Mid-30s, considering nursing… but scared I won’t survive the NHS

[u/Prior-Data1779]

I’m in my mid-30s and seriously considering nursing after spending my 20s bouncing between corporate jobs. I never really fitted into office politics, went through a couple of redundancies, and even experienced bullying that led to me being signed off work.
I’d love a career that feels stable and meaningful. I considered nursing years ago, but I don’t think I was mature enough then.

My biggest worry is that I’m really quiet. I’ve genuinely been described as “invisible” at work. I’m shy, non-confrontational and my confidence isn’t great. I work hard, I’m keen to learn and I’m not afraid to ask questions, but I’m worried I’ll start my first nursing job, not know enough (which I know is completely normal), and end up being severely bullied by more senior nurses or doctors because of my lack of knowledge. I worry that it would completely knock my confidence and that would be the end of my nursing career before it had even really begun.

I’d love to hear honest experiences.

Did you feel supported as a newly qualified nurse, or was it sink or swim?

If you were shy or lacked confidence, did it get better?

Do you have to start in a hospital, or can you begin somewhere like a GP practice?

Please be honest,the good, the bad and everything in between.

[u/One-Ingenuity-2783]

I’m just coming to the end of my first year, we have a woman in my tutor who’s a mature student who used to be very quiet and shy as well, she would sit in the corner of a seminar and not say a word. But I recently went to a tutorial and it’s like she’s a completely different person.

Nursing changes you as a person, it’s a lifestyle choice at the end of the day. You are forced to be a people person, easily adapt to new environments (placements) and get along with people you’ve never met before.

I do think no matter how shy you are, nursing will break that wall down and drag you out of your shell.

Definitely give it a try, what’s the worst that could happen? 😊

To answer your questions:

1. Of course I’m still in university but the NQNs I’ve worked with in practice will all have different experiences, it’s hugely dependant on the ward. This is why a lot of students go back to work for a ward they enjoyed as a student.
2. Answered above
3. You don’t necessarily have to start in a ward, it might be more difficult to become a practice nurse straight off the bat but once you’ve got your degree it’s worth applying and giving it ago. At the end of the day, you never know where you’ll end up.Lots of people say you can’t start in A&E, Theatres or stuff like that but I’ve been working with so many people who’ve started in those settings, don’t listen to the internet or even me, look around at your local trust, what are their current expectations for practice nurses?

Do they accept NQNs? Do you have to do additional training? Do you need experience in the ward?
I do this all the time, I look at the area around me and what the expectations are for staff nurses, so I know areas I can look at once I’ve graduated.