NHS Pension Scheme

jackyann

hello katie678.
When I went into nursing 45 years ago, I followed my mother's advice to join the pension scheme, and my father's to join a union. I am so glad that I did.
I would definitely join. As schemes change, present members have the option to stay in the existing scheme, which is usually better!

If you are going to do a nursing degree, you will (on past experience) be allowed to stay in the scheme (though things may change, I do doubt this will)

There are a couple of other things to consider: some NHS consortia are still funding a few nursing students. With experience under your belt, you may be in line for this - in which case you will still be on the payroll.
Although you will be working hard studying & getting work experience, you will still have a bit of spare time to earn cash. During your degree, put yourself on your local NHS "bank" (doing whatever you're able to do, unsure of what your job is). I am unsure of the current rules on part-times, but when I did just a few hours a week, as I was already in the scheme, I was still able to pay in pro-rata