements I need to complete for my course, I did not intend in working with a reception class for my final year but it was recommended by my university even though it was something I did not want to do. Along with this, my heart still goes out towards Children's Nursing, I am considering studying it as a Masters (pre registration) course but I am still hesitant. Same with the pgce, I'm not sure if that's what I want to do, but for either route I'm mostly scared about failing or messing up.
Another issue is, I know well that you shouldn't do a job with money being the only reason, I would tell this to everyone but of course money is a VERY important aspect - must pay rent, bills, food etc I know the salary of a teacher is not that great especially with the amount of work they do, It's the same with nurses too, I want to know which route would actually be worth it, something that is fulfilling, can somewhat give me a stable/secure future.
I have to add, I read threads on Reddit where trainee teachers dropped out or gave up on teaching within 2 years and I'm honestly scared of going through that. I know, that's their experience and not mine but I just want to know which one is worth it? As well as, many of them spoke about how teaching led to absolute burn out and exhaustion.
I want actual advice because I've asked many teachers, careers advisors but they all just list out the disadvantages of Nursing and the advantages of teaching?? Which seems a bit biased too me but I get it, I guess.
—> also, if there are any other roles I can do in health care where I can support children and families, please do suggest them because if neither nursing or primary teaching is for me, I urge you to recommend any careers I can look into that are still health care based and may not require another degree or I can complete through an apprenticeship etc e.g. Maternity Support Worker
Important note!! I am at the time where I urgently have to apply for PGCEs or make an application for the MSc in Nursing - it's absolutely important for me to apply as soon as possible.
Thank you so much if you have read up until here, your advice will be greatly appreciated
A little bit of context is, I wanted to originally study BSc Children's Nursing, however I couldn't get accepted due to my maths grade of course. It upset me a lot as I really wanted to become a children's nurse. Instead, I was accepted into BA Early Childhood Studies, which was my backup plan for that time. I was interested in getting into teaching the past 2 years, specifically primary, because I have a passion working with children. BUT- that spark I once had for teaching feels like it's going away bit by bit, it may be from stress, as well as not enjoying the placements I need to complete for my course, I did not intend in working with a reception class for my final year but it was recommended by my university even though it was something I did not want to do. Along with this, my heart still goes out towards Children's Nursing, I am considering studying it as a Masters (pre registration) course but I am still hesitant. Same with the pgce, I'm not sure if that's what I want to do, but for either route I'm mostly scared about failing or messing up.
Another issue is, I know well that you shouldn't do a job with money being the only reason, I would tell this to everyone but of course money is a VERY important aspect - must pay rent, bills, food etc I know the salary of a teacher is not that great especially with the amount of work they do, It's the same with nurses too, I want to know which route would actually be worth it, something that is fulfilling, can somewhat give me a stable/secure future.
I have to add, I read threads on Reddit where trainee teachers dropped out or gave up on teaching within 2 years and I'm honestly scared of going through that. I know, that's their experience and not mine but I just want to know which one is worth it? As well as, many of them spoke about how teaching led to absolute burn out and exhaustion.
I want actual advice because I've asked many teachers, careers advisors but they all just list out the disadvantages of Nursing and the advantages of teaching?? Which seems a bit biased too me but I get it, I guess.
—> also, if there are any other roles I can do in health care where I can support children and families, please do suggest them because if neither nursing or primary teaching is for me, I urge you to recommend any careers I can look into that are still health care based and may not require another degree or I can complete through an apprenticeship etc e.g. Maternity Support Worker
Important note!! I am at the time where I urgently have to apply for PGCEs or make an application for the MSc in Nursing - it's absolutely important for me to apply as soon as possible.
Thank you so much if you have read up until here, your advice will be greatly appreciated
(edited 1 month ago)
Reply 1
16
Have you got your GCSE maths at grade 4/C or above? If you haven't, and decide to go for nursing, you'll be in the same situation as you were a couple of years ago when you got rejected from undergrad pre-reg nursing.
I would suggest looking at healtcare assistant (HCA)/nursing assistant jobs at hospitals with paediatric departments or community areas which support children, or play therapy assistant jobs (one of my old school friends is a play therapy assistant in a hospital and absolutely loves it!). This will give you a brilliant insight into nursing - and whether or not you feel the job is for you - as you don't have to go straight from undergrad to postgrad courses.
Yes, nursing is a difficult job (I am a nurse - adult nursing, though) - but teaching is also a difficult job. Yes I work shifts but those are condensed into 3 days/nights a week.... days off in the week are SO underrated.
I would suggest looking at healtcare assistant (HCA)/nursing assistant jobs at hospitals with paediatric departments or community areas which support children, or play therapy assistant jobs (one of my old school friends is a play therapy assistant in a hospital and absolutely loves it!). This will give you a brilliant insight into nursing - and whether or not you feel the job is for you - as you don't have to go straight from undergrad to postgrad courses.
Yes, nursing is a difficult job (I am a nurse - adult nursing, though) - but teaching is also a difficult job. Yes I work shifts but those are condensed into 3 days/nights a week.... days off in the week are SO underrated.
Reply 2
Original post
by Emily_BHave you got your GCSE maths at grade 4/C or above? If you haven't, and decide to go for nursing, you'll be in the same situation as you were a couple of years ago when you got rejected from undergrad pre-reg nursing.
I would suggest looking at healtcare assistant (HCA)/nursing assistant jobs at hospitals with paediatric departments or community areas which support children, or play therapy assistant jobs (one of my old school friends is a play therapy assistant in a hospital and absolutely loves it!). This will give you a brilliant insight into nursing - and whether or not you feel the job is for you - as you don't have to go straight from undergrad to postgrad courses.
Yes, nursing is a difficult job (I am a nurse - adult nursing, though) - but teaching is also a difficult job. Yes I work shifts but those are condensed into 3 days/nights a week.... days off in the week are SO underrated.
I would suggest looking at healtcare assistant (HCA)/nursing assistant jobs at hospitals with paediatric departments or community areas which support children, or play therapy assistant jobs (one of my old school friends is a play therapy assistant in a hospital and absolutely loves it!). This will give you a brilliant insight into nursing - and whether or not you feel the job is for you - as you don't have to go straight from undergrad to postgrad courses.
Yes, nursing is a difficult job (I am a nurse - adult nursing, though) - but teaching is also a difficult job. Yes I work shifts but those are condensed into 3 days/nights a week.... days off in the week are SO underrated.
I was interested in adult nursing but everyone is saying the job market for nurses is horrible and ultimately the treatment isn’t worth it. Would you say you regret nursing? I was going to start this September but i might look into other allied health care degrees. Would love to know your thoughts.
Reply 3
Original post
by Laura894847I was interested in adult nursing but everyone is saying the job market for nurses is horrible and ultimately the treatment isn’t worth it. Would you say you regret nursing? I was going to start this September but i might look into other allied health care degrees. Would love to know your thoughts.
What other healthcare degrees are there? I was interested in nursing too but for the same reasons as you feel like maybe I shouldn’t
Reply 4
2
Original post
by Emily_BHave you got your GCSE maths at grade 4/C or above? If you haven't, and decide to go for nursing, you'll be in the same situation as you were a couple of years ago when you got rejected from undergrad pre-reg nursing.
I would suggest looking at healtcare assistant (HCA)/nursing assistant jobs at hospitals with paediatric departments or community areas which support children, or play therapy assistant jobs (one of my old school friends is a play therapy assistant in a hospital and absolutely loves it!). This will give you a brilliant insight into nursing - and whether or not you feel the job is for you - as you don't have to go straight from undergrad to postgrad courses.
Yes, nursing is a difficult job (I am a nurse - adult nursing, though) - but teaching is also a difficult job. Yes I work shifts but those are condensed into 3 days/nights a week.... days off in the week are SO underrated.
I would suggest looking at healtcare assistant (HCA)/nursing assistant jobs at hospitals with paediatric departments or community areas which support children, or play therapy assistant jobs (one of my old school friends is a play therapy assistant in a hospital and absolutely loves it!). This will give you a brilliant insight into nursing - and whether or not you feel the job is for you - as you don't have to go straight from undergrad to postgrad courses.
Yes, nursing is a difficult job (I am a nurse - adult nursing, though) - but teaching is also a difficult job. Yes I work shifts but those are condensed into 3 days/nights a week.... days off in the week are SO underrated.
Thank you for your response. And I haven't gotten around to resitting maths due to mostly having a packed schedule right now, and also costs. I've just been trying to apply for different jobs I can do with my current schedule so that I can afford the maths test. I am aware it's urgent for me to get it done especially for any NHS job.
Also, I didn't know it was possible to work with children only as a HCA or even nursing assistant, I always heard you have to work with all age ranges, but didn't know you can do only one route. I will definitely apply to those roles and even the health play therapy assistant!
If you don't mind me asking, do you like your schedule?
I appreciate your words a lot, it helped with giving clarity honestly. And love what nurses do 🫶 absolute inspiration
Reply 5
16
Original post
by head-m'lordThank you for your response. And I haven't gotten around to resitting maths due to mostly having a packed schedule right now, and also costs. I've just been trying to apply for different jobs I can do with my current schedule so that I can afford the maths test. I am aware it's urgent for me to get it done especially for any NHS job.
Also, I didn't know it was possible to work with children only as a HCA or even nursing assistant, I always heard you have to work with all age ranges, but didn't know you can do only one route. I will definitely apply to those roles and even the health play therapy assistant!
If you don't mind me asking, do you like your schedule?
I appreciate your words a lot, it helped with giving clarity honestly. And love what nurses do 🫶 absolute inspiration
Also, I didn't know it was possible to work with children only as a HCA or even nursing assistant, I always heard you have to work with all age ranges, but didn't know you can do only one route. I will definitely apply to those roles and even the health play therapy assistant!
If you don't mind me asking, do you like your schedule?
I appreciate your words a lot, it helped with giving clarity honestly. And love what nurses do 🫶 absolute inspiration
In terms of being a HCA/nursing assistant (same thing), you work for the team/ward you are assigned to. Vacancies are either advertised as for a specific ward/unit/team, or "corporate" (where there are multiple vacancies across the hospital/community area and you can be offered any one of those vacancies).
My NHS rota is what it is - any 3 days or nights to cover the 24 hour period and to keep ward staffing levels safe. My team do get a certain number of requests each month (within reason) for days off/in work.
Reply 6
11
What about a speech and language role?
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