
I graduated with a degree in mental health nursing in 2011. My first position was as Staff nurse on an Adult Mental Health Acute Ward at Fieldhead Hospital in Wakefield. During this time I completed my Preceptorship and gained valuable experience and understanding of working in a mental health ward. I undertook all necessary duties of staff nurse. I was Named nurse to patients, working collaboratively with them, from admission to discharge process. I was able to build good Theraputic relationships with patients. I worked with the patient and MDT to create and deliver patient centred care plans.
I left this role for that of Deputy Ward Manager at the Becklin Centre in Leeds, working on an Adult Mental Health Acute Ward.
I enjoyed this new role and the added responsibilities that it gave me. Whilst still encompassing all relevant nursing duties, I also supervised staff, managed the ward in absence of Manager and led the team.
Due to family commitments I unfortunately had to leave this position and moved to Essex. Whilst in Essex I focused mainly on raising my family so worked as a Bank Staff Nurse on an Acute Learning Disabilty Inpatient Unit. I mainly worked nights during during this time to fit in around childcare.
Working with patients with a Learning Disability was a new role for me, however one I have throughly enjoyed. I have excellent communication skills, however had to really work on this with some clients as they were non verbal. Working with compassion and patience to deal with situations where patients were not always able to verbalise their needs and wants. Often having to think more creatively to handle situations. It was vital to work well as a nursing team to deliver care to enable consistency for the patients.
I am now moving up to Lincolnshire so will sadly be leaving this position.