advice on returning to college, retraining , nursing etc

bluebeard · 6. Feb 2010, 11:00

I am 43

been out of work for along time and have both depression and arthur ...I had depression before arthur

did have this romantic view of becoming a mental health nurse

but talked to a really nice careers advisor the other day...

se said , and I think she was being brutally honest...that having both depression and arthur would make a stressful course ( its 3 years at uni training to be a nurse ) AND the nursing career very difficult

not only would arthur and depression be more likley to flare up under the pressure and stress of course and career ...but it would also make it more difficult to finish ..and therefore leave me even more frustrated

bluebeard · 6. Feb 2010, 11:04

so she said she felt going back to college might be a good idea but to look for course that is less stressful than nursing...and she said maybe a health and social care course....and with this I might be able to work helping others.......such as help the aged ?.....because on some days even with arthur you will feel ok ?

these sort of courses she said are available at local colleges

has anyone been on such a course and is it possible to go on one whilst being on incapacity benefit ?

bluebeard · 6. Feb 2010, 11:09

it was quite funny ...I didnt say anthing about my health, just mentioned the depression

and she said..." well lots of people with long term health conditions and disability need contact and support...help the aged , arthritis sufferers "

janie68 · 6. Feb 2010, 12:25

Hi

I am a mental health nurse myself and I will be honest. You have to deal with situations all the time which can be violent, stressful and with chronic shortstaffing, you are potentially nurse in charge and running around like a headless chicken. The training is hard, lots of assignments on top of your placements and you are only allowed a certain amount of sick leave.

I may sound harsh but that is the reality of it now, if u do go ahead, make sure that u are stable with both your illnesses. Have u considered doing bank work at your local mental health hospital to gain a little experience and see if you like it?

Good luck

Janie

bluebeard · 6. Feb 2010, 17:34

thanks janie xx

I think you have basically told me straight

maybe working for help the gaed or some other caring role might be more suitable ?

any sort of nursing seems stressful from what I have heard

bluebeard · 6. Feb 2010, 17:36

I used to work for shleter with the homeless

rosyred · 6. Feb 2010, 19:12

Hello

I was a home carer b4 i became poorly with depression then found out that the pain and crunch in my knees were in fact arthritis.

I had to give my job up because Yes the stress and to be quiet honest have been told by DSS that i will never be able to return to that sort of work.

i dont think u can work while being on benifits also u have to tell them about any volentrey work u do ( excuse the spelling here )

Good luck in ur Quest for training , I know i wouldent be able to do it. I cant concentrate on one thing let alone study.

Let us no how u get on Alli xx

bluebeard · 6. Feb 2010, 19:49

I mean study while on benefits, not work

madness1985 · 7. Feb 2010, 15:34

You are allowed to stuy part time on benifits as far as i am aware. I hope that helps.

You just have to be honest with your self can you see your self able to study? Will the course be used?

Im 24 and was going back to study/finish off my llb but in hindsight i decided that yes i want to but not until this time next year because i have alot of health issues going on at the moment and i would not be able to handle even p/t study. Im hoping next year ill be much better and able to finish.

I know the liklyhood of me being able to practise law (ive always wanted to be a barrister) is low but ive excepted this and plan to use my skills in voluntary work instead.

I hope this helps

x

bluebeard · 7. Feb 2010, 19:22

that does, thank you xx

advice on returning to college, retraining , nursing etc

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