Kristina Betts

As a Clinical Practice Lead, I support the Clinical Nurse Manager in overseeing the delivery of high-quality nursing care within the inpatient service. I hold 24-hour operational responsibility, ensuring effective service provision and treatment for service users. My role involves developing the nursing team, enhancing service delivery, and working collaboratively with both staff and service users to implement responsive and person-centered practices that meet individual and service needs.

As a Band 5 Staff Nurse, I was responsible for coordinating shifts, assessing patients' mental state and physical health, and advocating on their behalf. I worked collaboratively within the MDT to ensure holistic and person-centered care. My role also involved maintaining clinical competencies through regular training and professional development to provide safe and effective nursing care. These are all tasks I upkeep in my current practice lead role.

As a Mental Health Support Worker in inpatient settings, I provided direct care and support to service users across male and female wards and the Section 136 Place of Safety suite. My role involved engaging service users in therapeutic activities, monitoring mental and physical well-being, and implementing risk management strategies, including de-escalation techniques. I collaborated with the MDT to contribute to care planning and assessments while maintaining accurate documentation. In the 136 suite, I supported individuals in crisis, assisting in their assessment and transition to appropriate care. Throughout, I promoted a safe, recovery-focused environment tailored to individual needs.

As an Assessor for an eating disorder charity, I screened referrals by conducting structured assessments with service users to explore their current experiences, symptoms, and support needs. I provided compassionate listening, gathered relevant clinical information, and signposted individuals to appropriate services, ensuring they received the most suitable care. My role required strong communication skills, risk awareness, and the ability to offer guidance in a sensitive and supportive manner.

As a Health Advisor for NHS 111, I managed both emergency and non-emergency calls, providing frontline support to individuals in need of medical and mental health assistance. Using a structured clinical assessment tool, I gathered key information on callers’ symptoms and circumstances to determine the most appropriate level of care. I signposted individuals to relevant services, including urgent care, emergency response, or self-care advice, ensuring timely and effective support. My role required strong communication, critical thinking, and the ability to remain calm under pressure while delivering high-quality, patient-centered care.

As an ESL Teacher in Hanoi, I taught English to children aged 3 to 14, creating engaging and interactive lessons tailored to different age groups and learning abilities. I planned and delivered structured lessons that developed students’ language skills in speaking, listening, reading, and writing. My role required clear communication, classroom management, and adapting teaching methods to maintain student engagement. I fostered a positive and supportive learning environment, encouraging confidence and participation while working closely with colleagues to enhance lesson delivery and student progress.