Doing a different degree after screwing up?

Fruitloops

Hi, I wondered if anyone could give me some advice, perhaps some of you have experience of a similar situation too.

I began a degree after doing an Access course but ended up dropping out after initially beginning the first year again due to depression issues and panic attacks, and then dropping out due to added financial issues.

Now, a few years after beginning all this, I'm wondering if I should have just done a Nursing degree, which was my original plan (I chose a non-related degree after a lot of research into nursing that made me think there would be no jobs available in this sector).

I'm wondering if I would be allowed to apply to a university all over again and do nursing? Does anyone have any advice for me please? It would be very helpful. Thank you.

becks1005

Hi Fruitloops
I messed up my first degree (although it was my own fault unlike in your case) and eventually was kicked off the course after failing my exams. I worked for a couple of years and then decided to go back to uni to do nursing. It was a huge decision and I was concerned I wouldn't get on a course due to having messed up before. Speaking to admissions tutors at various universities I got the impression that everyone deserves another chance, and I think you've got as much chance as anyone else of getting on the course. I'm about to start my third year and doing the course was the best thing I could have done.
I'd advise you to go along to open days and have a chat to the admissions people there about your situation. Maybe even write to universities you're keen on so they know to look out for your application when you apply?
Good luck with it! x

Oldernotwiser

Are your health issues now behind you as you'll need to pass a medical for nursing?

Fruitloops

Thank you for your replies

becks1005 wrote: »

Hi Fruitloops
I messed up my first degree (although it was my own fault unlike in your case) and eventually was kicked off the course after failing my exams. I worked for a couple of years and then decided to go back to uni to do nursing. It was a huge decision and I was concerned I wouldn't get on a course due to having messed up before. Speaking to admissions tutors at various universities I got the impression that everyone deserves another chance, and I think you've got as much chance as anyone else of getting on the course. I'm about to start my third year and doing the course was the best thing I could have done.
I'd advise you to go along to open days and have a chat to the admissions people there about your situation. Maybe even write to universities you're keen on so they know to look out for your application when you apply?
Good luck with it! x

Hi becks, thanks for your post that's really encouraging. I will go along and speak to some people as you suggested Glad you're doing well on your nursing course too! :T

Oldernotwiser wrote:

Are your health issues now behind you as you'll need to pass a medical for nursing?

Hi Oldernotwiser, my health issues are behind me. I was on anti-depressants for a while as well as medication for my panic attacks but I've been off those for months now and feel much better. Do you think this would be an issue when applying for nursing?

cozzie

Your Access course qualifications may only be 'valid' for 5years after you have finished them, I know that mine is, so, the sooner you get back on the horse (as it were) the better. Good luck. x .

bestpud

Fruitloops wrote: »

Hi Oldernotwiser, my health issues are behind me. I was on anti-depressants for a while as well as medication for my panic attacks but I've been off those for months now and feel much better. Do you think this would be an issue when applying for nursing?

It won't be an issue if you have it under control

Fruitloops

Thanks cozzie & bestpud

cozzie wrote: »

Your Access course qualifications may only be 'valid' for 5years after you have finished them, I know that mine is, so, the sooner you get back on the horse (as it were) the better. Good luck. x .

bestpud wrote:

It won't be an issue if you have it under control

Mankysteve

What kind of nursing you planning on doing?

Remember nursing can be stressful and lots of hard work GF mum works silly hours as a head nurse doesn't get much rest, has people die while she'll be assisting in theatre/ helping surgeons try to save people who are massively bleeding out etc. I cant imagine how stressful that must be but I think she enjoys the challenge. You'll need to be able to handel people dieing on you, people who may have metal problems/ are drunk or on drugs and even the possible malpractice claims.

If you've got a personality that is prone to suffering badly during stress full times it may not be the career for you.

Sorry for being brutal but it has to said to avoid you having miserable future. Just be honest with yourself.

If your sure you've sorted stuff out and this what you would like to do. I'm sure you'll have no problems applying for courses and getting on them. Not sure where you'd standing funding wise as it'll be a bit different I suspect for a nursing degree.

Morgan_Ree

Hey fruitloops

There are loads of people in my cohort who have come from other courses. My friend actually did a degree in Fine Art before realising nursing was what she wanted!
Funding wise they've had no problems (even with previous degrees) as funding for nursing is different.

Have you had a think about which branch you want to go into? Maybe mental health nursing as you've got personal experience? It would look good in your PS anyway.

Honestly don't worry about the job situation. A lot can change in the 3 years it takes for you to do your training!

www.studentnurse.org.uk This forum is great. Loads of info about applying, bursaries, placement etc

Good luck x