I left the NHS…
A blog by Nurse Kelly Booth
It’s been nearly 2 months since I left general practice after 15 years of working in the NHS, and to be honest it’s flown by. A few weeks ago my fellow colleagues at TDCK were chatting about how life has changed in that time and what, if anything, I was missing!
The National Health Service (NHS) of the UK is justifiably held up around the world as an example for countries everywhere. It is free at the point of care for all whom need it, it doesn’t discriminate based on ethnicity, gender or religion, and it produces health outcomes comparable to most health services throughout the world at a fraction of the cost.
After what was years working as Advanced Nurse Practitioner in general practice seeing and treating hundred and thousands of patients, day in day out, week in week out, along with the dreaded re-offenders I succumbed to the wanting & dreaming of what would be a better work life balance not only for myself, but for my family to! Having already been in the aesthetic field working part time, it become apparent I wanted to find an opportunity to train in the field I’m passionate about and enrich the knowledge one previously held.
While working in the national health service with familiar colleagues on a daily basis, some whom I’d worked with in previous jobs roles as a community matron , you really do start to create friendships for life. This being one of my oldest work colleagues Maria! Then come Tanya, whom I’m entirely grateful to, if it wasn’t for her I wouldn’t be where I am today in the aesthetic industry. So thank you!
It goes without saying I miss some of my old colleagues. This can’t be said for all!!
I miss the social aspect of grabbing a coffee on the go while actively trying to catch up on our weekends antics or lunching in the tiny kitchen squished around the circle table laughing until our belly hurts. I wish I could say I honestly miss the patient contact, but I don’t. I was one of the lucky ones to have been offered Saturdays working as ACP twice a month, so for now this gives me my medical fix and allows me to keep my hand in.
Fast forward 8 weeks and I have a happier son, as his mummy is no longer missing important school events due to work commitments.
I wish I could say my life isn’t as hectic…. I’d be lying! My work life balance is now perfect, and I kick myself that I didn’t do it sooner.
So for anyone wanting to leave the nhs, do it! It’s a scary jump, but I promise you, you won’t regret it.
Love Kelly x