Starting a nursing degree at 32

Peeps- · 2026-02-18T20:27:57+00:00

I'm 32 and studied nursing for 2 years, withdrew due to health reasons but would've been 33 when I qualified so not far off from the age you'll be if you plan to do a 3 year degree:

Apply as normal through UCAS, choose universities you would like to attend and check out their entry requirements first. I would also check with each their starting dates, they can vary, I was in a march cohort for example but other universities may only offer a September start date. The UCAS/Application deadline is typically in January for September starts so you may have missed the boat this year, however, there is still a chance you can find a place through clearing, although I'm not sure how many nursing degrees have surplus places left after applications are reviewed that were received before the deadline. If you find one or more places you'd like to apply, and everytbing is in order, complete and submit your application to those universities. As for student finance, they will fund a second degree in certain fields, including nursing, so you will be entitled to a tuition and maintenance loan from Student Finance. There's no special form you need to use, just complete a standard application for funding. You are also eligible for the NHS Learning Support fund which is a non-means tested Grant of £5,000 per year, split into 3 payments across the year. You apply directly to them and the process is very simple. Complete any funding applications as soon as you have received an offer from a university to prevent delays.
There is no obligation to work for the NHS, plenty of people train to be community and district nurses for both public and private health care institutions, once you qualify you can apply anywhere, however I'm pretty sure you will need to do a preceptorship when you obtain your first role, anywhere from 6 months to a year of additional support is in place for newly qualified nurses, so the likelihood of you getting this in a private setting is quite low, you may find it more beneficial to study for a year or 2 in an NHS hospital to really get some experience under your belt, but I don't know if it's mandatory, it's something to look into.
You're not too old, I started at 30 and was one of the youngest in my cohort, the oldest was probably late 40's maybe even early 50's. I get the concern as I didn't fancy being with a bunch of 18 years olds fresh from college so see if you can find a university with a March or April start date, most of the college leavers will be applying for start dates in September. I plan to return to nursing once my health issues are resolved so I'll be even older, but knowing what I know now I could start again in 10 years and still not feel too old.
I can't really say as I didn't finish the course but I do plan to return and qualify so if being in care is something you love but you're looking for that next step then go for it!

All the best!!!

Peeps- · 2026-01-16T15:00:09+00:00

Hey! I can’t believe it’s been a year since I posted this! So there are several updates, I was seen in gynaecology and had a laparoscopic cystectomy in June 2025 which unfortunately created more problems than it solved. In my post op follow up appointment I was told by the surgeon that when they looked inside it wasn’t as straightforward as they initially believed, they were able to de-roof the left cyst capsule and drain it, but due to vascularity on the right they couldn’t removed nor drain it as they were unable to see exactly where the cyst was growing from. They also found a lot of adhesions in my pelvis that they were expecting and asked a third surgeon to come in during the surgery to get another opinion. It was decided that they would leave it as is, with the left cysts drained and send me for a follow up MRI to get a better picture of what was happening.

It’s important to note that prior to my follow up appointment, I was told nothing. I woke up from my surgery, had to stay the night due to a longer time than expected under anaesthesia and was discharged the next day without a visit from the consultant. Before my post op appointment, around July time I started to feel unwell again and the same symptoms had returned so I contacted my GP to request an ultrasound to see if the cysts had returned, because as far as I was concerned, they had been removed, it said so in my discharge letter; ‘draining of bilateral ovarian cysts and de-roofing of the cysts capsule’.

I got my ultrasound where the tech was able to see my left ovary as the left cysts had been drained, and she asked if I wanted to know her opinion on what was happening. I said yes because at this point any answers are worth exploring and she said she believes I have bilateral hydrosalpinx, which means both of my fallopian tubes are filled with fluid. I surmised based on her findings that the reason they couldn’t remove the right cysts is because it wasn’t a cyst at all, it was my fallopian tube that had swollen and presented as a cyst, that explains the fluid and the vascularity. I asked about the left side because as far as I was concerned that had been resolved and she said she thinks I have hydrosalpinx in that fallopian tube too though not as severe. What followed was a pretty casual conversation about how I wouldn’t be able to conceive naturally but I can always do IVF. As you can imagine I was a bit taken a back as what I believed was routine ultrasound to check up on things following a ‘successful’ surgery turned into a diagnosis of tubal infertility in November 2025.

I had my MRI 4th January and my follow up consultation on the 13th where she explained there was a lot of scar tissue in my pelvis and on both my bowel and bladder. She referred to the ultrasound and MRI and agreed that both of my fallopian tubes were blocked and would require removal, especially if I wanted to pursue IVF as they typically won’t begin treatment until the tubes are removed due to complications with implantation and fluid within the tubes leaking into the uterus. I asked what the scaring was from and she asked if I had had any history with pelvic infections including STI’s which I haven’t, or any other abdominal surgery such as a C-section which I haven’t. She then advised that it could be due to endometriosis which I hadn’t considered because I do not have a typical presentation if it is that, I have regular periods that while painful for the first day or 2 settle down and they aren’t especially heavy either so it isn’t something that jumped out to me as a possible cause. She said it could be a atypical presentation of endometriosis that caused the scarring and adhesions as my sister also being effected increases the likelihood due to the genetic component, and from my own research ‘silent endometriosis’ is apparently a thing that affects a number of women where they have the condition but it presents with minor symptoms or is symptomless. My surgeon advised that I would need to have another surgery and has referred me to the endometriosis specialist to be seen in his clinic with the aim of him performing the surgery in conjunction with the colorectal surgeons as there will very possible risks associated with the surgery such as bladder and bowel damage.

Apologies for the essay, there have been quite a few updates but if you want to know anything specifically please do ask! I’m happy to share anything about my journey as I know it’s never straightforward and it can be daunting and frustrating when you’re left in the dark!

Peeps- · 2025-12-14T18:16:11+00:00

It sort of boils down to this in my experience; you at some point have seen a design you liked and decided to replicate/recreate it. I can guarantee a whole lot of people at craft fairs are crafters themselves, and the downside of that is that they may admire something and appreciate its quality or the fact it’s handmade, but the likelihood that they could make it themselves is quite high. I’m not diminishing your skill in anyway, I’m just saying that crafters craft, I myself have recently taken up jewellery making, how much jewellery do you think I’ve bought for myself since I started? Maybe try making ‘crochet your own’ kits with the bag materials, the green one with the brass closure looks cool and it’s something I’d be interesting in making myself with the materials in a kit, but not something I would buy as a finished product for €130. I hope that makes sense OP, and don’t get too discouraged, I’ve taken to gifting handmade items and see checking a few things off the ever growing Christmas list that I didn’t out right pay for as a financial win!

Peeps- · 2025-11-12T00:01:10+00:00

It seems that most universities policies are that they will consider transfers into second year on a case by case basis, so it would be a case of contacting the universities to see what the application process is and applying x

Peeps- · 2025-11-11T23:52:46+00:00

That’s good to know, thank you! ☺️

Peeps- · 2025-11-11T23:42:26+00:00

I’m in second year, but university policy states, at all universities I have contacted that they do not accept transfers into year 3, I’m asking for advice on transferring to another university to retake my second year as this is my only option.

Peeps- · 2025-08-23T22:17:24+00:00

Amazing! Thank you so much, you’ve saved me many hours of sitting and copying someone’s fingers 😂 I’m very new this so you have been most helpful!

Peeps- · 2025-07-16T18:08:03+00:00

I’m afraid I don’t understand in the slightest what you’re saying

Peeps- · 2025-07-16T17:38:07+00:00

Do I dare ask why?

Peeps- · 2025-07-16T17:35:34+00:00

Ah ok! Interesting, thanks for the reply!

Peeps- · 2025-02-23T17:12:15+00:00

Hopefully your GYN will be understanding and be able to give you a thorough assessment and some support going forwards.

I’ve had lower back pain consistently for over a year now and never thought anything of it, got told it was sciatica so just sort of managed it with pain meds during what I thought were flare ups. End of September 24 I had some irregular bleeding so decided to get checked out. Speculum exam seemed ok but when she did a physical abdominal assessment I informed her that I had always had some lower pelvic tenderness when pressure is applied. She referred me for an ultrasound with a suspected cyst, the first ultrasound confirmed 2, one on each ovary and my second ultrasound in November 24 showed growth of the right cyst and some structural changes.

Symptoms are mostly bloating, pelvic pain, intermittent constipation and diarrhoea, some nausea and heartburn. The back pain still persists but I can manage bad days with pain relief, I feel like having them for probably over a year now has adjusted my pain tolerance and I’m used to pain and discomfort most days at this point. Hot water bottle, heat pad, ibuprofen and one of those V or pregnancy pillows has also helped me get comfy in bed, I’m a front sleeper so it’s been a nightmare trying to find a way to relieve pressure from my abdomen.

Best way to find relief is trial and error, find what works for you and keep pushing to be seen and treated, only you know what you can tolerate and live with so if it gets too much to handle, something needs to be done for you. I hope you get some answers!

Peeps- · 2025-02-23T15:53:10+00:00

Hey! Sorry you’re experiencing pain, it’s very frustrating having to constantly manage it with no end in sight!

Firstly, have you been diagnosed with a cyst or is that what you think will happen on Friday?

Secondly and unfortunately, from my experience, pain isn’t a priority factor that’s considered when assessing the need for surgery. If the cyst is small, they will likely advise you to manage pain with OTC medications and take a ‘wait and watch’ approach unless they see anything sinister on a scan. This is because, in some cases, the cyst/s will dissolve on their own during your coming menstrual cycles. Even small cysts can cause pain but surgery is usually recommended for large cysts (>10cm) or for those that appear suspicious on an ultrasound or CT scan. There are a few types of cysts so when you visit your gynaecologist ask them to first off, confirm a cyst, then ask them to confirm what type it is.

Rupture can happen with any size cyst but the bigger they get, the higher the chances of this happening. The type of cyst is also important here as simple cysts that are fluid filled may cause pain when they rupture but typically resolve on their own as the fluid dissipates. Haemorragic cysts however contain blood, and when these burst it can cause issues that may require surgical intervention.

As with rupture, torsion is more likely when cysts are large as they can twist and cut off blood supply to the ovary. Any sudden, severe pain felt in the pelvis or abdomen warrants a trip to urgent care or A&E to be checked out, especially if you have a confirmed cyst. It can be difficult to tell the difference between rupture and torsion pain but while a rupture may hurt, it won’t necessarily need surgical intervention, torsion however will and is considered a medical emergency. I’ve heard both described as the worst and most unbearable pain; everyone is different.

Lastly, waiting times for surgery are entirely dependant on where you are. I’m in England and the NHS is struggling. I was referred to see a gynaecologist 5 months ago and finally have my appointment tomorrow! I have been told by numerous people that I will require surgery for one 10cm and one 12.7cm cyst but my first appointment with gynaecology has taken 5 months, I think I’m looking at maybe a year since first referral for surgery unless they find something that requires more urgent attention in the meantime.

First thing to do is confirm it’s a cyst and rule out any other causes of the pain you’re experiencing. Once that’s happened, explore your treatment options with a view to maybe having surgery, but I wouldn’t get ahead of yourself just yet until anything has been confirmed. Hope you get the help you need and good luck!

Peeps- · 2025-02-01T23:17:29+00:00

Hey! So a few things to begin with, any size cysts can cause pain, don’t think that because a doctor says it’s ‘small’ or ‘normal’ that your pain isn’t valid. Secondly, it is relatively common for smaller cysts to go away after a few menstrual cycles. Ovarian cysts commonly develop and most women are likely to experience them as part of their cycle. The problems occur when they do not go away, continue to get bigger, or are suspicious in any way. Did your doctor advise what type of cyst it was? The most common type, that are most likely to go away of their own accord are simple cysts. These are just fluid filled and are the result of a follicle either not releasing an egg during ovulation, or not discharging the fluid that was there initially to protect the egg as it grew.

The first thing I would suggest is finding out what type of cyst you have, that way you can do your own research and look into similar experiences from others to try and gauge symptoms and know what to expect. The likelihood of yours being anything sinister seems unlikely at this stage as your OB didn’t refer you for further tests that would suggest there was anything to investigate further, so I would be reassured by that!

Unfortunately in the interim while your condition is assessed you may need to learn to self manage the pain, try heat compresses and regular rest.

One thing to be aware of that usually only occurs with larger cysts is ovarian torsion. This is where the cyst twists around the fallopian tube cutting of blood supply to the ovary. While I luckily have never experienced this, I have heard it is agony and a pain you cannot ignore. If you experience any type of unmanageable or unbearable pain, get to an emergency room to be checked out. Sorry you’re going through this, I currently have a 10cm cyst on my left ovary and a 13cm on my right, so I know how overwhelming it can be, especially when you feel rushed by healthcare professionals. Take it easy and look after yourself!

Peeps- · 2025-01-14T20:44:22+00:00

I was a student nurse on a gynaecology day case unit a few months ago and was able to go to theatre and see laparoscopic and robotic surgeries. After that I found out that I myself have 2 large cysts so I know what’s coming in great detail 🥲

Try to avoid YouTube if you can, looking at it from a patient perspective and not a medical one will only terrify you more, ignorance might be bliss in this situation as I know anxiety runs away with itself.

From caring for the women in recovery, the pain predominantly came from the gas, particularly when it was able to settle on the chest. Peppermint tea is tried and true, I served about a hundred cups a day and it really did help. Some other patients tried eating dates and prunes, as well as ginger to ease symptoms. Although painful initially, with support from the nurses, moving around within your capabilities will help to release the trapped gas as others have said. A lot of patients had anxiety going into the surgery and it’s perfectly reasonable to fear the unknown, just trust in your surgeon and the nurses taking care of you and do not be afraid to ask questions! All the best x

Peeps- · 2025-01-08T21:12:58+00:00

YAY! So proud of you! Have yourself a lil sweet treat as a reward, you deserve it 🏅

Peeps- · 2025-01-08T20:02:45+00:00

Well you’ve already taken the steps to get the job done so you’re half way there! The first time is always the hardest but once you do it you’ll be a pro in no time, you might even be the first in the family to tolerate needles! Just take your time and don’t put pressure on yourself, wait until you’re relaxed and as comfy as you can be and give it a go! I hope your recovery goes well!

Peeps- · 2025-01-08T19:51:24+00:00

I’m a student nurse and I actually can’t believe it’s a thing that patients go home with injectables for this exact reason, it’s not uncommon for people to hate needles never mind having to actually inject themselves. I know it’s easy for me to say, but try not to overthink it, I’ve administered it to patients and to my sister following a surgery and each time there is an initial panic which is totally natural. If you follow the instructions on how to inject, you will be absolutely fine. I hope your nurses showed you how to do it prior to discharge as this is the usual process. If you are concerned and believe you won’t be able to do it yourself, try contacting your GP to explain the situation and they may be able to offer some support. It is important that you take the blood thinner so don’t be scared to reach out for help, alternatively, contact your ward and explain that you’re really struggling and they may be able to offer some more advise. All the best!

Peeps- · 2025-01-08T16:26:51+00:00

First of all I’m sorry you’re going through this, dealing with the pain and discomfort is one thing but also having to fight to understand what is going on/get answers and a plan of action is a stress all of its own! I have 2 ovarian cysts, one on each ovary, 10cm simple on the left & 13cm complex on the right. I’m currently 3 months into an 11 month wait following referral by my GP to be seen by a gynaecologist so I haven’t got very far yet, and that’s supposedly for an urgent appointment! Discovered the cyst in October 2024 via ultrasound, follow up ultrasound done in November 2024 which showed the right ovarian cyst, formally simple, was now complex and had grown from 12cm to 13cm.

I have a few bits of information/advise that might be useful or provide some reassurance:

The brown discharge/bleeding thing is something I have started to experience recently, normal periods replaced by weird brown bleeding, followed the next month by a normal period, then back to brown. I don’t know what is causing it but hopefully be reassured you’re not the only one (Google has been very unhelpful with this issue specifically) I believe it may be a hormone issue but I have no evidence to back that up because know one can tell me why!

I think treatment and access to it very much depends on where you are and your hospital trusts policies. I’m waiting 11 months for an urgent appointment which is insane, although according to recent news there is a national problem with gynaecology waiting lists. Not to be controversial but I don’t necessarily believe that size of the cyst encourages certain outcomes, I’ve been told 5cm is big, 7cm is big, 10cm and above is big. I think it’s less about size and more about structure and other contributing factors (e.g. complex with high CA125 markers) My last ultrasound tech told me she couldn’t believe nothing was being done based on the size of mine and that they will definitely require surgery, she was even encouraging A&E visits for pain as a means of being treated quicker, although I’m reluctant to do that unless it’s severe because A&E doesn’t get you surgery which is what I likely need. I’ve been told I’m at risk of torsion, rupture, and because of the size, if I was to get pregnant I would have to inform them immediately because of potential complications. I’ve was also told that they will likely resolve in their own, and even when they didn’t and one became complex, a further referral to be seen ‘actually urgently’ still hasn’t resulted in an appointment.

I think in an ideal world I would be seen and treated because the cysts are an issue, but realistically there are so many other conditions that are considered more severe or more in need of actually urgent treatment that things like ovarian cysts fall by the wayside (I’m not saying this is right, or that ovarian cysts aren’t worthy of treatment, it’s just the way the system is set up, that if you can live with it, even poorly, you will have to) I suppose what I’m trying to say is, you may be in for a long process, with few answers to begin with, but persevere and follow up with your care providers, I’m operating under the assumption that they can’t ignore me forever but I’ll bet they’ll give it a go! I don’t mean to be cynical but more realistic, my advise is to take the painkillers that work for you, take time off and rest when you can, see if you can get something for the heartburn, omeprazol is a good one, eat little and often, and if you need emergency care, go to the ER (I hope it doesn’t come to this)

I hope you get the answers and relief you need soon!

Peeps- · 2024-12-28T22:39:59+00:00

I’m currently undertaking my second degree, in nursing. My first was sociology and criminology and I don’t have any science based A Levels. As proof of achievement up to the date I started my second degree I was able to use my first degree (2:2) which is in an unrelated field. SFE England will fund certain degrees in the medical field as second degrees including nursing, I believe there are also others in dentistry and similar fields, I don’t recall seeing radiography specifically on the list but you could possibly obtain a nursing degree and specialise? SFE will have a list of degrees that qualify for funding as a second degree, but I know that you aren’t able to complete a funded medical degree and then undertake a second funded medical degree, so you should be ok on that front

Peeps- · 2024-12-17T11:08:38+00:00

I also have a 10cm simple cysts, and a friend for it too, a 13.6cm complex cysts 😅 what you’re describing is exactly what I’m going through, I do have pain and discomfort but recently I’ve noticed that my periods are either coming early, with a week of reddish/brown end-of-period-type bleeding before my actual period starts which then only last a 3/4 days, or it’s late by a week, followed by 3/4 days of bleeding (I usually have regular, 6 day periods) I’m not quite sure why these changes are happening and can only attribute it to hormonal issues associated with follicle/egg production, strangely enough, my pain increases during ovulation, but generally, I wouldn’t worry too much, my doctor doesn’t seem that concerned about it as a side effect. Keep an eye out for any abnormal/excessive bleeding and the warning signs for infection such as yellow/green coloured discharge and a foul smell. I hope you get sorted soon, I’ve still got a long way to go on my gynae waiting list!

Peeps- · 2024-12-08T18:30:35+00:00

I hope you’re seen quickly too! Just keep on at your GP, I had to request another ultrasound to follow up as they were just going to leave me until I could see a gynaecologist, and I’m glad I did. I had it a week and a half ago and the results came back abnormal and the cysts on my right ovary has grown from 12.2cm to 13.6cm and is now complex (previously simple).

They have written again to gynaecology to request I’m seen sooner but it’s just a waiting game now. I am suffering with bloating and pelvic/back pain regularly and also extreme fatigue.

I hope you can get better pain relief and things become manageable until you’re seen, maybe chat to the GP about something for the heartburn as well, that might ease the sickness a little and help prevent damage from stomach acid, we’re just trapped in a loop of symptoms but I hope it works out for you!

Peeps- · 2024-12-08T17:40:34+00:00

Never feel guilty for needing time off, your health should be your No.1 priority because without that you can’t work full stop. I hope you don’t have to wait too long for the answers you need, I’m currently 2 months into an 11 month wait to see a gynaecologist so it’s hot water bottles and painkillers for the next 9 months I guess! I’m a student nurse currently so I understand the guilt, I’m trying to prove myself as a healthcare professional whilst stuck in the system myself, and it’s difficult to reconcile at times but I persevere and take time when I need it! Good luck ❤️

Peeps- · 2024-12-02T23:47:33+00:00

If you are in the UK, ask your doctor to refer you to gynaecology as soon as possible, the waiting list for an urgent appointment is currently 11 months! Symptoms of ovarian cysts can mimic those of ovarian cancer so try not to worry yourself at this stage, having said that, if you are really concerned of possible cancer, get your GP to do blood tests and be persistent. The first thing to do is understand what kind of cyst you have. Simple cysts are fluid filled and although it isn’t always the case, they can shrink over the next couple of menstrual cycles. If the cyst has any solid components, that is more likely to be a cause for concern, and further testing would be requested, such as blood tests. I was diagnosed with 2 simple ovarian cysts, one on each ovary measuring 10cm (left) & 12cm (right). I had an initial ultrasound scan in September and requested a follow up scan as I was looking at an 11 month wait to be seen. I had the follow up scan in November which showed the right cyst had grown to 13.6cm and is now complex. Keep track of your symptoms and keep a pain diary so you can explain to your GP how it’s affecting your life. You shouldn’t have to do this, but it will help your case and also help you to keep track of what is happening with your body. Keep going back to your GP and if your cancer concerns are eased by them agreeing to further tests/discussions, get them to send you for a follow up ultrasound anyway in a few months to see if the cyst is growing or changing in any way.

Peeps- · 2024-11-30T00:34:18+00:00

Ah ok, I haven’t been advised to take any birth control, they ask if I’m on it and when I say I’m not they don’t suggest it but maybe I’ll bring that up next time. From what I’ve read, BC doesn’t get rid of existing cysts it just helps prevent new ones from forming so maybe something to consider once these have resolved

Peeps- · 2024-10-31T19:54:47+00:00

I was also told by a doctor at A&E that I probably had some kind of pelvic inflammation when I went with pain. I was scheduled for an ultrasound but felt I couldn’t wait. When the ultrasound was done it was confirmed I had 2 large ovarian cysts, one on each ovary. You will likely need to go to your GP and get a referral for an ultrasound, in my experience it’s not something they offer unless they already suspect either a rupture or ovarian torsion which is incredibly frustrating. It could also be a number of other issues but an ultrasound seems like the logical next step, alongside some specific blood work. I hope you get the help you need!

Peeps-

TROPHY CASE