u/Prior-Data1779

I’m based in Scotland and I’m seriously considering a career change into nursing.
The only thing stopping me from taking the plunge is all the stories I keep reading about bullying in the NHS. I’m pretty non-confrontational. I’ve dealt with my fair share of Karens over the years, but I’m worried I’d end up on a ward with a toxic team and lose all confidence before I’ve even found my feet as a newly qualified nurse.
Am I overthinking this, or is it a genuine concern? I’d love to hear from people who have been through it. If you were bullied as a student or newly qualified nurse, how did you deal with it? Did things improve, did you move wards, or did you end up leaving?
I’d really appreciate any honest stories or advice, especially from those working in Scotland.

I’m based in Scotland and I’m seriously considering a career change into nursing.
The only thing stopping me from taking the plunge is all the stories I keep reading about bullying in the NHS. I’m pretty non-confrontational. I’ve dealt with my fair share of Karens over the years, but I’m worried I’d end up on a ward with a toxic team and lose all confidence before I’ve even found my feet as a newly qualified nurse.
Am I overthinking this, or is it a genuine concern? I’d love to hear from people who have been through it. If you were bullied as a student or newly qualified nurse, how did you deal with it? Did things improve, did you move wards, or did you end up leaving?
I’d really appreciate any honest stories or advice, especially from those working in Scotland.

Hi everyone,
I’m in my mid 30s and considering a career change into nursing, and I’d love to hear from people who started their nursing degree in their 30s.
What was it like being a mature student? Did you feel out of place, or were there plenty of people your age?
I’m also curious about placements. How are student nurses actually trained? Do you mostly shadow qualified nurses, or do you get hands-on experience and gradually start doing things yourself under supervision?
For those now working in the NHS, what do you enjoy most about the job? Is there anything you wish you’d known before starting, and if you had the choice again, would you still become a nurse?
I’d really appreciate hearing your honest experiences. Thanks!

Hi everyone,
I’m in my mid 30s and considering a career change into nursing, and I’d love to hear from people who started their nursing degree in their 30s.
What was it like being a mature student? Did you feel out of place, or were there plenty of people your age?
I’m also curious about placements. How are student nurses actually trained? Do you mostly shadow qualified nurses, or do you get hands-on experience and gradually start doing things yourself under supervision?
For those now working in the NHS, what do you enjoy most about the job? Is there anything you wish you’d known before starting, and if you had the choice again, would you still become a nurse?
I’d really appreciate hearing your honest experiences. Thanks!

Hi everyone,
I’m in my 30s and thinking of applying for the MSc Adult Nursing at Edinburgh Napier (January 2027) as a complete career change.
I’d love to hear from anyone who studied nursing at Napier.
How did you find the course and placements? Was it difficult to get a job after graduating?

For those now working in the NHS, how are you finding it? Do you enjoy it, or have you ever regretted your decision to become a nurse?

I’d also love to hear from anyone who started nursing in their 30s. Thanks!