Navigating Career Transitions: From Nursing to Software Development – Part 1
I had been feeling incredibly conflicted. After earning my BSc Degree in Adult Nursing in 2021 and becoming a Registered Nurse, I found myself grappling with doubts about my career choice. These doubts emerged during my second and third years of Nursing studies and only intensified as I progressed. Despite being an above-average student who never failed a module, my interest declined, and I began to dread every aspect of nursing, especially during clinical placements.
The realisation dawned on me that I lacked the qualities and values necessary to excel as a nurse. While I excelled academically, my performance in clinical settings fell short. The fear of being inadequate haunted me, and despite completing my studies, I knew deep down that I wasn’t cut out for the role.
Opportunities to work as a Registered Nurse arose at the 3rd year of my studies, but I declined, citing a focus on my final year studies as an excuse. However, the truth was that I wanted to distance myself from nursing altogether. Yet, as I embarked on the job search in January 2021, nursing and healthcare assistant positions dominated the listings. Despite my desire to explore other career paths, nursing seemed to be the only skill set I possessed.
This internal conflict consumed me, with confusion, uncertainty, regrets, and a deep sense of loathing. Unlike my peers with clear passions and career aspirations, I found myself adrift, unsure of my identity, goals, or passions. The childhood question of what I wanted to be when I grew up always left me grasping at straws, with no genuine interest in any profession.
With nursing out of the equation, I made the decision to pursue a postgraduate course in Software Development.
Is this the right path for me?
I can’t say for certain, but I do find joy in it and have been actively learning the basics. Reflecting on my past, I realised that I’ve always had an affinity for all things computer related. This revelation, coupled with my past experience studying Higher Computing Science in high school and dabbling in coding, served as a beacon of hope amid the confusion.
Now, you might wonder if I’ll encounter the same fate with software development as I did with nursing. Admittedly, I’ve always been the type of student who only studies when exams are around the corner, but there’s a spark of genuine interest and enthusiasm for software development that I never felt with nursing. It’s a glimmer of hope in the fog of uncertainty, guiding me toward a path that feels more aligned with my abilities and interests.
So I went for it!
Share your thoughts with me –