Looking for advice on nursing apprenticeships and other career options
I’m hoping someone can point me in the right direction because I’m not really sure what my options are.
A bit about me. I did a BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Electrical Engineering and got D*D*D*. After that I went to university to study Microbiology. Things were going well at first, but then COVID happened and I also lost my grandma around the same time. It completely knocked me off track. I ended up failing a year and eventually left with a Diploma of Higher Education instead of a BSc because I didn’t complete enough credits. Going back to finish it isn’t really an option, and if I’m honest, I don’t think microbiology is the career I want anymore.
A few years ago I moved to the US and decided to chase what I’d always wanted to do, which was nursing. I basically started over. I spent the last two years doing all the nursing prerequisites like anatomy and physiology, microbiology, nutrition, psychology, chemistry, and the other classes I needed while working at the same time. It was a lot of work, but I eventually got accepted into a really competitive BSc nursing program. Honestly, it felt like everything had finally paid off.
Unfortunately, my marriage has broken down, so I’ll be moving back to England. As much as I’d love to stay and continue nursing school here, it just isn’t possible anymore. It’s hard to accept because I’ve put so much time and effort into getting to this point.
I still really want to become a nurse, so I’ve been looking into nursing degree apprenticeships. From what I’ve read though, they seem incredibly competitive, and a lot of people say they’re mostly offered to people who already work in the NHS. Is that actually true, or do people from outside the NHS still have a realistic chance?
If nursing apprenticeships aren’t likely, are there any other apprenticeships that you think might suit someone with my background? I’m open to other ideas if there’s something with good long term prospects, but nursing is definitely where my heart is.
I’m also wondering whether all the healthcare classes I’ve completed in the US would count for anything when applying for jobs or courses back in the UK, even if the credits themselves don’t transfer.
I’m 28 now and it feels like I’ve had to start over more than once. I just want to make the right decision this time.
I’d really appreciate any advice.