Kent Said:

Looking to quit my IT job and pursue a career in the NHS?

We Answered:

You could become a health care assistant with the NHS. You don't need qualifications or experience as all training is provided.

You could also become a nurse, that takes 3 years. Nursing training is done via uni's now. If your GCSE's include Maths, English & Science at C or above then you could apply for the nursing diploma. The diploma is being phased out though so not all uni's will be offering if after 2011. You'd have to apply asap to be in with a chance of the diploma.

Your other option is doing a 1 year Access course at college so you can apply for the nursing degree. The Access course is said to be full time but mine was 3 days a week, 9am-3pm so I worked as an HCA alongside studying. I'm now at uni in my first year as a student nurse & still doing shifts as a bank HCA.

http://search.ucas.com/cgi-bin/hsrun/sea…

You'll probably find the forum in this site useful. http://www.studentnurse.org.uk/

Kyle Said:

Career change into the NHS?

We Answered:

I qualified as a Nurse 12 years ago and it is a fantastic and diverse career. You can do so much with it....adult, children's, A & E, surgery, Practice Nurse etc etc.

I would say the things to consider are :- the hours. I have found it very hard to work shifts and Christmas etc since having children and am now a stay at home Mum. The pay :- Not great for the responsibility, accountability and the educational level required (which is ongoing), The lack of resources withing the NHS. You are (more often than not) under staffed, lack facilities and miss out on breaks.

If you can put up with the above, go for it. It is a very rewarding job and despite the above, I am glad I became a Nurse and wouldn't change a thing :-)

Have a look at the NHS careers website and maybe the RCN website for more info.

Good Luck :-)