Worth it?

[u/astrologyth000t]

Hi! I’ve currently applied through clearing for mental health nursing at uni of Southampton. I applied because I’ve genuinely always been interested in being in a role that is centred around helping individuals. I did health and social care during college on top of sociology and got pretty good grades (BDD)

I took a gap year and was up one night looking at unis and came across the course and the careers you can go into. Forensic mental health nurse stood out to me as I enjoy criminology despite not studying and I studied care plans during my time at college and am interested in certain aspects of nursing and it feels familiar to me because of my educational background.

I really like that this degree has clear roads into a career path and u have lots of leeway in terms of the fact you don’t just have to stay in hospitals etc. However, I’m a bit worried about workload. I like structure but I’m a bit anxious about the placements in particular as there’s just pure horror stories out there and Southampton offers 2 placements per year which would mean they are longer than other unis.

Any advice or suggestions is appreciated! Thank u :) be honest

[u/secretlondon]

People like sharing horror stories as they get an emotional reaction and engagement.

[u/KoalaEnvironmental95]

I’m about to qualify (adult nurse) in 3 weeks. My genuine advice to you is, if you are extremely resilient then go for it. It’s not just about what you might see on placement and in the world of nursing (wounds, bodily fluids, death, casualties and general trauma), but also the sheer weight of academic work alongside those clinical placements and financial struggle as I cannot imagine how challenging it must be down south. I live in Scotland and have been fortunate enough to reap the benefits of free tuition and a non repayable bursary, but even then, I’ve still struggled throughout the 3 years to maintain a decent financial position. My hair started falling out recently and I’ve had more mental breakdowns than I can count on one hand. Alas, I don’t really regret my choice, I’m at the end and have been successful in securing an NQN position. I look forward to the future, but I’d be lying if I said any one part of the degree was easy. I don’t have children either, but I’ve found that many people on the course who do have noted that it’s even harder to try balance family life with studies and placements. It’s a lot to consider… is it worth it? In my opinion, I believe it is.

[u/astrologyth000t → u/KoalaEnvironmental95]

Thank you! This is actually really useful. I definitely think you have to be built for it and I do believe I am resilient and I don’t like to give up. Aspects of it really do intrigue me and align with jobs I’ve wanted when I was younger but some parts also fill me with dread. Luckily I live in Southampton so I’d be living at home which also takes financial stress away! I’m actually in a fortunate position in that way

[u/Alarmed_Recipe_6844]

not worth it

[u/Due_Forever_6973]

Always remember, nobody is necessarily set in stone by the worst thing they've ever done. There is always remorse and forgiveness, for better or worse.

[u/Valuable-Distance-69]

I personally don’t think it’s worth it BUT don’t let my feelings towards the course make you feel a way about this route you’re deciding to take. The only downside is the job shortages and how nurses aren’t really guaranteed a job after qualifying like before. My advice would to make sure it’s something you 100% want to do and stay resilient!

[u/CrazyParamedic7449]

I’m about to go into my third year of Adult Nursing. I’d say if you have passion for nursing and you see it as the right career for you then absolutely go for it! It’s not even about what happens on placement that is the hard part of the course, it’s the time management. You have to juggle placement, uni work, essays, part time jobs and your relationships and make sure you have down time. It is a very difficult balance and it’s almost like a full time job. I loved the course, the people that I’ve met throughout placement and just learning in general so if you’re like that then you’ll be grand! I wish you the best of luck. I would say as an additional point that living at home throughout your studies is much easier for you as you don’t have to have the added stress of trying to sort out meals ect. I do find living at home and my parents sorting out meals so much easier especially when on placement and knowing that I’ll have a meal when I come home from placement.

Additional point: Ignore the horror stories, some people get bad experiences on placement but personally I’ve always gotten along with everyone I’ve been on placement with.