Why I dropped out of Mental Health Nursing at Uni + advice on changing courses

[@amberhoney7514]

I am a qualified mental health nurse and I can totally relate to how you felt on the acute ward. When I had got to that stage of my degree I knew this isn’t what I wanted to do but I took an alternative route and instead of dropping out I began to do research into different aspects of mental health nursing. Now I absolutely love what I do I work in community so I have low risk patients that come in and I speak to them for an hour about how they feel write referral notes and help diagnose them along side a doctor. I see the same patient every two weeks to see if the medicine prescribed to them was effective and it’s such a rewarding job. The job role is very similar to a clinical psychologist as in my office of 6, 2 of them are clinical psychologist and we all do the same job. I work as an agency nurse too so I earn 28-£35 an hour and I graduated two years ago. I’m glad you are enjoying psychology though and good luck with everything! x

[@naimahkhan6239]

Hi, I’m applying to study MH nursing. I’m worried about how confrontational a nurse needs to be. I don’t like confrontation at all and I’ve always avoided it. I’m scared someone will try and bully me while I say nothing. Or even a patient’s family being rude. Any advice for a newbie?

[@lifewithelizabeth9148]

Even on my acute ward placement I found you rarely need to be confrontational! sometimes you have to be firm with a patient about boundaries but if a patient is acting dangerously often more senior member of staff step in. families are rarely rude as well, and of they are they only ever want the best for their loved one - just calmy explain and be polite. After your first few comments you build up a thick skin and the positives you get from patients and families massively outweigh the negative x

[@naimahkhan6239]

@@lifewithelizabeth9148 thank you so much😊

[@byaman23]

Hi Amber, is there any way I could email you about this as I am very interested in finding out about the career path you are currently on. I would love to be able to ask you a few questions if you have the time to answer them. Thanks in advance!! x

[@MissJenny654]

Hi Amber what job role is this as this sounds very interesting

[@sumia3148]

Well done ! for being so strong It takes a lot to stand up for what you really want in life .

[@ellaking6194]

This is so helpful you’re literally a godsend. I’ve just received all my offers to start mental health nursing in sept but I’m having the exact same doubts as you already! I feel like I’m so much more psychology based and I want to be a psychotherapist. It’s such a scary situation isn’t it❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@lifewithelizabeth9148]

it's such a tough choice, good luck with whatever career you go for!!❤️

[@ellaking6194]

@@lifewithelizabeth9148 thank you!! I’ve actually been able to change my offer at cardiff university from mental health nursing to social science which is super exciting!! Xx

[@lifewithelizabeth9148]

that's worked out well I'm so happy for you! I hope it all goes well🥰🥰

[@ellaking6194]

@@lifewithelizabeth9148 thank you so much xxxxx

[@RiyaRiya-v2w]

hello i am an undergraduate student and i have decided to persue mental health nursing i don't have as such knowledge about it... can u please guide should i persue or not??

[@emme2141]

It’s a shame you didn’t like it, but from what you’ve said it sounds like it was the best decision for you to drop out, nursing definitely isn’t something for everyone. Well done for sticking out your first year though, it sounds like you learnt a lot! 🙂 I can’t speak for general nursing, but for mental health nursing I always suggest people try working as a HCA or support worker in a mental health setting first, to get a feel for the type of job nurses do, and see whether it is for them first, especially for people who go straight from school into nursing, it’s a very big adjustment to make. Don’t feel guilty for dropping out before covid, if you weren’t happy doing it that’s not your fault, and carrying on during covid could have made your mental health worse.

[@sophiahassan1774]

I really want to apply to mental health nursing but science/math is definitely something I’m not great at. Is there a lot of that required in the theory?

[@lifewithelizabeth9148]

I’ll be honest, in first year it is very theory heavy with the science stuff (mainly biology and a bit of chemistry) but if you have a look at human anatomy books it should give you a bit of an idea about the content you’re likely to cover. It’s a lot to take in but once you’ve got past the bulk of it in first year it’s a lot better! Maths wise you get tested every year on drugs calculations, bmi calculations ect and need 90% to pass in first and second year. In 3rd year you need 100% to pass, but there is so much support to help you with the exams and if you think you need any help most unis are pretty good at getting you it x

[@caitlina9366]

It’s ironic how I did a psychology degree but now I’ve gone into nursing as there are no jobs in psychology 😂 and now I’m not liking my child nursing course. Becoming a psychologist is actually so bloody hard and practically unattainable because of all the further studying and experience you need. This is what my lecturers told us. It’s like 1 in 400 people might get the job or might get that uni course. I know a lot of my friends from my psych course do something completely different now because there aren’t just enough jobs or possibilities

[@lifewithelizabeth9148]

Oh I absolutely relate! I just finished my psych degree and currently working an admin role for the time being, looking at masters and hoping to get into research after that. I agree that it’s a lot more competitive job wise and degree wise than nursing as there are just so many applicants! I think I’ve just accepted that if I really want to do it (which I think I do) it’ll take time and a lot of effort but it’s one of those things isn’t it. I hope your nursing course is going okay for now, good luck with it all x

[@lnnicl]

Yep, I was told in my final year of my Psychology degree that the degree itself is practically worthless. Thankfully, I done my PWP training and that's kind of where I'm at now. I don't like it & I'm bummed because the DClinPsy is so unachievable at the minute.

[@aurora6310]

@@lifewithelizabeth9148 hi elizabeth have you found a job yet? could you give us an update x

[@teganmoon2479]

I am in a similar position and your video has really helped me. Love your videos 🥰x

[@lifewithelizabeth9148]

thank you, I hope everything is working out for🥰 if want to chat anymore about it feel free to message me, I can give you my insta x

[@teganmoon2479]

Life With Elizabeth I would love that 🥰, could I have your Instagram and I’ll drop you a message? Xx

[@lifewithelizabeth9148]

of course🥰🥰 it's just @elizabethessex :)

[@carlwoods4564]

Ive been qualified over 15 years, started off on the wards now in the community. I love meeting and assessing new referrals/patients but hate the sheer amount of paperwork. We are vastly understaffed and are expected to tick every single box when doing paperwork. I spend most of my time typing up the home visits and assessments rather than speaking to patients. And I left the wards as basically, they can be dangerous. Very dangerous at times, yet the higher Management refuses to take staff concerns seriously.

[@summermanning7901]

Hi! Would you say mental health nursing is more working with people with mental health issues such as depression etc.

[@lifewithelizabeth9148]

Yeah there’s definitely a range of mental health conditions you work with, for example older adults so dementia, Parkinson’s, and then acute illnesses like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. You also might work with people who have drug induced conditions or treat people along side substance abuse disorders. And potentially personality disorders too, as well as the more common things like depression and anxiety. It’s so broad with the people and places you might work with, you get a bit of everything!

[@emme2141]

It’s definitely not for everyone, but if you work in a forensic hospital you meet a huge range of people with lots of different illnesses and problems.

[@pickerpoker8947]

Hey, I am in the opposite situation where I want to switch to mental health nursing. Because I feel like im not guaranteed a job after psychology but am on mental health nursing. What are you doing now?

[@lifewithelizabeth9148]

I’m just about to finish my degree in April. I’m currently looking at assistant psychologist jobs / working in a SEN school. Hope that helps!! X

[@theebillionairess3377]

Would you recommend a joint honours degree? (Adult and mental health) also for a levels i study Linguistics, History and Sociology will nursing be a big jump for me?

[@work_in_progress161]

I think you will qualify as a band 6 with join honours. The final year will be equivalent to masters. Depends if you want to payed more and extra responsibilities that come with it. Don’t let that put you off. Also it depends if you are okay with studying 4 years. I don’t think it will be a big jump academic wise.

[@nassersy6680]

Hello, I would like to ask you a question please? do you know if it is possible for mental health nurses in acute wards or any other wards to work permanent night shifts instead of doing rotations ? Thank you

[@lifewithelizabeth9148]

I'm actually not too sure. I think it depends on the job you apply for individually, as most places like to have staff that work all of the shifts, however a few places I worked had a few permanent night staff and then the rest of the staff made up the numbers. not too sure on this one though!!

[@nassersy6680]

@@lifewithelizabeth9148 Thank you very much

[@kurtislorenzo9191]

Nasser, in terms of wanting yo work just night shifts, If I am correct in your question, it would usually be a case of contacting your Ward Manager first, if they are not there, speak to the Ward Sister/Charge Nurse to ask about this or applying for a Flexible Working, which allows you to change your working patterns, hours of work. Usually staff are expected to work days/nights, usually Nurses and Healthcare Assistants unless there is a reason why you cannot, ie: Heath Conditions, Medication side effects that may affect your ability to work day/night etc.. Or even family reasons, always having a chat with ward manager/charge nurse/ward sister to see what they can do with you to support this :).

[@emme2141]

It tends to depend on the job or sometimes just the manager, but a lot of managers are quite accomodating. Also if you have a reason why you can only do nights, mention it at the beginning and they should be okay with it. I only do days for medical reasons, and I know people who only do nights too (I’m not sure of their reasons).

[@nassersy6680]

@@kurtislorenzo9191 Thank you very much , I apologize for the extremely late reply , I actually didn’t enrol in the nursing program and a lot have happened that is why I forgot the whole thing but I really appreciate your feedback, sorry again

[@Authentiqmindset]

What would you advice ? Occupational therapy or mental health nursing

[@lifewithelizabeth9148]

I think they are such different degrees that it would be useful to maybe contact a few unis and have a chat with someone about the differences in the courses, i don’t feel like I know enough about either to say!

[@oldschoolwaverider]

I have worked abroad as a primary school TEFL teacher for 7 years and enjoyed it immensely. I have worked as support in SEN schools since returning to the UK in 2017 and have recently been working with OTs and SEN teachers in different environments. I also work as a Bank NHS HCA in regular hospitals. However I have recently worked with autistic children in residential respite, and I would love to either shadow or look further into Mental Health Nursing as a career. Do you think it's realistic to expect any kind of opportunity to shadow a Mental Health Nurse? Just wondering which services are the least stretched and may offer some kind of further insight? Are there any opportunities to train to be a mental health nurse without paying the extortionate university fees? I am looking into the Open University BSc, but the costs involved are still absolutely incredible. 😱

[@lifewithelizabeth9148]

I would definitely try and do a few bank shifts on mental health wards (I know it might mean applying for a mental health hca role) because I think that is the best way to find out. As a student nurse a lot of your time on placement (especially first year) you spend a lot of time working with the hca's, so it's worth a few shifts to see if it's the type of environment you'd like! All services are stretched but, I think rehabilitation services or supported living may be a slightly less intense area to work in as there is less direct support/supervision of patients than on the acute wards, although most people do prefer the acute ward environment!

[@lifewithelizabeth9148]

also, there are a few nursing apprenticeships but they are very hard to come by! I know on the acute ward there was also nursing associates that were a step down from nurses (band 4 instead of band 5) but had more responsibility than hca's. That might be something to look into as I think the training costs are less than what the 3 years of university would be. although, if fees are the things that's putting off, tty not to let it! the job satisfaction and security after you qualify is something to consider if its worth the loan, which I think it is! (plus they only take a tiny fraction of your salary every month, and only when you earn over a certain amount when it comes to paying it back!)

[@oldschoolwaverider]

@@lifewithelizabeth9148 Thank you for your swift and detailed response! I understand this is a contentious issue, but I am put off by student loans due to the political instability surrounding them and my experience of their terrible miss management on their part. For example I have friends who had their loans sold off to private companies and were forced to repay them in full plus extortionate interest fees! What happened to them could have been simply unfortunate luck, but was also absolutely criminal! If only the current loans were protected by state law and not dependent on the decision of the next politician in power, I’d consider it. I know many people do, but I cannot bring myself to after witnessing the ramifications they have had on people’s well-being. I might consider full contribution if there were reductions, or some grants, but it would take a great deal of financial planning. Fingers crossed for governmental changes in funding! It could be worth waiting for, or maybe we shouldn’t hold our breath! Anyway, after all, it is definitely a personal choice. I will look into HCA roles to apply for. Thank you I appreciate your advice. I never realised it was a stable career choice. I assumed due to lack of funding places would be scarce! I guess I need to dig a little deeper and do further research!

[@lifewithelizabeth9148]

I completely understand that! it's so sad that something like that could happen :( Ive just had a look and nursing students do get the bursary now (as of sept 2020 I think it's about £5000 a year), which doesn't contribute to debt! so I don't know if that is something that you feel would take the pressure off a bit. plus because of the shortage of mental health nurses there is also a £1000 training grant. But yes I agree! there are plenty of mental health hca roles, definitely worth a few shifts to see if you like the environment. Plus I know that you can work up the bands from the hca role but I'm not sure if that does involve university training too! I wish you well with everything :)

[@oldschoolwaverider]

@@lifewithelizabeth9148 🙏 Thank you. Yeah I also saw that stated on government website. I am not yet familiar with the application and logistics of how funding works, although imagine it will take a considerable amount of research to figure out how to do this in a sensibly organised fashion. Have you known anyone to complete the BSc through The Open University?

[@sharnjeetaulakh4930]

Could you tell me please which university is better for Bsc Nursing as m gonna apply for it

[@lifewithelizabeth9148]

sorry for the late reply!! it's completely individual I think, you can look at the league tables for universities overall rankings but nursing is a very standardised course so it's more about where you'd be happy. go to a few different unis for open days and see where feels right :)

[@leahhoskins3789]

Why was mental health nursing not for you? x

[@rzhang7808]

I want to drop as well, the mental health education in Australia is terrible,

[@intawebbin61]

Very helpful really appreciate this

[@niamhbayes]

Im starting mh nursing at uni in September. I dont drive just wondering do you know anyone doing the course who didnt drive cus im worried how I will get to placements, also i dont drink so im scared about living in dorms with people especially younger people lol. Thank you for this video x

[@emme2141]

I don’t drive and the course was fine with it, though I guess it could depend on where you live. I think most universities make it quite accessable for you, so if there’s a problem with transport you should be able to ask them

[@mattberrill1063]

What pacifically interests you in psychology ?

[@lifewithelizabeth9148]

the variety of career paths you can go into! I started off wanting to go into clinical psych but now I know how versatile my degree is - if I fancy a change in career path I've got a broad knowledge base to do so. nursing also does have this benefit too within the health care system but psych is a lot broader! :)

[@alpha1568]

You so sweet to watch lol