Unveiling the Journey: Transitioning from Business degree to Exploring New Horizons in Nursing

Welcome to Pisces Wonderlust, a space dedicated to your journey towards holistic wellness and personal growth. In this post, we will be discussing how I left my home country to pursue a nursing career from start to finish.

Stepping into the unknown, especially transitioning from a familiar nursing role to a new country, is a profound experience. This post dives into the transformative journey, offering insights, practical tips, and personal anecdotes. While nursing is the focus, the essence applies to embracing the unknown in various professions in a new country.

Life's kaleidoscope thrives on change—the thread weaving the story of our evolution. This blog celebrates the courage it takes to embrace change, acknowledging it as a beautiful metamorphosis.

Join me as we explore transitioning from nursing to a new country—anticipate the unexpected, find solace in discomfort, and discover boundless potential in uncharted territories. This is a journey where change is not an obstacle but a compass guiding us to new horizons and untold possibilities.

Section 1: The Nurse's Journey: A Calling to Care

I was one of those children who did not know what they wanted to be when they grew up. I didn’t have a plan or a vision of where I wanted to be in the next 5, 10, 20 years. How could someone have to make decisions that will change the course of their lives forever at the age of 13/14? You haven't even started to truly live yet.

Why 13/14 you may ask? That is when my school told me I had to start choosing my own subjects I wanted to learn for my GCSE’s. I didn't know what I wanted to do so I chose the classes I was good at and some that I just enjoyed no matter how well I was doing in them. Long story short, I was all geared up to pursue a business degree.

Where might you ask? Well that was the easy part. I always knew what university I wanted to attend but not specifically what I wanted to do. While I was away in university living my best life at the university of my dreams is when I discovered what I wanted to do with the rest of my life.

The decision did not come from what I was learning from the school itself but from the experiences I endured while being separated from my grandmother. She was becoming more frail and ill and it was becoming a pattern of every time I had to leave home to go back to school, she would end up having to be hospitalized. This was weighing on me each and every time I had to leave. There was a moment that decided it all for me. I was studying for midterms while she was supposed to be going in for surgery. I was waiting and waiting for the call that never came which meant no studying got done. I was clock watching and the more I did, the more stressed and anxious I got. I finally gave in and called my mom to find out that the operation never went ahead as if they did, she would have never woken up again. That's when I made the decision to go to online schooling and be closer to her. This allowed me to still complete my degree while being able to be there for her.

Section 2: Embracing Adventure: The Decision to Explore a New Country

As I was living with my granny, I was looking for ways that I could prepare myself for any situation that I could find her in that I could best help her. I was introduced to St. John Ambulance and my life was forever changed. Throughout my experience with the organization, I was able to train and gain confidence in treating patients with their minor injuries (mostly sporting event related) but I would often link my new found knowledge and experience to my granny and was unbeknownst to me becoming her home nurse.

With that combined with my granny telling me that I was so much better than the staff looking after her in hospital, it really got me thinking about doing this as a career. The more I thought about it, the more I realized who I was surrounded by - like minded people who were all within the health sector (nurses, paramedics, physios, dietitians, pharmacists ect) I started to gain a perspective that this was something I was truly passionate about and through my connections, I was able to make an informed decision on where this adventure was going to take me. That meant leaving home and going to the UK.

One small problem, I had never been to the UK before longer than 2 days. It would be a new challenge and change as I would be leaving my family and friends who are my biggest support to no one. I did have a few friends in the UK but no one was nearby. The closest person was almost 2 hours away and even longer sometimes by train as I soon figured out.

I was scared of how I would settle and make new friends and form a support system. Would I even enjoy what I had set out to do or would the exposure to it make me regret my decisions completely? Would I end up isolated and alone? The risk was worth the rewards as I have formed the best friendships and even have a fiance out of it!

Section 3: Preparing for Change: Challenges and Preparations

Getting ready to leave for this new chapter of my life was an exciting and nerve racking time.it was hard to leave my family and friends however, I was eager to continue down this path that life was putting me on and experience it to its fullest despite any challenges it brought.

I had to get my UK passport to make the moving process smoother. I was able to do this as my dad is originally from England and I was also from a British Overseas Territory which helped. Receiving the passport in time was so stressful. Long story short, it arrived THE DAY BEFORE! I held it in my hands just an hour before I left for the airport!

I moved into student housing which made gaining accommodation easier and then I got advice from my house mate on what I needed to achieve in order to work out in the UK. The process wasn’t too hard considering I already had a UK passport. I had to fill in documentation to gain a National Insurance number (social security) and then travel to whichever office could do this process for me in my local region.

Section 4: Embracing Change as Growth: Lessons Learned Along the Way

My journey of becoming a nurse up until now has been a rollercoaster. I had to learn the differences between private and government-funded hospitals and how that impacted the volume of patients you would see day to day. I also had to learn to expect the unexpected as not even 6 months qualified, I had to experience a global pandemic (read the previous blog post for more details).

I’ve learned how to be a team leader and a team player simultaneously. Working with challenging colleagues and also challenging patients but still managing to be professional and hard working. I have grown into a stronger person from partaking in this journey and I wouldn’t change a thing.

Conclusion: The Uncharted Path of Transformation

As we wrap up our journey together, let's take a moment to embrace the profound importance of change, the pursuit of personal growth, and the celebration of our unique experiences. Change isn't merely a chapter; it's the entire novel—a journey where we stumble, rise, and redefine who we are.

Let's carry the lessons, the strength, and the beauty uncovered in our hearts. In our diverse stories, we find unity, connecting through shared threads that weave us together.

May this blog post be your guide through uncharted territories, offering solace, inspiration, and a sense of camaraderie in the stories we've shared.

Cheers to embracing change, chasing growth, and reveling in the rich tapestry of our lives.

As we part ways, I invite you to consider the uncharted paths awaiting your footsteps. Every journey, no matter how uncertain, carries the potential for profound transformation. Embrace change as a catalyst for growth, and let exploration be the compass guiding you toward self-discovery.

May your future endeavors be filled with curiosity, resilience, and the joy of unfolding new chapters. Remember, your unique journey holds the power to shape the person you're becoming.

Your Next Steps

To all the kindred spirits who have ventured into this exploration of change and discovery, thank you for sharing this space with me. Your presence adds depth and richness to this narrative, making it a collective journey we undertake together.

As we navigate the twists and turns, the highs and lows, I invite you to share your own tales of change and exploration. Your stories are the vibrant hues that paint the canvas of our shared experience. Here's to embracing change, to daring greatly, and to the vast, uncharted territories that await us. May our stories intertwine and create a mosaic of courage, resilience, and the beauty that arises when we embrace the unknown.

As you continue on this journey towards holistic wellness, remember that it's a gradual process. Stay tuned for upcoming articles that will delve deeper into mind-body connection healing, personal growth and transformation and provide actionable tips to help you integrate holistic wellness into your daily life.

Thank you for joining us on this transformative journey towards holistic wellness. No matter where you are on this path, know that every step you take brings you closer to a more balanced, vibrant, and fulfilling life. Stay curious, committed, and tuned for more empowering content on Pisces Wonderlust by subscribing below or following us @pisceswonderlust. In the comments below, let's weave a tapestry of inspiration, support, and collective wisdom.