A bold career change into mental health nursing

The Master of Clinical Practice (Nursing) is designed for people who want to make a career shift and it offers flexibility to support students managing other life responsibilities.

“I was seeking more meaning in my work. I knew I wanted to help people and bring about meaningful change, and so nursing felt like the best option,” Shivam says.

“The option of doing it over two years, with the flexibility of online and distance learning, meant I could balance my responsibilities while transitioning into a new career.”

It didn’t take long for Shivam to feel at home in his new path. His first placement in mental health nursing was a pivotal moment.

The experience affirmed what Shivam already suspected, that nursing, particularly mental health, was deeply connected to the values that had guided him throughout his life.

“The people I met and the learning I undertook felt natural to my sense of self. That was a prime marker that I was in the right place and doing what aligned with me.”

Beyond the curriculum, what stood out to Shivam was the sense of community he found at Massey. During on-campus block courses, students from around the country came together not only to learn but to connect.

“We flew into campus and had the opportunity to bond while learning during the day, and while cooking a massive meal and hanging out at the campus hostel in the evenings. We really got the chance to share our journeys. This made the transition into a new career less intimidating as we all realised we weren’t alone.”

Shivam also credits the programme’s teaching staff for helping him grow personally and professionally.

“They really took the initiative to guide us through the coursework, were available to answer questions, and even mentored us in our evolving journeys to make sure we could bring our best selves into the profession.”

Returning to university after years in the workforce can be daunting but Shivam says the experience was more manageable than expected.

Having previously completed a degree helped him manage his time and commitments, and the structure of Massey’s programme made it possible to stay focused, even when life got busy.

Now working as a nurse, Shivam continues to see how his previous experience in law can intersect with his clinical practice. His long-term goal is to combine both disciplines to create broader change in health and wellbeing.

“I hope to utilise my background in law and experience in nursing to pursue programme or policy-based initiatives that promote social justice and recovery.”

For others considering a similar leap into nursing, Shivam’s advice is simple.

“Really sit and ask yourself what your core values are, and whether they align with the attributes of being a nurse. If you have your ‘why’ sorted, the rest will be easy.”