Why Nursing?

Simply, because as a self-funded student taking out a loan to pay for my MSc, it was imperative to choose a course with a very high chance of getting a job. With over 40,000 nursing vacancies in the UK alone, I was certain that I'll not struggle to find a job.

Before applying to study for an MSc in Mental Health Nursing, I was applying to study Health Economics and Public Health at UK universities. I liked what they were about and believed that I wanted the rigour of the research that those courses entailed.

However, speaking with a friend opened my eyes to see that despite the positives of studying those courses and the cost of tuition, jobs are not readily available for graduates of those courses. Especially graduates who are international students.

This mattered to me because at the time, the UK had not re-introduced the post study work visa scheme. Therefore, I would have had to find a job within 4 months or leave the UK.

Return to Nigeria? To do what? How would I repay my loan?

My friend, @kingysly_01, advised me to take a detour - study nursing so that I'm guaranteed a job, work for a few years to repay my loan, and then return to study whatever I really wanted when the stakes are not so high.

It was the single most valuable advice I received in 2018.

And now I offer the same advice to anyone who cares. If you don't have certain privileges and need to be able to find work ASAP, studying nursing may be better than studying biomedical sciences or other health related courses without defined career paths.

I signed my contract for a permanent job post-graduation when I was barely 5 months into the course. I have now accepted another job offer that I find more suitable. Truth is, I can pick and choose because nurses are in high demand.

If you are like me, maybe consider nursing.

Being a nurse is not only about getting a job and other economic considerations. In fact, it is mostly about providing care and treatment to sick and vulnerable people. But that's what I already do anyway. So, why not do the same thing with better economic prospects?

If you would like to talk to someone about your suitability for the course, my experience on the program, entry requirements, type of nursing to consider, university options, or you just want general advice, feel free to DM me.

Come nurse with me.